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HOUSTON - UT Arlington graduate Paul McConnell fired 31-32-63 for a 9-under-par total to lead the four-spot qualifier on the Tradition Course at Cypresswood Golf Club and earn a berth in this week's $6.8 million Shell Houston Open.
McConnell carded eight birdies and an eagle-3 to offset one bogey. Sebastian Vassquez of Pharr fashioned a 7-under-par 65 to claim the second spot. Kramer Hickok of Dallas and Nicholas Cochran each shot 66 as did Martin Piller of Fort Worth. Hickok and Cochran both made par-4 on the first sudden-death plaoff hole and Piller made bogey.
There were 30-plus players with PGA TOUR eligibility in the 140-player field, including 17 former tournament winners.
McConnell played men's golf at UTA from 2010-13. He turned pro in 2014.
