MGOLF | Program Alum Blake Hathcoat Qualifies for John Deere Classic after Playoff Victory on Monday
7/2/2024 11:04:00 AM | Men's Golf
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MORAGA, Calif. - On Monday, July 1st, Saint Mary's men's golf alum Blake Hathcoat won a playoff hole to finish 5-under-par in the John Deere Classic qualifier to help solidify his second career PGA Tour start later this week at TPC Deere Run. Hathcoat was just 2-under heading into the final two holes of Monday's qualifier and was able to chip in for eagle on 17 and then birdie 18 to propel himself into a four-way playoff. His birdie on the first playoff hole earned him a qualifying spot for this week's John Deere Classic, his second career tour appearance.
Hathcoat was a decorated Gael in his five years with the program, finishing his career as a two-time All-WCC First Team selection and a four-time WCC All-Academic selection. Hathcoat was the program's lone representative at the 2021 NCAA Regionals where we went on to place t-15th at 4-under-par. Earlier that season, he also recorded a career best 10-under finish to share the tournament crown at The Goodwin Invitational going down as one of the best individual performances in program history.
Hathcoact has sniffed the PGA Tour before as he was a final round qualifier in the 2021 US Open following the conclusion of his senior campaign at Saint Mary's. Then, in 2023, Hathcoat qualified and participated in the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Golf Course and Resort in Napa. After a 4-over-par opening round, Hathcoat bounced back nicely with a round of 4-under to put himself in the mix but he would ultimately miss the cut in a field of nearly 200 golfers to end his week. He has spent the bulk of his professional career on the PGA Tour of Canada where he has competed in 17 events since 2022.
"As a coach, it is extremely satisfying to see one of our former players get a chance to compete on the PGA Tour" said current Gaels head coach Scott Hardy. "Blake was an outstanding college player and highlighted his career with a win at the prestigious The Goodwin tournament hosted by Stanford and multiple trips to the NCAA postseason. Blake has a tremendous ability to shoot low scores and ride hot streaks. One of the most impressive things about Blake is he continued his studies to complete a Masters program while keeping his PGA Tour dreams alive. I'm excited for his opportunity this week and hope he gains experience he can carry into more starts on the PGA Tour".
Hathcoat will have a chance to make his first cut in just his second career PGA Tour event after his playoff victory in Monday's qualifier. First round coverage of the 2024 John Deere Classic is slated for Thursday, July 4th at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. You can stream the event live on the Golf Channel and CBS and additional media links for the event can be found at pgatour.com.
"I loved my time at Saint Mary's. We had a team full of great guys who will be my best friends for the rest of my life. The team got to play in a lot of the best college events, which really prepares us for the next level. I will always appreciate the people that have gotten me to this point, and who will continue to help me along the way. Professional golf is definitely a team effort. I'd like to thank everyone I met at Saint Mary's who kept pushing me, my swing coach Chris Doos, and especially my parents who have always helped me to be the best version of myself. It was a long week of qualifying to get here, so I am looking forward to Thursday morning, and getting underway. I am going to soak in being here today, but will prepare myself to hopefully make a run this weekend. Go Gaels!" - Blake Hathcoat
