Jimmy Stanger off to a hot start at Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

2017 Virginia graduate Jimmy Stanger is starting his professional golf career with a bang. In only his second start as a pro, Stanger shot an opening round 67, good for a tie for fifth place in the PGA Tour’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at the TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. Stanger was the medalist at the 2017 ACC Tournament and turned professional after graduation from The University last May and playing the summer Amateur circuit

The UVA alumnus gained entry to the event through a sponsor’s exemption, his second of seven he can receive this year. While he is still trying to qualify for permanent status on the Web.com tour, making money and accruing Fed Ex Cup points on the main stage could help launch his career in a big way.

Stanger started off on the 10th hole carded a birdie. After four pars in a row, he strung together a solid eagle-birdie-birdie stretch on holes 15-17 to jump into a share of second place at -5. From there he went on to par the next seven holes before darkness suspended play on Thursday night. Stanger finished his round with a par at the ninth after bogeying the par three eighth hole.

Stanger has a short turn around before beginning his second round at 8:35 local time.

UVA alumnus Denny McCarthy joins Stanger in the field this week. McCarthy opened with a one over par 72, good for a tie for 82nd. The Maryland native is enjoying full PGA Tour status for the first time in his career.

The tournament continues all weekend with live television coverage on Golf Channel from 4:30-7:30 Friday and Saturday, then from 3:30-6:30 on Sunday. Stay tuned to Streaking The Lawn for more on Stanger’s progress.