With money on the line comes more pressure.
Former LSU men’s golf standouts John Peterson and Andrew Loupe finished their first Nationwide Tour event Sunday at the Children’s Hospital Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Loupe finished in a tie for 18th place with a 13-under par 275 total, and Peterson tied for 23rd with a 12-under par 276.
Loupe earned a $6,520 check for his performance, while Peterson bagged $4,520.
The tournament marks Peterson’s first professional competition. He came in second place as an amateur over the summer at Nationwide’s Children’s Hospital Invitational in Columbus, Ohio. Loupe’s appearance was his second as a pro. He posted a second-place finish at the Victoria Texas Open on July 3.
Peterson said the difference in tournament atmosphere between the collegiate and professional levels of play became apparent early in the weekend.
“When you finish, you realize it’s a different feeling and different kind of pressure,” Peterson said. “Nobody wants you to play well except for matters.”
The two posted their worst scores of the weekend in the last round Sunday, with Loupe notching an even-par 72 and Peterson scoring 2-over-par 74 for the day.
Saturday’s third round of play in the tournament resulted in the former Tigers’ best performances of the weekend.
Peterson scored a 10-under-par 62 with 10 birdies and no bogeys for the day. Loupe’s 8-under-par 64 in the third round resulted from an eagle on the sixth hole and six other birdies with no bogies.
Peterson said he enjoyed getting the chance to compete against Loupe and looks forward to facing off again in future tournaments.
“I think he played really well,” Peterson said. “He beat me by one, and I expect us to have a good rivalry for a long