Coral Springs, Fla. — Ty Tryon is on the verge of something not even Tiger Woods could do take a week off from high school and make the cut on the PGA Tour.
Tryon, a 16-year-old sophomore who reached the Honda Classic as a Monday qualifier, proved he belonged Thursday with birdies on the last three holes for a 5-under 67, which left him two strokes back.
Woods was younger by nine months when he was given a sponsor's exemption into the Los Angeles Open in 1992, but he missed the cut.
Tryon not only played beyond his years, he was within shouting distance of leaders Jesper Parnevik, Geoff Ogilvy and Ben Ferguson.
"I had a great time out there," Tryon said. "I really enjoyed it. Playing well is definitely a plus, but it was awesome. I had a lot of fun."
Parnevik, Ferguson and Ogilvy each shot 7-under-par 65 and shared the first-round lead on the TPC at Heron Bay. Eighteen others, including Tryon, were within two shots heading into the second round.
Tryon shrugged off the advice of his caddie that he hit 2-iron off the first tee.
"Because it was my first pro tournament, I just wanted to rip a driver down there," Tryon said.
Tryon hit a 300-yard drive down the middle. It was a sign of things to come. He made seven birdies.
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