Seath Lauer joins area players in Nationwide Tour bid

Casey Wittenberg at the PGA Tour's Children's Miracle Network Classic in 2009. Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune News Service

The Nationwide Tour's South Georgia Classic featured some West Florida Golf Tour players attempting to Monday qualify.

Former Lakewood Ranch High and Florida State University standout Seath Lauer joined Matthew Galloway and Daniel Stone for a spot into this week's event.

Former PGA Tour regular Casey Wittenberg also tried qualifying.

So did Ty Tryon and Tyler Leon, who spent time at IMG Academies like Wittenberg.

None of those made it through the one-day qualifier.

The Nationwide Tour conducted the qualifier at two separate venues - seven players made this week's field at each site.

Stone came the closest after a 6-under par 66. His round at Doublegate Country Club only netted him a seven-way playoff for four spots.

He lost out.

Wittenberg finished in 53rd after a 2-under par 70.

Lauer, Galloway, Tryon and Leon all played at Glen Arven Country Club.

Lauer and Galloway both carded 70s to tie for 41st at that site.

Leon, whose sister Taylor is playing the Avnet LPGA Classic this week, posted a 1-under 70 and Tryon finished at 1-over 73.

The tournament has generated buzz because former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz was given a sponsor's exemption into the tournament.