Long Beach State University Athletics
Mallinger Qualifies for PGA Tour
12/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
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Mallinger Graduates! LBSU Alum Earns Spot on PGA Tour LA QUINTA, CA-- Former Long Beach State golfer John Mallinger (Escondido) became the fourth 49er to qualify for the PGA Tour after finishing tied for 13th at the PGA Tour's Qualifying Tournament outside of Palm Springs. Mallinger will join fellow alum, Paul Goydos, at the Sony Open in Hawaii during the second week of January in his first tournament as a PGA Professional. Mallinger's road through the Q-School began by winning a 96-player championship in Hollister, followed by a third place finish in the second stage against 96 more players in Beaumont, CA. Mallinger needed a top-30 finish in order to get privileges for the tour. Though not fully exempt, it is likely Mallinger will play in 25 tour events this season and even more, based on his finishes. "Paul called me on Saturday and told me to wish John good luck," said Head Coach Bob Livingstone when speaking to Goydos. "He told me it would be just a matter of time before he would make it on the Tour." Mallinger, a two-time all-Big West performer came into the tournament having earned $147,035 over 26 career tournaments and $69,515 this season.he has finished in the top-10 five times, the top-25 eight time and finished third at the Cox Classic in August, 2005. He turned pro in 2002. Other 49er PGA Professionals include Mark O'Meara and Mike Miles. All-American Mark O'Meara, who won the 1998 Masters and has been a Pro since 1980, will join the Senior Tour this season. O'Meara has earned over $14 million in his career, which ranks 36th all-time. Mike Miles was a Tour Player in the mid-1980's. Mike Diette was on the Canadian PGA Tour in 1996. |
