Equation simple but perhaps not the task

BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2002 Southern Farm Bureau Classic | Preview | 29 Oct 2002

As was the case at the Buy.Com Tour Championship last week, this week’s Southern Farm Bureau Classic in Madison, Mississippi will determine the playing destiny for those currently outside the top 120 on the USPGA Tour. I say 120 but of course it will be the top 125 who get through. Those who are as low as 120th, perhaps even lower, will need to watch their backs this week, however.

Last year Cameron Beckman won the tournament although he was already well established inside the top 125 at that stage, but for Dan Forsman his fourth place jumped him to 114th and safety. Woody Austin, who finished in 125th place last year, just survived, despite a last round 76.

As for the Australasians, there are several who need to pull a rabbit out of the hat if they are to be playing with full privileges next year. Frank Nobilo, in 132nd place at present, would have needed a top eight finish but he is not playing this week. Paul Gow at 133rd will need a top six or seven, Mattie Goggin (139th) needs a top three, although he must get a start first as he is currently fifth alternate. Steve Allan (147th) needs a top two or three, Grant Waite (150th) must finish in the top two and both Michael Long and Bradley Hughes need a win. So the equation is simple but the task perhaps not so.

Peter Lonard will play, despite also entering the European Tour event in Italy this week. He is clearly keen to consolidate what must surely be “Rookie of the Year” title. If he does not win the title, there should be a stewards enquiry. Admittedly Jonathan Byrd, also a rookie, won last week, but Lonard’s amazing consistency, missing just one cut in twenty-three events, must surely have him ahead in that race at present.

Australians playing this week are Lonard, Gow, Senden, who has rushed back to make sure the extraordinary does not happen and he slips dramatically from his 115th position, Steve Allan and Bradley Hughes.

New Zealanders Craig Perks, Grant Waite and Michael Long are also there although, as mentioned earlier, no sign of Nobilo.

Likely favourites will be Lee Janzen, Tim Herron, Steve Flesch, Stewart Cink and Forsman, who did so well here last year and is currently playing well.