By Scott Elpers

The race up to the 17th green was Parker Austin’s time to shine. 

Although his father, Derby professional golfer Woody Austin, often drew some of the biggest cheers at the Air Capital Classic at Crestview Country Club this past week, Parker had the crowd to himself as he sped past the other caddies during the ceremonial race toward a green wrapped in three stories of stadium seating.

“It’s fun being on the inside of the ropes and seeing what all the other players are thinking,” said 15-year-old Parker, who was caddying for the first time. “It’s interesting. It’s definitely more fun than work.”

Parker alternated with his 13-yard-old brother Peyton, carrying Austin’s golf bag and offering suggestions around the green during the four-day tournament.     

Along with having his sons caddie, the Wichita tournament gave Austin a unique opportunity to play in front of family, friends and fans, a rarity on the Web.com Tour.  

After missing the cut at the tournament in the previous season, Austin carded his best score of the year with an 8-under-par 276 across 72 holes. He finished tied for 22nd. Scott Parel won the tournament with an 18-under-par 266. 

Five bogeys and a double bogey in the first round of the tournament on Thursday put Austin near the bottom of the leaderboard with a 3-over-par 74.

He bogeyed the par-4 first hole to open the second round, then followed it up with six birdies for a 66.The 5-under-par round was the lowest Austin shot all season, which put him one stroke above the cutline. 

Austin golfed a 68 in the final two rounds, with two bogeys and eight birdies across 36 holes. He finished with 18 total birdies, ranking him among the top 20 in the tournament field.   

Air Capital Classic at Crestview Country Club

Individual results (Top 10): 1. Scott Parel (-18), 266; 2. Alex Argon (-15), 269). 3. Alex Prugh (-13), 271; 4(t). Camilo Benedetti (-12), 272; 4(t). Franklin Corpening (-12), 272; 4(t). Steve Wheatcroft (-12), 272; 7(t). Jace Long (-11), 273; 7(t). Aron Price (-11), 273; 7(t.) Dustin Garza (-11), 273; 7(t.) Chris Thompson (-11), 273; 22(t). Woody Austin (-8), 276.