Kennedy secures PGA Tour start with General Hackler win

Royal Dublin’s Max Kennedy claimed his second US collegiate title in South Carolina on Tuesday when he won the General Hackler Championship by a shot to secure a precious start in the PGA Tour’s $4 million Myrtle Beach Classic in May.

The Dubliner (21), who won the Aggie Invitational 11 months ago, closed with a three-under-par 69 to take the individual title and help the University of Louisville men's golf team to the tournament title at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, which will also host the PGA Tour event.

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It was the Cardinals’ first tournament win since capturing the Aggie Invitational in last year, when Kennedy won the individual title by a shot.

He also had just one shot to spare yesterday as he followed rounds of 68 and 71 with a 69 to win by a shot from Jon John Houk of Chattanooga on eight-under 208.

Kennedy eagled the par-five third and birdied the fourth before following his lone bogey of the day at the par-five eighth with a birdie four at the 15th.

Roganstown’s Patrick Keeling tied for 67th overall after playing as an individual.

The Cardinals return to action on April 6-7 when they and Kennedy defend the Aggie Invitational in College Station, Texas.

The Myrtle Beach Classic will be played at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club from May 9-12, opposite the $20 million Quail Hollow Championship, which is a signature event.

Kennedy, who is coached by Shane O’Grady, acquitted himself well in the LIV Golf Promotions Event in December, missing out on the final day 36-hole shootout by just four shots.