‘Enjoying His Journey’: Golf Fans Shower Praises on Veteran Record-Setter at the Players Championship

As the final cutline for the ongoing Players Championship was released, one man stood proud of all others. Jerome Patrick Kelly, also known as Jerry Kelly, made history when he became the oldest player to make the cut at the Players Championship. Having toiled at the course for decades, the 56-year-old etched his name into history with the achievement.

Jerry Kelly claims a spot for the weekend at the Players Championship

The University of Hartford alum secured his place in the Players Championship field after winning the Kaulig Companies Championship (formerly the Senior Players) last year. The PGA Tour started allocating places for winning the tournament in 2007. However, none made their presence felt till the weekend at TPC Sawgrass, which could soon change with Kelly’s achievement.

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However, it wasn’t a simple task for the veteran golfer. Kelly scored rounds of 74 and 72 in his opening two rounds, which put him at two over par overall. He finished his second round before the halt yesterday, at which point the cut line veered toward his score.

But that score only increased further to three over par, which guaranteed Kelly’s place for the weekend. He is paired alongside fellow Americans Keith Mitchell and Alex Smalley, who are 25 and 30 years younger than him, respectively.

Evidently, the golfer’s achievement was showered with praise on the Internet. Here are some of the best reactions.

What has been Jerry Kelly’s best moment in his career?

While his recent accolade is worthy of recognition, Kelly has made many headlines during his long career. The seasoned golfer made his debut in 1991, but it wasn’t until eleven years later that he won his first PGA Tour title, the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Success followed soon after, with Kelly raking in another victory at the Advil Western Open. But his battle with golf legend Tiger Woods left everyone whispering at the 2001 edition of the Players Championship. 22 years ago, a young Kelly lead at the end of day two and day three to make a strong case for himself for an iconic win.

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However, it was not meant to be, as Woods took the final round by the scruff of the neck to win the event. But decades later, will a veteran Kelly fight off all odds to create history at the Players Championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.