Lipscomb University’s most decorated athlete in recent memory is taking his game to the next level.
One day after receiving his degree during the school’s graduation ceremony at Allen Arena, senior golfer Dawson Armstrong announced via Twitter that he is turning professional.
“After much thought, prayer, and conversation with those around me, including (with) coach (Will) Brewer, I have decided to bypass the postseason and turn professional!” Armstrong said in the tweet.
Lipscomb was left out of the NCAA tournament field that was announced Wednesday, although Armstrong had qualified as an individual by winning the ASUN crown in late April. The Bisons finished five strokes behind ASUN team champion North Florida, which is bound for an NCAA Regional in Norman, Oklahoma.
“This is a very bittersweet decision as I cannot be more proud of the accomplishments and memories made at Lipscomb,” Armstrong said. “I hope to make Lipscomb proud as I begin my pro golf career.”
Earlier last month, Armstrong told Lumination Network that he would only bypass the NCAA tournament if the Bisons failed to qualify as a team. The move allows Armstrong to begin his ambitious timeline of qualifying for next year’s PGA Tour.
He hopes to do so by participating in several second-tier events and potentially the Web.com Tour playoffs, which grants PGA Tour cards for the top 25 money winners in the final four events.
The two-time ASUN individual champion leaves Lipscomb with numerous school records and three NCAA tournament appearances. His amateur career also included victories at the Western Amateur and the Dogwood Invitational in 2015.
Armstrong will begin his professional career on Monday as he attempts to qualify for next week’s Knoxville Open, a Web.com Tour event. He will tee off at 8:15 a.m. eastern time at Oak Ridge Country Club and must finish in the top six to qualify for weekend play.
The Brentwood native has also secured a sponsor exemption for the Nashville Golf Open, another Web.com Tour event that will be held at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club May 24-27. He could be joined by Lipscomb teammate Eric Ansett, who will attempt to qualify as an amateur on Monday, May 21 at Greystone Golf Course in Dickson.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics