Gossett Now in It for Cash

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — U.S. Amateur champion David Gossett said Saturday he would make his pro debut next month at the International at Castle Rock, Colo.

“I got that gut feeling that it was the right thing to do,” he said.

The successes of players in his age group such as Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia of Spain and amateur Aaron Baddeley of Australia convinced Gossett of his decision.

“You don’t have to be 30 anymore to play some great golf,” he said.

Gossett, 21, who shot 71-78 and missed the cut by five shots at the British Open, signed with Gaylord Sports Management, which also represents Phil Mickelson, Rocco Mediate, Billy Mayfair and Kelli Kuehne.

Gossett also has PGA Tour exemptions into the Reno-Tahoe Open, the Air Canada Championship and the Westin Texas Open. He is eligible to receive seven tournament exemptions the rest of the year. Gossett shot 78-77 and missed the cut at the U.S. Open last month at Pebble Beach.

A two-time All-American, Gossett completed his sophomore year at Texas. He was the low amateur at the Masters, where he tied for 54th.

Gossett’s 9-and-8 victory at the 1999 U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach tied the event’s largest margin.

*

How precise is Woods? He said he didn’t really hit his seven-iron second shot at No. 17 the way he wanted.

“I tried to hit about a one-yard draw there,” he said. “But it started out about two yards of where I wanted it.”

*

Weather update: No rain is in the forecast for today, although it’s supposed to be mostly cloudy. The wind is expected to increase in the afternoon to as much as 20 mph.

*

Sign of the times: A Mexican restaurant in town lists haggis enchiladas on its menu.

*

Bernhard Langer has played 82 rounds in 23 British Opens, but he had shot 66 only once before Saturday’s third round, in which he did it again.

Langer, 42, is six under par after starting with a 74.

“It’s far better to finish 20th than 30th or 40th,” he said.

Bob May, 31, from Lynwood, is also six under after a 66.

“If you can’t get inspiration from somewhere like this, then you’ll never get inspiration,” May said.

*

Absolutely: From Dean Robertson of Scotland, after his 68: “I’m absolutely delighted because my preparation on the range was absolutely terrible.”

*

Colin Montgomerie turned in a 72 and continued to have problems putting. But he believes he can turn it around.

“If I didn’t think there was a way out, I would give it up,” said Montgomerie, still searching for his first major title.