July 28, 2005

FORT WORTH, Texas - Former standout TCU golfer Colby Beckstrom, who elected to turn professional following the 2004-05 season, fired a 3-under-par score of 69 at the PGA Tour's Buick Open on Thursday. In his first PGA Tour event as a pro, he resides in a tie for 31st following the first day of play.

The native of North Muskegon, Mich., was given an exemption into the event, which is played at the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Detroit. Beckstrom recorded five birdies and two bogeys in the opening round. He currently sits five strokes off the pace set by Nick Watney, who shot a 64 (-8).

Beckstrom was a two-time first-team all-Conference USA selection and posted a career-best 72.06 scoring average last year. He registered a pair of collegiate tournament titles, including a shared victory at the Conference USA Championships in April. He had one year of eligibility remaining had he chosen to return to TCU.

"I wish Colby all the best in his pro career," TCU head coach Bill Montigel said. "He was a tremendous college golfer and has the chance to be a very good professional. You can tell by his score today that he has the ability to play with the best golfers in the world."

In May, Beckstrom qualifed for and competed in the PGA Tour's EDS Byron Nelson Classic in Las Colinas, Texas. He missed the cut by six strokes after firing a two-round score of 146 (+6). The lone amateur in that 156-player field, Beckstrom became the first golfer under Montigel to qualify for a PGA event while still playing for the Horned Frogs.

Beckstrom will tee off at 8:48 a.m. (ET) on Friday. The top 70 players, plus ties, will advance to the weekend. In addition to Beckstrom, former Frog J.J. Henry is also competing. Henry, who is among the top 20 after a 4-under 68, will play at 7:18 (ET). For more information on the tournament and for live scoring of the event, visit www.pgatour.com.

-www.gofrogs.com-