Peters, Drenth shine in JDC pre-qualifier

Jul 01, 2008 10:55PM

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By Tom Johnston, tbone@qconline.com

As a perk of being defending Player of the Year on the Quad City Amateur Tour golf circuit, Ben Peters knew he was teeing it up in the pre-qualifier for next Monday's John Deere Classic four-spot tournament.

Dusty Drenth had no idea he would be afforded a similar opportunity through the QCAm Tour thanks to Chris Wilkins.

Both top local amateurs did their part on the par-72 Pinnacle Country Club layout in Milan on Tuesday and now have a shot at earning a spot in next week's PGA Tour event at TPC Deere Run. Peters fired a 2-under 70 and Drenth carded a 1-over 73 to finish in the top 51 of the 94-man field. The pre-qualifier was added this year because of growing numbers in the Monday four-spotter. Those with 2008 status on the big three men's tours – PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour – were exempt into Monday's play.

Peters and Drenth were two of 13 players with Quad-Cities ties trying their luck in the first step of getting into the field for the $4.2 million JDC. Among those also moving on to Monday's play were Seaton's Matt Ewing (72), a former mini-tour player who was in the same Tuesday group as Peters; former Monmouth H.S. and Western Illinois University standout Ryan McClintock (73); and TPC Deere Run assistant golf pro Mitch VanZuiden (74), a former Fulton prep standout. Dixon's Ben Hermes also made it with a 72.

Locals missing the cut that fell at 74 were Moline's Travis England (75), Davenport's Dennis Bull (75), former Moline standout and mini-tour player Ben Weir (75), former Erie prep Josh Hart (75), Galesburg's Adam Turner (76), former Rockridge H.S. prep Kurt Slattery (79), Moline's Ryan VanDerostyne (80) and Erie's Jordan Henry (82).

Californian JT Kohut won medalist honors with a sizzling 66.

For Drenth, it was making the most of the unexpected opportunity. Even after winning the QCAm Tour's Short Hills Am on Sunday, the tour's second spot belonged to two-time '08 winner Chris Wilkins.

``Sunday night, I got a call from Chris and he was explaining to me his “heart wasn't it,''' said Drenth, a 20-year-old St. Ambrose University junior-to-be. ``He said he wanted `someone to play who has the fire and wants to play.' That's me. ... I can't thank him enough for this chance.''

One that could lead to a big week next week, one that could be full of memories as both Peters and Wilkins have previously experienced as qualifiers.

``For a kid like Dusty who is obviously playing well, this is an exciting opportunity,'' said Peters.

Both knew Tuesday's goal was simple: play smart.

``All you're doing is getting through the day,'' said the 34-year-old Peters, who tied for 8th.

Both Peters and Drenth didn't mind having to play the extra round compared to years past. For Drenth, it was just the second time he has played the course, which included a Monday practice round. Peters trekked the layout for just the second time in about 12 years.