Three Former Tigers Record Top Five Finishes on Pro Tours

March 10, 2003

Former Clemson All-Americans Jonathan Byrd, Kevin Johnson and Chris Patton all recorded top five finishes on their respective professional tours on Sunday.

Byrd shot a final round 66 at Doral in Florida to finish in a tie for fifth at the Ford Championship. It was the second straight 66 for Byrd, who was 119th after an opening round 75. But the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year shot a 68 on Friday to reach the cutline, then played the last two rounds at 12-under. He finished with a 13-under-par 275, four shots off the pace set by Jim Furyk and Scott Hoch, who will finish their playoff on Monday. It was Byrd’s best finish of the young season.

Kevin Johnson, an All-American at Clemson between 1985-89, shot a final round 67 to finish third at the Nationwide Tour’s Clearwater Classic in New Zealand. Johnson finished with a 12-under par score of 276. His 72 holes included 18 birdies and just six bogeys. It was Johnson’s best finish on the Nationwide Tour so far this year.

Chris Patton, a Clemson All-American between 1986-90 and the 1989 US Amateur Champion, finished tied for third at the Hooter Tour’s event in Florida on Sunday. The event was limited to just 36 holes due to inclement weather. Patton had rounds of 68 and 70 to finish at six-under par 138. He was just two shots off the lead.