Nov. 5, 2008
The Nationwide Tour’s 30-tournament season comes to a pressure-packed conclusion this weekend at the Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch (Nov. 6-9) near Dallas. Tour players have been in a season-long quest to finish among “The 25” leading money winners, which will ensure a PGA TOUR card for 2009. Two former University of New Mexico men’s golfers, Spencer Levin (2004-05) and D.J. Brigman (1996-99), will be competing in event.
A number of players have already wrapped up their cards, but for those in and around the 25th spot, every single stroke could have bearing on the final outcome. The leading money winner is fully exempt on the PGA TOUR in 2009 and earns a spot in THE PLAYERS Championship. The other top-25 money winners are exempt on the PGA TOUR in 2009. Those who finish 26-60 are fully exempt on the Nationwide Tour in 2008, in the event they do not secure their PGA TOUR card via the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament in December.
Levin is currently in 21st place on the money list with $221,185 in earnings on the Nationwide Tour this season. Brigman is 36th overall with a total of $169,513 in Nationwide Tour earnings.
With a record $1 million purse and a first prize of $180,000 on the line, every player in the field has a shot at earning a TOUR card. The second-place payout is $108,000. Only $88,633 separates No. 25 Chris Tidland and No. 60 Joe Daley. The difference between Tidland and No. 26 Hunter Haas is a mere $469.
The Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch will air on Golf Channel Thursday through Sunday at 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. MT.