Aug. 4, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Billy Hurley, a 2004 graduate of the Naval Academy who was named a PING All-American that same year, shot a course-record tying 7-under par 65 to win the PGA qualifier for the Turning Stone Resort Championship which is on tap to begin on Thursday in Verona, N.Y. Hurley, who fulfilled his military commitment as a surface warfare officer in June of 2009, was among the final four players to be added to the field of better than 130 competitors.

Hurley, who will open the tournament teeing off on the 10th hole at 1:50 pm on Thursday, will play alongside Henrik Bjornstad and Cameron Percy. Bjornstad, who turned professional in 1997, became the first Norwegian on the PGA Tour when he qualified with a tied 13th place finish at the 2005 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. Meanwhile, Australian Cameron Percy turned pro in 1998 and has spent much of his career playing among the Nationwide Tour.

The most decorated player in Navy golf history, Hurley's accomplishments while at the Academy were numerous. A four-time All-Patriot League selection and 2004 PING Honorable Mention All-American at Navy, Hurley was awarded the Academy's Thompson Trophy Cup in 2004, presented to that midshipman, male or female, who has done the most during the year to promote athletics at the Naval Academy. That spring he added to his lengthy list of accomplishments when he learned he was the recipient of the 2004 Byron Nelson Award. Hurley was selected from a pool of nominees, earning the prestigious award based on character, integrity, academic and athletic achievement. Particular consideration was given to good citizenship, as portrayed by Mr. Byron Nelson over the course of his life and golf career. He was also on the watch list for the 2004 The Ben Hogan Award

Hurley was named the 2004 Patriot League Player of the Year after capturing the Patriot League Tournament title. Additionally, he garnered PING Mid-Atlantic Region recognition his sophomore through senior seasons and named the 2004 PING Mid-Atlantic Region Player of the Year.

He was selected to represent the United States as a member of the 10-player 2005 Walker Cup team. The Walker Cup pits the best amateur golfers from the United States against their counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland. The United States re-captured the Walker Cup for the first time since the 1997 match by narrowly defeating Great Britain and Ireland, 12.5-11.5, at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill.

A year prior to the Walker Cup, Hurley became the first Service Academy graduate to be selected to play in the Palmer Cup. Like the Walker Cup, it features the premiere amateur golfers from the United States and Europe, though the golfers are selected from the collegiate ranks. Hurley was selected to captain the 2004 Palmer Cup team that competed against the Europeans at Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry, Ireland. Hurley won his singles match against Francesco Molinari, 4 &3, while he and teammate Jack Ferguson edge out Lars Brovold and Alex Noren, 1 up, in doubles competition on the final day.

Having played in seven PGA events to date, Hurley made his professional debut on March 16, 2006, at the Bay Hill Invitational where he received an exemption from Arnold Palmer. Not only did Hurley make the cut, he finished tied for 43rd, ahead of some well known names, including two-time U.S. Open winner Ratief Goosen and Ernie Els, who were both ranked among the top 10 in the world, and 2005 Tournament of Champions winner Stuart Appleby. Meanwhile, Hurley finished just three strokes behind Tiger Woods, who tied for 20th.

The 2010 Turning Stone Resort Championship begins Thursday and will conclude on Sunday. Fans can follow the action via the official web site at www.turningstonechampionship.com(.)

### Go Navy ###