Flanagan makes move on Nationwide Tour
BY Anthony Powter | Nationwide Tour | 2006 Price Cutter Charity Championship | Wrap | 24 Jul 2006
Less than twelve months ago, Nick Flanagan was in search of a full time tour as he grabbed every chance to play main events that were offered as riches for winning the US Amateur in 2003.
Time was on his side and the Novocastrian was not fazed at the time with his slow start in the professional ranks, quietly confident that he would make it on the US Nationwide Tour within a year.
How true that would turn out to be – solid performances early in the year on the co-sanctioned Nationwide Tour events in Australasia elevated Flanagan onto the Nationwide Tour from the “conditional status” he gained through US Q-School.
This morning’s second place finish in the Price Cutter Charity Championship has positioned Flanagan 16th on the money list, comfortably inside the much sought after top 20 ranking.
The timing of the result at Price Cutter was perfect for Flanagan. Not only has it elevated his ranking up fourteen places, it has given him the confidence to finish the year strongly. A second round 62 in the championship was his lowest score in the US, and the 2nd place finish his best result to date on the Nationwide Tour.
“I’ve just had a three week break and it freshened me up for the long run home to the Tour Championship in November, after which I will return to Australia where hopefully I will get starts in all four major events.”
Life certainly has changed for Flanagan since he arrived in the US earlier in the year.
Flanagan has made 10 cuts from 12 starts in his rookie season on the Nationwide Tour. The strategy at the start of the season was simple, to make as many cuts early as possible.
“All the guys that have finished US$150,000- $200,000 on the money list have had good starts early in the season, if you get off quickly it’s a big help for the rest of the year to try and get into that top 20 position and make the main tour.”
“I played well all week, hit plenty of fairways and putted great. I am very happy with the finish, especially the birdie on the last which go me to out right second.”
The ability to birdie the last hole to claim an outright top five finish must be a Flanagan trademark, as that was exactly the same result he achieved in the Jacob’s Creek Open earlier this year when he chipped in to finish outright 3rd and kick started his season on the Nationwide Tour.
We witnessed what hopefully will be the start of new era for Flanagan at the Price Cutter Charity Championship. He is open that he feels comfortable playing the Nationwide Tour for the moment, that he is enjoying the challenge and approaching the game in a different manner.
“The Nationwide Tour is a kind of tour that I am not worried if I am on this tour for the next two years or a year, as you can make good money as well as gain the experience that you get from having a main tour to play. It hardens you up.”
“I am not thinking about making the cut any more but winning tournaments. I now go out there and try and stay inside the top 10 and just play. You have to be aggressive out there as guys go seven under all the time.”
Flanagan’s quiet confidence and steady consistency are showing tangible results in the US. Combine these with his natural talent, and a Nationwide Tour victory must be just around the corner; so too could be a pass to the main tour if this morning’s victory is any indication as to Flanagan’s form.
Photo – Anthony Powter
