°Â³ó±ð²ÔÌýPreston Otte walks to the first tee at Las Vegas’ TPC Summerlin Golf Course on Thursday, he’ll be playing for the winner’s check of $1.23 million.
His opponents in the Shriner’s Hospital for Children Open will include Jordan Spieth,ÌýRicky Fowler,ÌýErnie Els and USA Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.
That’s a long way from his home course, the Highlands at Dove Mountain, as is a $7 million PGA Tour event. Otte, head pro at the Highlands, will be playing in the second PGA Tour event of his life; he has also played in a pair of Tour events.
“A couple of my PGA friends have reached out and told me what I was already thinking: I need to be aggressive, not be in awe, and birdie a bunch of holes," Otte said. “I played in the same event in 2011 and was a little distracted by all that was going on. This time I’ll have a different approach.’’
To keep it in his comfort zone, Otte’s brother, Twin Falls, Idaho, pro Brandon Otte, will be his caddie.
Otte, who grew up in Idaho and was a standout golfer at Utah State, is playing some of the best golf of his life. With eight birdies and an eagle, he shot a 65 in the PGA Southwest Section Qualifier to win the only spot available in this week’s PGA Tour event. He won six section events this year, including the Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Chapter Match Play championship.
“I shot a 61 when I qualified to play in Las Vegas in 2011, but since then I’ve had other obligations and didn’t get back to the qualifying tournament until this year," he said. "I’ve had some good success as I’ve gotten older, I’ve matured and settled into my golf game. I’m going to enjoy this experience.’’
I’ve got a rooting stake in Otte’s PGA Tour endeavor: He is the grandson of the late Vernal Otte, who was a high school classmate of my mother and grew up immediately next door to my grandmother in Logan, Utah. He was one of the top baseball players ever in my hometown.