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Former Minnesota Gophers golfer Donald Constable earned his PGA Tour card on Monday at a qualifying tournament in La Quinta, California, according to the Star Tribune. Constable finished the six-round tournament at 17-under, which was just good enough to qualify. If Constable had shot one stroke higher, he would not have made the cut. In addition to earning his card, the Minnetonka native won $25,000.
In high school, Constable won two state titles at Minnetonka. He began his college career at Texas, where he competed on the varsity team for three seasons. After his junior year, Constable transferred to Minnesota, where he played for two more years. In that time, he maintained a stroke average of 73.07, which is fourth-lowest in the history Minnesota golf.
The tour card enables a player to participate in PGA Tour events, also opening up new sponsorship opportunities. Next season, the PGA Tour will make qualifying even more competitive with several rule changes. Beginning next year, qualifying school will only grant access to the secondary Web.com Tour.