Pittston Area alum Brandon Matthews received an invitation to play in next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Enrique Berardi | PGA Tour
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Brandon Matthews made headlines last year when he showed a fan with special needs compassion.
And now because of that, the former Pittston Area star and PIAA champion will play in his first PGA Tour event.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational announced Thursday on Twitter that it had extended an invitation to Matthews to play in the tournament March 5 through 8.
“When a fan with special needs caused @B_Matthews12 to miss a putt during a playoff, he responded just as Mr. Palmer would have––with kindness, humility and grace. Don’t miss him next week as he makes his first PGA TOUR start at #APinv!,” the post reads.
Back in November, a fan distracted Matthews in the backstroke of a putt that could have helped him win a tournament and earn a spot in the British Open. When Matthews learned the man had special needs, he made sure to meet with him, giving him some signed memorabilia and a hug.
“I just wanted to go out and make sure he was alright, so it was really important to me to make sure that he was kind of a fan of golf for life,” Matthews said in a video attached to the tournament’s post.
Matthews certainly appreciated the invitation
“To get an exemption to this tournament is really special, especially because it’s Mr. Palmer’s tournament,” Matthews said. “To be recognized in any light with him is special. And any way I can make people’s lives better, the game better, I’m proud to be a part of that.”