DOTHAN, Ala. – While Louisiana Tech golfer James Swash still has a handful of tournaments to play as a Bulldog, the fifth-year senior secured the start of his professional career on Friday by earning his PGA Tour Canada card. 
 
Playing in the four-round USA East 3 qualifying tournament at RTJ Golf Trail – Highland Oaks, Swash claimed a top-10 finish needed to gain his pro card after shooting 278 (-10). 
 
There was plenty of drama (and pressure) as he had to win in a playoff to finish in the top 10.
 
"I have been playing pretty good so far this year and it was nice to finally get it done," said Swash.  "The week was great.  I had a bunch of highs with some lows here and there, but when you make a hole-in-one this week, you kind of forget those lows."
 
That hole-in-one came on moving day – also known as the third round – for Swash.  After shooting 72 (E) and 72 (-2) in rounds one and two, respectively, the Bulldog was at even-par through five holes in round three before hitting an 8-iron at No. 6 from 169 yards for his sixth career ace.
 
He added a birdie on No. 7 and another at the ninth, pouring in four additional birdies on his back nine to shoot 64, tying for the low round of the week.
 
The birdies were not as frequent in round four on Friday, going into the final three holes at one-over.  But, Swash birdied back-to-back holes on No. 7 and No. 8 to get into the red.  A bogey on the par-five No. 9 though dropped him to a 72 (E) and in a four-way tie for eighth.
 
Only three of the four-person playoff would finish in the needed top-10 to get their pro card.  All four parred hole one.  Next up was No. 9, a hole that was not too friendly to Swash up until that point.
 
"I had made a double bogey, bogey, birdie, and a par on that hole," said Swash.  It was not my best friend.  If I had made par, I would not have had to go into a playoff.  But, I hit two great shots, a driver and then a three-wood to the front right of the green.  Managed a two-putt for birdie.  It was a nice feeling to make four there and get it done."
 
Swash will be back in action on March 13-14 as LA Tech travels down south to Lafayette to take part in the 38th annual UL-Lafayette Classics.
 
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