Guan adds another US event to schedule

LOS ANGELES (AFP) –

Guan Tianlang of China hits his tee shot on the third hole during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana on April 27, 2013 in Avondale, Louisiana. Chinese schoolboy Guan has added another stop to his US tour, accepting a sponsor’s exemption for the US PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

Chinese schoolboy Guan Tianlang has added another stop to his US tour, accepting a sponsor’s exemption for the US PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

“Guan’s invitation was a no-brainer,” said tournament director Phil Cannon.

“He certainly has made a big splash in the sports world. And we are excited our fans will get to witness history.”

Guan, 14, became the youngest player to compete at the Masters in April, earning the low amateur’s Silver Cup at Agusuta National as he finished tied for 58th.

A fortnight later the amateur sensation made the cut and finished 71st at the US PGA event in New Orleans.

Guan missed the cut at last week’s Byron Nelson Championship but on Monday accepted a sponsor’s exemption invitation into the Memorial, which will be hosted by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village in Ohio starting on May 30.

The St. Jude, from June 6-9, will be his fourth event on a sponsor exemption. As a non-member of the US tour he is allowed to accept up to seven such exemptions.

Guan earned his spot in the Masters by winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.