The one sport you can play while social distancing

Las Vegas native A.J. McInerney has always been grateful for the opportunity to play professional golf, a sentiment that was magnified earlier this month when he survived the Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival. That night, McInerney shielded his girlfriend from danger as bullets flew overhead, and after evacuating the premises, he returned with his truck to help fellow concertgoers evacuate. LEARN MORE: McInerney survives Las Vegas shooting   The University of Las Vegas-Nevada alum didn’t expect anything in return for his altruistic acts on a night of 58 fatalities, but he learned this week of an unexpected reward: a sponsor’s invitation for next month’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. McInerney, who finished No. 97 on the 2017 Web.com Tour money list as a rookie, will make his first PGA TOUR start at TPC Summerlin, a week before competing in Second Stage of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament as he strives to regain full status. As he prepares to compete in his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned event since that horrific night, McInerney intends to make his community proud via both his play and conduct. “To play my first PGA TOUR event in my hometown of Las Vegas means the world to me,â€� McInerney said on Monday evening. “I have dreamed of this week since I was 16 years old. “To represent Las Vegas is always something I try to do to the best of my ability, and this week will be no different. Playing for this city during this time is an opportunity I’ll never forget. Vegas strong.â€� Although he admits to being ‘emotionally shaken’ by his experience at the festival – but who wouldn’t be? – McInerney drew inspiration from the community’s response, seeing how sometimes the worst in humanity can bring out the best in humanity. Next month, he’ll hope to parlay that emotion into a big week in front of family, friends and fellow Las Vegans. “I love Las Vegas,â€� McInerney told PGA TOUR Digital a few days after the shooting. “I grew up here and I stayed here for college. I’m based out of here now and I have no plans for leaving. This made me fall in love with Vegas even more. “Everyone knows everyone, and we came together so good. We came together and everyone did what they could to help.â€� Regardless of how things transpire on the course at TPC Summerlin, McInerney’s first PGA TOUR start is sure to be one he’ll always remember. “My goals this week are no different than any other week, which is to win,â€� McInerney said. “This is an amazing opportunity I have been given, and I plan to make the best of it.â€�

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