The big-hitting American, ranked 609 in the world and without a full U.S. PGA Tour card, shot a 66 in the first round of the Mayakoba Classic on the Nationwide Tour in February for his best finish of the year at tied 60th.

He has struggled with a rib injury sustained over a year ago and cited a return to the swing that earned him five PGA titles as well as British Open and PGA Championship wins as the catalyst for a round that included a four-under back nine of 32.