Coles moves closer in Knoxville
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2010 Knoxville News Sentinel Open | Round Three | 29 Aug 2010
New South Wales golfer Gavin Coles is perhaps just one day away from regaining his USPGA Tour card. A win tomorrow at the Knoxville News Sentinel Open would all but assure Coles of a return to the PGA Tour.
Coles added a third round of 64 to move into a share of third, just two behind the leader, Chris Kirk. A win tomorrow would move him to US$185,000 on the season’s money list and that should see him finish the season inside the all important top 25 who advance to the PGA Tour in 2010.
First though Coles must get past Kirk, one of the most successful players on this year’s Nationwide Tour. Kirk won earlier in the season and is currently in 4th position on the money list. He added a third round of 63 including a whirlwind finish of two birdies and an eagle in his closing four holes.
Separating Coles from leader, Kirk, is the 48 year old three time PGA Tour winner, Kirk Triplett.
Coles played the PGA Tour initially in 2003, again in 2005 and in 2007. He has gone close to regaining his PGA Tour card on one or two other occasions but this represents yet another opportunity. With still nine events to play in 2010 any progress he makes tomorrow will help but a win would seal the deal.
Coles best finish on the PGA Tour was when 7th at the 2005 Houston Open but he has won four times on the Nationwide Tour.
Mark Hensby and Won Joon Lee are the next best of the Australians in a share of 14th position.
