Michael Thompson continues to play good golf

It’s been a whirlwind year for Michael Thompson — from being named All-American and the SEC’s top golfer as a senior at the University of Alabama, to playing in the Masters and the U.S. Open.

“It’s really been amazing,” Thompson said. “It’s hard to believe it’s happened to me. I’ve seen it happen to so many others and always wished to be in their shoes.”

Thompson may not have both feet in “their shoes” yet, but he’s stepped in.

Considered the No. 1 amateur in the world this year according to the World Amateur Ranking System, Thompson recently turned pro and is in town this week playing in the Dothan Classic on the NGA Hooters Tour at Highland Oaks.

Thompson fired a first-round, 5-under-par 67 on Thursday, good for a four-way tie in sixth place in the standings going into today’s round of the four-day tournament.

Australian Kurt Barnes is the first-day leader after firing a 7-under 65. He’s followed by Andrew Medley (Athens), David Skinns (Lincoln, England), Jeff Corr (Longwood, Fla.) and Joey Lamielle (Sarasota, Fla.) — all at 66.

Locally, Dothan’s Heath West was in one of the few groups which did not finish their round due to darkness. Those players will return to the course at 7:30 this morning to complete their first round. Mason Crumpler of Enterprise shot a 76.

This week marks Thompson’s third tournament since turning pro. He entered two Nationwide Tour events, but missed the cut in both.

Yet Thompson has good reason to be confident he can be a strong competitor on the professional circuit.

After all, he tied for 29th at the U.S. Open in June while competing as an amateur.

“That would have meant about $50,000 if I had been playing as a pro,” Thompson said.

He also had the chance to play the Masters this spring, though he didn’t make the cut. Both opportunities to play the prestigious pro tournaments as an amateur came as a result of finishing runner-up in the 2007 U.S. Amateur.

“It was kind of surreal,” Thompson said of the experiences. “The only thought I had about being there was to have fun and take it all in. The thing I learned most about being out there is I can play with those guys.

“Out there (PGA Tour), whoever has a good week will win.”

Thompson said several of the PGA veterans boosted his confidence.

“Joe Ogilvie at the U.S. Open and Ben Crenshaw at the Masters were two of the guys I got to play with, and (they) complimented me on being a good, young player,” Thompson said. “It was really flattering.”

The PGA events gave Thompson insight into what life would be like on the world’s best tour. As for now, however, he knows patience is needed as he works his way up the ladder.

“Right now I’m living week to week,” Thompson said of his tourney plans. “Next Monday, I’m going to a qualifier for a Nationwide tournament in Pennsylvania.

“I don’t know what I’m doing two weeks from now.”

A big plus for Thompson in his early pro career is a recently signed endorsement deal with Ping golf equipment. It means his tourney fees and travel are paid for by Ping, and leaves anything he earns on the pro tour as profit.

If Thompson keeps performing the way he did Thursday, he’ll definitely be on the way to success.

Playing the back nine first, Thompson made birdie on the first three holes, and had five birdies before making the turn.

“I’m really just glad to be playing this well,” he said.

Thompson is scheduled to tee off at 1:39 this afternoon on hole No. 1.

The field of 168 will be cut to 60 after today’s second round.