LA JOLLA, California – Seventeen-year-old pro debutant Ryan Ruffels has made the cut at Torrey Pines but an ailing world No.2 Jason Day failed to do so while struggling with a virus.
Ruffels managed a one-over-73 yesterday on the south course to finish at one under, right on the cut line, to ensure he will earn his first cheque.
The Victorian bogeyed his penultimate hole to put pressure on coming down the 18th but a precision 100-metre pitch shot he claimed was the most nerve-racking of his life ended at close range to secure his place.
After being sprayed by multiple major winning Phil Mickelson on tournament eve for disclosing details about an on course wager the pair played for last December, Ruffels had the last laugh as the American missed the cut.
“There are going to be times throughout my career there will be off-course distractions that I have, whether it is one thing or another they are going to be there and I felt like it was mature of me to be able to put that aside and be able to focus on the golf and play some good golf,” Ruffels said.
“It was difficult. Obviously a little added pressure but that’s fine. I was a bit more nervous on the first tee but I feel like I handled it well despite all that and I was able to put together a couple of good rounds which I’m pretty happy with.”
With just seven starts allowed to earn a tour card unless he finishes in the top 10 to earn an extra one, Ruffels has now turned his attention to making as big a move as possible up the leaderboard. He needs the equivalent of seven top-20 finishes to continue his tour card quest.
“I have a good opportunity now. The first step was make the weekend and now it’s sort of a free hit out there,” he said.
“I can have a bit of fun and hopefully make a few birdies and not so many bogeys.”
Day could not find a way to get through his lethargy caused by a virus he has battled for a week.
