Sydney native Daniel Gale made history on Monday during the qualifier for the PGA Tour’s 3M Open in Minnesota. By Friday, he was making headlines for a homemade, efficient swing.
At the 3M Open Monday qualifier, Gale, from Castle Hill in Sydney’s northwest, shot a course-record 60 at Victory Links Golf Club, including a slam-dunk, hole-out eagle on 18 from 128 yards. Gale earned a spot at the 3M Open for the second straight year, both times advancing through the Monday qualifier.
The eagle locked in Gale’s spot in the 3M Open as he posted a 28 on the back nine. His score of 60 was five shots clear of the nearest qualifier. Four players carded 6-under 65: Sam Harned, Kaito Onishi, Alex Gaugert and Noah Hofman, requiring a 4-for-3 playoff to fill out the field. Onishi, Gaugert and Hofman earned 3M Open tee times via the playoff. Harned was the odd man out.
On Friday in the US, Gale was three under par through 17 holes and was just five shots off the lead. He made a double bogey on the last to drop to one under and was seven back with play still underway.
Gale was interviewed about his unorthodox takeaway, and social media warmed to his refreshing demeanour and funny one liners, like
“It’s always been a little unique but I know what works for me,” he said. “It’s all impact at the end of the day. Ball-striking is [actually] one of my strengths. The swing does the talking for itself. Every time I’ve got driver in my hand, I absolutely send it.”
Despite his double on the last in round two, Gale won several fans over, including golf writer Chris Powers. “All in on this ledge based off the accent alone,” Powers wrote. “Holed out on 18 from 128 yards in a Monday qualifier this week for a 60 (!!) to get into 3M. Also, check out the disrespect on his OWGR page. Just a random lefty.”
