July 7, 2000
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern senior-to-be Luke Donald and recent graduate Josh Habig matched each other Thursday, as each shot 2-over-par 74 in the first round of the PGA's Advil Western Open at Cog Hill.
Their totals put them 11 behind leader Nick Price, who tied the course record with an opening-round 63. The defending champion at this event is Tiger Woods, who shot a 2-under-par 70. Among the PGA players Donald and Habig are tied with or ahead of: Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Craig Stadler.
Donald, the 1999 NCAA Champion and this year's top-ranked collegiate golfer in the MasterCard standings, is competing in the event on a sponsor's exemption. Habig, who graduated in June after helping the Wildcats to their second straight Big Ten title, earned his way in by qualifying Monday and Tuesday at Village Links.
Adding further to NU's connection at this event, Habig's caddy is former Wildcat player Erik Ciotti.
Friday, Donald tees off at 9:09 from the 10th tee with Shaun Micheel and Bob Heintz, while Habig tees off at 2:03 from No. 1 with Craig Spence and Mathew Goggin.