Presnell opens door in Texas
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2010 WNB Golf Classic | Round Two | 25 Sep 2010
Victorian golfer, Alistair Presnell, currently in 39th position on the 2010 Nationwide Tour money list, needs a big finish to the season if he is to claim PGA Tour status for the first time and he has made all the right moves in the early stages of the WNB Classic in Texas.
Presnell has put together consecutive rounds of 67 to lead the event after 36 holes by one over American Brad Lederer.
Needing perhaps as much as US$60,000 to be one of the 25 who gain PGA Tour privileges via this season’s Nationwide Tour, Presnell has played beautifully from tee to green in the opening two days of the event at the Midland Country Club in Midland. A final nine of 32 today saw him move through the field to take the lead.
As had been the case when he won the Moonah Classic in early 2009, Presnell started the 2010 season well but in recent weeks his form had fallen away. His win in the Victorian PGA Championship in February, which included a final round of 60, suggested this might be his year. When he finished a remarkable 6th at the WGC event in Miami earning US$206,000 for his effort, it gave even greater hope for his future but missing his last five cuts has put him on the back foot. He has however bounced back and opened the door once again.
This event and its equivalent have been good to Australians with Paul Gow winning in 1997 and Marc Leishman winning by 11 shots in 2008.
Presnell would wrap up a PGA Tour card with victory this weekend and even a second place finish would likely be enough to get the job done. With 25 players within four shots of the lead however he needs to produce further high quality golf over the final 36 holes.
