April 24, 2007

DALLAS - SMU senior Colt Knost won a sudden-death playoff at EDS Byron Nelson Championship qualifying on Monday to earn a berth in the prestigious PGA event.

Knost carded a 65 for the 18-hole event and advanced to a three-way playoff with two professionals, Michael Allen and Michael Boyd, for the last two spots. On the first playoff hole, a par 5, Knost's 9-iron approach soared right over the flag and landed 10 feet from the cup. He rolled in the birdie putt to secure a spot in his first PGA Tour event, thus becoming one of four winners in Monday's open qualifying tournament at the par 71 Timarron Country Club.

Knost was the only amateur to finish in the top 45. He has played in three previous Nelson qualifiers.

SMU will also be represented by alumnus Scott Abbott ('05), who shot a 7-under 64 Monday to make the Nelson field. It will be his first PGA Tour event. Abbott's round included two eagles, six birdies and three bogeys.

Joining Knost and Abbott in the field will be '99 SMU graduate and former US Amateur Champion, Hank Kuehne.

The EDS Byron Nelson runs this Thursday through Sunday at the Four Seasons in Las Colinas.