Unlikely pipeline: Boise State shining at q-school

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Troy Merritt is trying to become the third player to medal at q-school by leading after every round.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Before you ask, no, they didn't play on blue fairways in college.

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But Boise State products Troy Merritt and Graham DeLaet are just 18 holes away from reaching the golden fairways of the PGA TOUR. And they're doing it in style, providing a 1-2 punch on the leaderboard.

Merritt led DeLaet by two shots when play was stopped because of darkness Sunday in the fifth round of the PGA TOUR's Qualifying Tournament at Bear Lakes Country Club. Merritt was 1 under through 12 holes to move to 18 under with 24 holes left in the six-day ordeal; DeLaet was 2 under to reach 16 under. Both players seem certain to earn their PGA TOUR cards by finishing among the top 25 players and ties.

Who would have thought Boise State -- well known for its undefeated football team that plays on a blue artificial surface -- was such a pipeline to the PGA TOUR?

"Yeah, everybody always would ask if we played on blue courses," Merritt said, smiling. "We used to hear that all the time."

Merritt, 24, was the Western Athletic Conference's Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. He won seven times during his senior season, including his last five starts. He played on the Nationwide Tour this year, winning the Mexico Open and finishing 39th on the money list.

DeLaet, 27, was the WAC Player of the Year in 2006. He has spent most of his brief pro career on the Canadian Tour, winning Rookie of the Year in 2007 and earning Player of the Year honors this season.

"I told everyone when they were seniors to watch out for these two guys," said Boise State men's golf coach Kevin Burton, who played on the PGA TOUR in 1997. "They both learned how to win in college. They have really good games and they're really good people, as well."

Playing in just his second q-school, Merritt has performed like a seasoned pro. He took the first-round lead and has held at least a share of the lead the entire week. (He would join Scott Verplank and Frank Lickliter as the only ones to go wire-to-wire at q-school.) Merritt is the only player in the field to shoot in the 60s the first four rounds.

"It's a lot better being nine shots above the line (where the 25th player is) than one or two," Merritt said. "I don't have to play aggressively. Just aim for the fat side of the green and hopefully roll in a birdie once in a while. But I definitely want to win."

It doesn't hurt for the ex-Broncos to be paired together for the last two rounds. They weren't teammates at Boise State -- Merritt arrived just after DeLaet graduated -- but DeLaet estimates they've played more than 100 rounds together.

"It's like we're back in Boise just playing golf together," DeLaet said. "I could not ask for a better pairing. It's fun when you can cheer for the guy you are playing with as well."

Burton has spent the last five days glued to his computer watching his former players serve as the best recruiting pitch for his program. You want to make it to the PGA TOUR? Go to Boise State.

Burton insists this week is no fluke for the ex-Broncos.

"I have no doubt both can win next year," Burton said, "and they'll be out there a long time. Troy's greatest asset is between his ears; he can really manage his game. Graham has one of the best swings I've ever seen. He's so strong with his upper body -- he probably has the most body rotation I've seen."

The two have combined to make just two starts on the PGA TOUR, both by DeLaet. Barring a missed tee time, that will change next year.

Yes, they play more than football at Boise State.

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PAPPAS, STUARD MAKE MOVES: Brendan Pappas and Brian Stuard made the biggest moves Sunday, both getting to four-under in their rounds when play was stopped because of darkness in the fifth round of the PGA TOUR's Qualifying Tournament at Bear Lakes.

Pappas, who played 14 holes, moved from a 10th-place tie to a third-place tie with Jeff Maggert at 14-under. Stuard was among the 52 players to finish their round, shooting a 68 that improved his position from 28th place to 17th.

• Chris Riley, Matt Jones and Kris Banks are tied for fifth at 13 under, a shot ahead of Neal Lancaster, J.P. Hayes, Billy Horschel and Andrew McLardy. TOUR veterans Jay Williamson and Joe Ogilvie are among five players tied for 12th at 11 under.

• Twenty-five players are at nine-under or better; the top 25 and ties earn their PGA TOUR cards.

• Rickie Fowler, who lost in a playoff at the Frys.com Open, is tied for 20th place after a 70.

• The fifth round resumes Monday at 7:45 a.m., with the final round starting at 8:20.