A wonder-struck Palmer Jackson grew up watching the PGA Tour.
He followed the storylines, emulated swings and mannerisms and slid to the end of his seat as Sunday finishes met their climax.
Now, people will tune in to watch him play inside the ropes.
Jackson, the former state champion out of Franklin Regional and current Notre Dame senior, is playing a Tour event this week for the first time.
Jackson received a sponsor exemption into the Butterfield Bermuda Championship beginning Thursday at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda.
“This is the opportunity you dream of as a kid,” Jackson said. “Watching PGA Tour events on TV, I always saw an older version of myself in their shoes. To be making that a reality is pretty special.”
Can’t wait to make my PGA Tour debut this week with Coach @JHandrigan by my side!! Very thankful for the opportunity @Bermuda_Champ https://t.co/2MrRAHDXZL
— Palmer Jackson (@pdjack_) October 24, 2022
Jackson will become the first Notre Dame athlete to make a pro-level debut while still attending the university.
Fighting Irish golf coach John Handrigan will caddie for Jackson, who ranks 17th on the PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking.
He is 39th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Jackson carded top-20 finishes in all five fall tournaments for Notre Dame. He was a PING D1 All-Region selection in 2021 and helped the Irish reach the NCAA regional.
He once held the lowest scoring average in program history.
Jackson won two events last season. He was co-champion of the Gopher Invitational and took the Stephens Cup title.
“Playing against the best players in the world is what great competitors strive for,” Jackson said. “Regardless of the result this week, I will leave knowing a little more about what’s necessary to play well and win out here.
“I’m excited to see how my game and daily process compares to those at the highest level.”
Two-time major champion John Daly also will play on an exemption.
