Willis win confirms 2010 PGA Tour card
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2009 WNB Golf Classic | Round Four | 28 Sep 2009
35-year-old Garrett Willis, a previous winner on both the PGA and Nationwide Tours, is on his way back to the big-time next year following his victory in this week’s WNB Classic in Midland in Texas.
Willis, who has also played several events on the PGA Tour in 2009 under his past champion category, was already inside the all important top 25 heading in to this week’s event but his narrow one shot victory over Chad Collins has him assured of return to the PGA Tour in 2010.
Collins’ final round of 62 was completed nearly three hours ahead of the final pairing and although on this low scoring layout his 19 under par total appeared unlikely to be good enough, he remained a chance at least until Willis had holed out for par at the last.
Collins is also on his way back to the PGA Tour after having played there as a rookie in 2008. His round today may have fallen two short of a playoff but he will be delighted with what it has given him.
The leading Australasian was shared by Cameron Percy and Monday qualifier Rhein Gibson who finished in a share of 27th position. Lismore’s Gibson played collegiate golf at the Oklahoma Christian University before turning professional 12 months or so ago. He put together a round of 62 on Monday to gain a start in the event and has had a solid week after an opening round of 64.
Percy continues his progress towards the PGA Tour. He slipped two positions on the money list this week to 14th but appears already assured of being one of the top 25 graduates at season’s end.
Scott Gardiner was 41st, Steve Bowditch 46th, Won Joon Lee 55th and Adam Bland 67th.
