ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – On Monday the PGA Tour unveiled a plan to provide direct access to the circuit for the top college player via the PGA Tour University program. Thursday, Cole Hammer offered a timely reminder of why the new program was needed.
Hammer, who bolted the University of Texas this summer with one of the best amateur resumes in recent history, rolled to an early lead at the RSM Classic with an 8-under 64 on the Plantation Course at Sea Island Resort. Although Hammer wouldn’t have qualified for the direct path to the Tour approved on Monday by the policy board, it was an example of how direct access will benefit young players.