George Bryan IV, one half of the Bryan Brothers YouTube golf channel, earned an invitation to the Myrtle Beach Classic this week. He almost qualified for “The Q at Myrtle Beach,” but lost in a playoff to Matt Atkins. Because of his performance, the tournament director called George and offered him a sponsor exemption.
He went 73-70 on Thursday and Friday, just one over for the tournament, just missing out on qualifying.
For George, this performance goes beyond what is listed on the leaderboard. As a proud South Carolinian, the opportunity to represent his home state at his PGA Tour events is a source of deep pride and connection.
Needless to say, his daughter got to watch him play at a PGA Tour event, which warmed his heart.
“It would be hard to explain in words what this week meant to me. On my first tee shot yesterday, everything went silent. Then I heard Ann yell, ‘Hurray, Dad.’ It melted,” he said. “I’ve never melted on a golf course where you don’t know if you’re going to make contact, and I’ve melted there, too, and it was cool looking back and oh, I made so many memories.”
Photo credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR, Getty Images
It’s been a special week for the Bryan family, but he’s still a competitor. He felt Brian was playing well heading into the event, so missing out on his cut hurt.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I knew it was going to be special,” Brian said. “I shot a 73-70 and missed the cut by probably a couple. I know I can get three strokes to qualify for the weekend and I need even more to get on the leaderboard. I might get a stroke. All in all, it’s been a special week, a fun week and I’m looking forward to the future.”
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Photo credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR, Getty Images
His younger brother Wesley was also out this week and played a little better. He shot 70-71 and was at 1 under for the tournament. Wesley completed the weekend successfully. This was his first two tournaments since April, when he finished runner-up to Billy Horschel at the Corales Punta Cana Championship.
The Bryan Brothers did something unique in Myrtle Beach. George participated in a special qualifier, and they both qualified for a PGA Tour event in their home state. Miscuts are never fun, but Bryan Brothers feels his golf future is bright.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
