Kennerly finishes what he started

GREENSBORO -- Junior golfer Billy Kennerly was running out of time.

An AJGA victory had always eluded the Alpharetta, Ga., native, who had second-place finishes in his two most recent tournaments.

But years of waiting on the circuit were well worth it for Kennerly, who clinched his first victory Friday at the FJ Invitational with a tournament record-tying 11-under-par total for 72 holes.

To top it off, Kennerly also earned a sponsor's exemption into the Wyndham Championship, a PGA Tour event held at Sedgefield Country Club in August.

"It's really nice to finally win one to finish off right before college," Kennerly said. "I don't know if you can really win a better once because you get to play in the PGA Tour event also, so it's a two-in-one."

The FJ Invitational was just one of three remaining AJGA tournaments scheduled for Kennerly before he enters the world of collegiate golf at Clemson in the fall.

While Kennerly's Tiger paw-printed shorts made it clear he's excited to start a new path in the ACC, Friday's win was the last accomplishment waiting to be checked off his to-do list in junior golf.

"In all those second-place finishes, I never really played bad," Kennerly said, "I just always got beat. It didn't really make me mad, it just made me work harder."

Although Kennerly entered the day six strokes ahead of his nearest competitors, he didn't accept the win until he was walking up the 18.

"I was thinking, 'I finally won and don't need to worry about it anymore,' " he said.

And to win by four strokes at Sedgefield was that much sweeter.

Kennerly's father, who started Kennerly in the sport at age two, grew up in Greensboro. Because of this, Kennerly is well acquainted with the area from his family's annual Christmas trip to the city.

His grandparents and members of his extended family were able to cheer him on as he led the field all four days of the tournament at Sedgefield.

"They've supported me all week," Kennerly said, "and having them all here made me more comfortable."

Added to his list of fans were Clemson coaches Larry Penley and Jordan Byrd. But before he heads to Clemson, Kennerly will be returning to play at Sedgefield yet again in August, this time to make the cut with the big boys of the PGA Tour.

"If this tournament had gotten closer, I'd imagine he would have been 14 or 15 under," said Mark Brazil, the Wyndham Championship's tournament director. "... If he plays well and plays his game and you see something like you've seen this week out of him, yeah, he'll be making a cut.

2011 Tiger Paw City Information - CLEMSON Athletics News - CLEMSON ...

June 20, 2011

Tiger Paw City is a great way to enjoy game day without the work. Leave the tailgating to us and spend the day with family, friends and co-workers.

• Available for rental on a game-by-game basis
• Small Tent - minimum 30 people, maximum 50 people
• Large Tent - minimum 30 people, maximum 75 people
• Tents located in Clanton Plaza at West Endzone of Memorial Stadium
• The Tiger can make an appearance at your event whether a family reunion, birthday party or corporate event.

COST
$20.00 per person*
*Game tickets available at additional charge

Contact: Lynn Sparks at 864-656-4288 or slynn@clemson.edu

TENT PACKAGE WILL INCLUDE:
• 40x40 tent
• Available for entertaining three hours before the game and close at kick-off
• Meal served two hours prior to game time
• Security for entrance and exit
• Choice of ARAMARK catered meal including Coca-Cola products
• No outside food or beverage brought into the area
• Tables, chairs, condiments and utensils
• Game day programs
• Fifteen (15) parking passes in an area lot

ADDITIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE:
• Individual football game tickets (location based on availability)
• Beer or wine tickets. Charge of $10/person for three (3) drink tickets. Limit of three (3) drink tickets per person upon verification with proper I.D.

GAME TICKETS:
Sept. 3 - Troy, $16 Group Rate
Sept. 10 - Wofford, $16 Group Rate
Sept. 17 - Auburn, $65 - No Group Rate
Sept. 24 - Florida State, $55 - No Group Rate
Oct. 8 - Boston College, $24 Group Rate
Oct. 22 - North Carolina, $24 Group Rate
Nov.

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The tiger paw of Clemson University, its birth and adoption

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