Published: July 24, 2008 11:10 pm      

Riley makes big splash in pro golf

Tyler Riley knows how to make an entrance.

The 23-year-old who grew up in Flatwoods enjoyed a spectacular professional golf debut this week.

Displaying nerves of steel, Riley sank a 15-foot birdie putt in a sudden-death playoff Wednesday to capture the 85th Ohio Open at Quail Hollow Country Club in Concord Township.

“It’s pretty hard to describe,’’ Riley said Thursday in a phone interview. “There are probably not many people that win their first pro event. I just went out there with a lot of confidence. I got myself in position and capitalized on my opportunities.’’

So well that he picked up the first-place prize of $8,000.

Riley shot an 8-under par 205 and put himself in a playoff with 1989 Ohio Open champion Tony Mollica by rolling in a 10-footer to birdie No. 18.

The two players matched pars in a two-hole aggregate score playoff, setting the stage for Riley’s win in sudden death.

“It was like a big financial weight was lifted off, being able to win money and know that you’re good enough to compete with the big boys,’’ he said.

Riley’s first pro victory, coming on the heels of a sixth-place tie at last week’s Ohio Amateur, already places him in elite company. Past winners of the Ohio Open include the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.

Riley attended high school in Findlay, Ohio, after moving from Flatwoods. He graduated from Toledo University in December and moved to Orlando. He has been working and tuning up his golf game at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, whose membership includes some of the PGA’s top names.

“It’s a good atmosphere to be successful,’’ Riley said. “I always wanted to make it as a professional. That’s been my dream.’’

His next step?

“I’ve got a couple of meetings to find some investors,’’ Riley said. “I’m planning to play in the Toledo Open (in September). From there, I’m going to try the PGA Q-school or Canadian Q-school.’’

Riley’s uncle, Del Henry, lives in Orlando and caddied for him the past two weeks.

“Certainly, for Tyler to win his first (pro) tournament right out of the box was a nice step,’’ Henry said.

Riley is the son of Andy and Jenny Riley. Tyler’s grandmother, Golda Riley Pack, lives in Flatwoods.

“It’s been a few years now, but definitely when I get back there it’s good times seeing old friends and finding out what they have been doing with their lives,’’ Riley said.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.