108 holes lie ahead for USPGA Tour aspirants

BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2002 USPGA Tour Q-School - Final Stage | Preview | 02 Dec 2002

On Wednesday December 4th, 170 high quality golfers begin their campaign to either gain or regain their 2003 USPGA Tour cards, when the first of six rounds gets underway in La Quinta, California.

I say high quality, as just to reach this stage has taken a massive effort for many. 1,300 applicants initially applied, most of whom faced the starter in stage one over thirteen different venues on October 15th. The successful 275 or so moved forward to stage two where they were joined by those not making the top 150 on the USPGA Tour, plus others making up a field of some 450. They would compete for the 125 spots available from there into the finals.

The field for the finals is therefore made up of those who have made it through that grind and who have now been joined by those finishing from 125th to 150th on the money list this year, plus a selection of players who have qualified from various money lists around the world.

The prize for those making the top 35 and ties – a fully exempt 2003 USPGA Tour card and the right to compete for some $US225,000,000 in the season ahead. For those not making it, there are Nationwide Tour cards (ex Buy.Com) of various categories available so all is not lost but the carrot of the main prize is what they are all here for.

Nine Australians and one New Zealander will take their place in the field. Recent Australian Open winner Steve Allan, a man who has been here twice and must go through it all again. Mathew Goggin, who played well but not well enough to make the top 125 this year on limited starts is back. Paul Gow who lost his card last month in his second season on tour, Mark Hensby who looked at one stage that he might avoid this via the Buy.Com Tour this year, Bradley Hughes, a very ordinary year while also playing without full status, Anthony Painter who went close via the Buy.Com Tour, James McLean who has made it through the qualifying stages, Stephen Leaney here via Europe’s money list, Scott Laycock here via the Australasian Tour money list and New Zealander Michael Long here after losing his card on the main tour and going through stage two qualifying to get here.

Six rounds or 108 holes over two courses lie ahead to decide their fate and perhaps their futures.

Australasian Player List
Anthony Painter
Bradley Hughes
James McLean
Mark Hensby
Mathew Goggin
Michael Long
Paul Gow
Scott Laycock
Stephen Leaney
Steve Allan