You’ve heard of the “freshman 15.” For Laurel’s Kyle Stough, it was the “freshman 50.” And, unlike so many college freshmen, it’s the weight Stough lost, not gained, in his first year at the University of Virginia.
Wednesday afternoon at the Country Club at Woodmore, as Stough, 18, practiced for the Melwood Prince George’s County Open, it was difficult to recognize the former DeMatha standout. Minus 50 pounds and the bushy hairdo he sported in his schoolboy days, the only clue to Stough’s identity was his U.Va. hat.
“We work out a lot down at school,” said the 5-foot-11, 160-pounder. “I’ve slimmed down and muscled up. Getting in shape has made it much easier, especially those 36-hole days in college golf.”
Stough’s new physique is testament to his commitment. Today he gets his feet wet, playing his first pro tournament. He’s paired with former Navy All-American Billy Hurley. They tee off at 9 this morning in the Nationwide Tour event.
“It’s a chance for me to see what I have to do to get better,” said Stough, the youngest player in the field. “It’s just a completely different environment out here — the ropes, the scoreboard, spectators everywhere. It’s really neat.”
A week after returning from school, Stough qualified for the tournament, shooting a 69 Monday at Little Bennett, then making a par on the first playoff hole, surviving a six-way playoff for five slots.
It was a just reward for Stough, twice disappointed at Little Bennett in his attempt to qualify for the Booz Allen Classic. In each of the past two years, Stough was one shot short of a playoff.
“That was heartbreaking,” said Stough, a member at Argyle Country Club in Silver Spring. “I thought the same thing was going to happen this time. I teed off early and shot 69, then waited around, thinking enough guys would come in lower and knock me out. But this time I finally got through.”
MELWOOD P.G. COUNTY OPEN
What » Nationwide Tour event in its inaugural season. The top 25 money winners on the Nationwide advance to the PGA Tour.
When » Today through Sunday.
Where » Country Club at Woodmore, Mitchellville, Md.
Purse » $600,000 with winner receiving $108,000.
Parking » Available only at nearby Enterprise Golf Course. Shuttle transportation provided.
