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Barbaree debuts at FedEx St. Jude Classic

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Philip Barbaree of Shreveport, Louisiana, made his PGA TOUR debut at the FedEx St. Jude Classic on June 9, continuing the tradition of Rolex Junior Players of the Year using an exemption to earn entry into the Memphis event. The rising high school senior shot 6-over-par 146 and missed the 36-hole cut of 2-over-par 142. 

Barbaree was the third Rolex Junior Player of the Year to make his TOUR debut at TPC Southwind, as six others had previously competed against the pros. He said the week offered many unique opportunities to see golf's top level.

"The opportunity to play a PGA TOUR event was a blessing I'll always remember," Barbaree said. "Overall, the experience gave me a lot of confidence about how close my game is to the best of the best in golf. I am thankful the FedEx St. Jude Classic and the AJGA offered me the chance to play last week because it was truly special. I hope they continue this tradition because it is so rewarding and gratifying for us junior golfers."

2012 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Matt NeSmith also made his first PGA TOUR start as a professional at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, three years after he made his second PGA TOUR appearance as an amateur in 2013. NeSmith missed the cut at 7-over-par 147.