A field of 76 players will try to take the first step toward achieving their dreams today when play begins in a four-day, 72-hole Stage I PGA Tour Qualifier at Dayton Valley Country Club.
This marks the sixth straight year Dayton is hosting one of the PGA qualifying schools that serves as a step for those who dream of making the PGA Tour. The event continues through Friday, with 10 a.m. tee times set for each day.
Bob Leist Jr. of Reno, an assistant professional at Sierra Sage, is among the entries, along with former University of Nevada players Justin Peters and James Watts.
Today's field will include 28 participants from the 1999 Qualifier at Dayton. Twelve of the 22 players who advanced to Stage 2 from Dayton Valley last year are returning for another try.
The low score at Dayton last year was a 21-under par 267 carded by Tom Kalinowski of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The top 20 to 25 this week will advance to the second qualifying stage at one of six nationally selected sites. Those who make it past stage two will advance to the PGA qualifying finals. The top 50 at the qualifying finals will receive their exemption cards onto the PGA tour.
Dayton head golf pro Jim Kepler said "the hardest thing to do in all of sports is to get on the PGA tour."
Among the players who have passed through Dayton are Notah Begay, Casey Martin, Bob May and David Sutherland.