In the end, he didn’t win.
But just to be mentioned in the same breath as one of golf’s all-time greats is proof that Calgary-born birdie-machine Jared du Toit must be doing something right.
Actually, in this case, a lot of things right.
The surprise story at the 2016 RBC Canadian Open and a standout for the Arizona State Sun Devils, du Toit was one of five finalists for the collegiate-level Byron Nelson Award, presented to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the on- and off-course qualities of the World Golf Hall-of-Famer.
Stanford’s Maverick McNealy, currently running second in the world amateur golf rankings, was announced on Good Friday as the latest recipient of the prestigious prize.