Can Australians make it three in Miami?
Nationwide Tour | 2010 Miccosukee Championship | Preview | 12 Oct 2010
Australians have won the last two events on the Nationwide Tour and this week the large Australasian contingent get their chance to make it three in a row when the third to last event of the 2010 season.
Steve Bowditch won in California, Scott Gardiner won in Chattanooga and now perhaps it might be another from down under who could enhance his chances of PGA Tour status in 2011 with yet another victory.
From last week’s event in Tennessee the Tour moves south east to Miami and the Miccosukee Golf and Country Club where the Miccosukee Championship will be played for the eighth year at the Mark Mahannah designed layout.
Formerly known as the Miami National Golf Club, the 27 holes were purchased by the Florida based Miccosukee Indians in 2001, the venue being used for the first time for this event in 2003, although under its old guise it had played host to LPGA and PGA Tour events.
Chad Collins won the event last year, playing his way onto the PGA Tour after a 2009 season which was highlighted by consistency. Collins eventually finished runner-up to Michael Sim on the money list and is currently on the verge of retaining his PGA Tour card for the 2011 season.
Won Joon Lee finished runner up in this event last year and his final round of 65 last week suggests he brings good form to a golf course he enjoys. He could be the one to make it three in a row.
15 Australasians are in the field, Steve Bowditch now assured of PGA Tour status in 2011, Scott Gardiner in 24th position still needing another US$20,000 or so to be sure and Alistair Presnell in 28th position and Bradley Iles 40th the next best at this stage.
Any player in the leading 70 players on the money list however could, by winning this week and securing a first prize of US$112,000, all but guarantee themselves a place on the PGA Tour next season so it is a very important week for many.
The Tour’s leading money winner, Jamie Lovemark, is not in this week’s field, instead taking advantage of a start at the Frys.com Open (PGA Tour) event in California.
