A pair of Bluffton golfers were among those who advanced through the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School this week.
Blufton’s Nathan Stamey finished third and Bryson Nimmer tied for 14th at The Landings in Savannah, where 75 golfers were competing for 23 spots (plus ties) in the second stage.
Stamey opened with a 10-under-par 62 on the Oakridge course and finished at 19-under over 72 holes, three shots behind medalist Brad Miller of Timonium, Maryland. Nimmer had a steady week with an opening 69, followed by back-to-back 68s, and a 2-under 70 on Saturday to finish tied for 14th at 13-under.
Nimmer played on the Mackenzie Tour this summer after completing his accomplished career at Clemson, finishing 37th in the Order of the Merit on the Canadian tour.
The Savannah site was one of 12 first stage events, with the top finishers from each advancing to five second stage events in late October and early November.
The final stage will be held Dec. 12-15 at Orange County National near Orlando, Florida. Players who advance to the final stage will be assured of at least conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2020. The top 40 and ties at the final stage will secure guaranteed starts for the early portion of 2020.