Stan Badz/PGA TOUR

Michael Thompson is in contention for his first PGA TOUR win.

HONOLULU – Five things you should know about Michael Thompson, who is in contention to win the Sony Open in Hawaii:

> Played at Tulane University until the golf team was disbanded after Hurricane Katrina. Transferred to the University of Alabama and was SEC Golfer of the Year in 2008. Was also a finalist for the 2008 Ben Hogan Award, finishing second to Rickie Fowler

> Was 98th on the PGA TOUR money list in his rookie season of 2011

> Always marks his ball with a 1985 quarter … with the head up

> Is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America

> Favorite pro team is the New Orleans Saints (sorry about that loss yesterday)