Endicott, N.Y., -- Matt Abbott (Endwell, N.Y.), a recent Penn State graduate and former golf standout, has received a sponsor's exemption to play in the B.C. Open, a PGA-sponsored event to be held at the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, N.Y. July 19-22.

Abbott concluded his illustrious collegiate career as Penn State's career scoring leader (73.68). The 2001 Ping Honorable Mention All-American also earned District II Player-of-the-Year accolades as a junior. A two-time all-Big Ten honoree, Abbott earned conference Golfer-of-the-Week on March 22. He captured medalist honors at the Northern Intercollegiate and the Big Red Classic. The team leader with a 71.93 stroke average, Abbott finished under par in seven tourneys as a senior and was recently selected to the 12-member Golf Coaches Association of America All-District II team.