Oberholser now assured of USPGA Tour card for 2003

BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2002 Utah Classic | Wrap | 09 Sep 2002

The fact that the Utah Classic was rain shortened to fifty four holes will hardly be of concern to Aaron Oberholser today as he ties up a spot on the USPGA Tour next season. Oberholser’s win moves him to the top of this season’s money list on the Buy.Com.Tour and irrespective of what happens from here on in he is virtually assured of a place next year on the “big boys” tour.

Oberholser, Cliff Kresge and Patrick Moore all appear guaranteed of a spot, it would seem, and any one of them could be there earlier with another win as they would then have gained a card by way of the battlefield promotion deal.

The event was seriously affected by weather to the point that it was reduced to fifty four holes and even today there were concerns about getting finished in time.

Aaron Baddeley threatened to challenge the lead during the last round, especially following his mid-round birdie blitz, but two late bogeys put paid to that. Still it was a better effort from him for 11th place. Mark Hensby was 17th, James McLean 46th and Craig Spence 63rd.

Two Australasians who have excellent chances to make the top fifteeen at year’s end, Gavin Coles and Steve Alker, both missed the cut but have retained their positions on the money list. They may not be so lucky in the future and will have to find a way to regain form, and quickly. Alker has now missed his last four cuts.

Final Round – Australasian Scores
T11 -9 Aaron Baddeley
T17 -8 Mark Hensby
T63 E Craig Spence

• Missed Cut *
  Steven Alker
  Nathan Green
  Gavin Coles