John Smoltz Struggles In Nationwide Tour Event
29 Apr 2011
by AmateurGolf.com Staff
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-- Nationwide Tour
VALDOSTA, Georgia (April 29, 2011) -- In baseball, the rain would have caused the game to be postponed. In the game of golf, the rainouts are few and far between. Golfers must learn the waiting game.
This proved to be a tough predicament for former Major League pitcher John Smoltz, who struggled through the first round in his first Nationwide Tour Event.
Playing at the South Georgia Classic under a sponsor's exemption, Smoltz had three bogeys and a double bogey in his six-hole round shortened because of the rain. Smoltz started his round on the back nine and was 1-under after three holes befor the wheels started to fall off.The former Atlanta Braves legend continued his struggles Friday, completing his first round with a 12-over 84.
Following the first day of play, Smoltz told the Nationwide Tour's website: "I thought I was going to be fine out there today but I put myself in a couple of tough spots with it being so wet and mucky I fell victim to that, it can snowball." "I had a rough four-hole stretch but there's plenty of golf left. Hopefully I can turn it into a 2 or 3 over round. I look at [Friday] as a fresh start. And this whole thing is a learning experience so I can't forget that."
Smoltz will play his second round Saturday, teeing off at 9:00 a.m.