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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, January 10, 2006

McLachlin earns Sony spot

Advertiser Staff

McLachlin

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Punahou graduate Parker Mc-Lachlin parred the second playoff hole yesterday to earn one of four qualifying spots for the Sony Open in Hawai'i.

McLachlin shot a final-round 69 at Pearl Country Club to finish in a four-way tie for second.

"I was just really fortunate that I get to tee it up on Thursday," McLachlin said of the first full-field PGA Tour event of the season, which runs Thursday through Sunday at Waialae Country Club.

Steve Schnelter of Sandy, Utah, won yesterday's qualifier with a 4-under-par 68.

Jeremy Tucker of San Diego made birdie on the first playoff hole to claim the second spot.

McLachlin and Brad Elder of Dallas made par on the second playoff hole to edge Rich Barcelo of Reno, Nev., for the final spots.

"It was a pretty up and down round," said McLachlin, who birdied his first three holes. "It was a real solid day and I'm just going to try to keep doing what I've been doing."

After yesterday's round, McLachlin received a call from Michelle Wie, who will be playing in the Sony Open on a sponsors' exemption.

"She called me afterward and congratulated me," McLachlin said. "She hoped that we got paired together on Thursday."

McLachlin will be a full-time member of the Nationwide Tour this year, by virtue of his finish at the National Qualifying Tournament.