Andre Stolz, a man with many options
IN: News | Nationwide | LaSalle Bank Open (2003) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 09 Jun 2003
After his two shot win in this week's La Salle Bank Open in Glenview Illinois, Australian Andre Stolz finds himself in the rather invidious position of having positions of strength on three different money lists. His win here, and the accompanying $US90,000, has moved him to number two on the Nationwide Tour, he is currently tenth on the Japanese Tour and of course leads the Australasian Tour at its half way stage.
Stolz won in Japan earlier this year when he took out the Token Homemate Cup and although he did not win in Australia this year, his consistent run of form in the bigger events, along with a runner up place at the Clearwater Classic, leaves him with all sorts of options opening up.
Stolz missed out last week in qualifying for the US Open, but this certainly makes up for that disappointment. His second round 65 set up the victory although it was probably his last nine today, following a shaky start to his round that highlighted the New South Welshman's talent. At two over for the round through eight holes today, Stolz trailed Tommy Tolles by four and given Tolles' considerable USPGA Tour experience, his task of catching the leader looked almost impossible. Stolz saw it differently and five birdies in the last six holes saw him catch and pass Tolles and D.A. Points to win by two.
Given that there will now be a chance for 20 players from the Nationwide Tour to advance to the USPGA tour next season and that the 20th place last year earned just $US155,000, then Stolz looks virtually assured of his PGA Tour card for 2004 with $US171,000 in the bank so far.
Whilst doing on course television commentary during the Clearwater Classic Christchurch in New Zealand earlier this year, I had several of the Nationwide Tour players expressing to me admiration for the game of Andre Stolz. I'd imagine that he now has even more fans.
Fellow Australian Chris Downes, who continues to get starts via Monday qualifying and is making a good fist of it, again performed well to finish 14th, assuring himself of a start in next week's North East Pennsylvania Classic. His finish here should move him to around 35th on the money list. Mark Hensby was 34th and Michael Long, after leading with a first round 65, dropped right out of it to finish 69th.
