Former Braves great John Smoltz knows all about pressure.
It didn’t end when he retired.
Smoltz, an avid golfer when he played for the Braves, competed in an 18-hole qualifier for U.S. Senior Open Championship at Planterra Ridge Golf Club in Peachtree City.
And Smoltz prevailed on the third hole of a playoff to earn the third and final spot.
Jack Larkin and Sonny Skinner both posted rounds of 4-under-par 68 to secure the top two qualifying spots and tie for medalist honors.
There were three players tied at 3-under-par 69 so a playoff was needed to decide the final qualifying spot and two alternate positions.
Smoltz, Brian Ferris, and Brian Tennyson began the playoff on hole No. 18. Smoltz and Ferris both made birdie while Tennyson made bogey and secured the second alternate position.
On the second playoff hole, both Smoltz and Ferris made bogey. On the third playoff hole, Smoltz made a double bogey and secured the final qualifying spot.
The U.S. Senior Open Championship are June 28-July 1 at The Broadmoor-East Course in Colorado Springs, Colo.
