Nov. 4, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; - Mark Leon and Matt Abbott former Penn State men's golf team members, finished the first round of the PGA Tour Qualifying School in the top of their fields to qualify for the second round of the three-round competition. Said to be the toughest test of golf, the long but rewarding road continues for the former Penn State standouts.
Leon, a 2005 Penn State graduate who owns the fourth best career scoring mark in Nittany Lion history, completed stage one in Spring, Texas from October 28th-31st. The top 23 positions qualified for the second round. Leon finished in 13th place at eight under par (280). The four-round qualification stage was played at Cypresswood Golf Club where Leon shot rounds of 71-68-69-72. Leon played on the par-72, 7,222 yard Tradition course.
A three-time Mid-Atlantic Region Team selection, Leon finished his Nittany Lion career with a 73.79 scoring average. He earned All-Big Ten Team honors in 2005 and was a 2004 GCAA All-American.
Former three-time first team All-District II pick, Matt Abbott, competed in Palm City, Florida at the Martin Downs Country Club. Abbott, a 2001 Penn State graduate, had a one-under par, four-day total, good for a tie for 20th place. The top 24 spots qualified for the second round. Abbot competed on the Osprey Creek course stretching 6,929 yards with a difficulty of a 71 par.
Abbott concluded his illustrious collegiate career as Penn State's third career scoring leader (73.68). The 2001 Ping Honorable Mention All-American also earned District II Player of the Year accolades as a junior. A two-time all-Big Ten honoree, Abbott earned conference Golfer of the Week on March 22, 2001. He captured medalist honors at the Northern Intercollegiate and the Big Red Classic. The team leader with a 71.93 stroke average, Abbott finished under par in seven tourneys as a senior and was selected to the 12-member Golf Coaches Association of America All-District II team.
The second round of PGA Qualifying School will continue on November 12th- 15th and also on the 19th- 22nd. Players have not yet been assigned a location. More information can be found at pgatq.bluegolf.com.