Brendan Steele posted +13 +7 E +12 = +32 in Stableford scoring last week in the Barracuda Classic on the Montreux Golf & Country Club course in Reno to grab a tie for 5th place. He did it with 18 birdies and an eagle against nine bogeys.

The native Idyllwilder collected his 9th top-20 finish in 19 starts this fine season, including two top-5s. He now stands 44th on the FedExCup list and 71st in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Brendan likes playing the Barracuda so much he gave up the simultaneously played French Open in Paris this year, which he also enjoys very much. The Montreux course averages 5600 feet in elevation, which is like Idyllwild, he has said.

Brendan now heads to Troon, Scotland, for a few days of practice before next week’s The Open Championship, the third major of the season. Get ready for some wee-small-hours, early morning live TV golf. We’ll have his tee times posted next week. UPDATE: Brendan tees off Thursday at 2:42 a.m. PDT and Friday at 7:43 a.m. PDT.

Jack Clark can be reached at jack@towncrier.com.