Lonard makes it nine at Augusta
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2008 US Masters | General | 31 Mar 2008
Peter Lonard’s impressive finish at the Zurich Classic this morning has provided a double whammy for him. Not only does it earn him a cheque for US$669,000 but he joins fellow Australians Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Robert Allenby, Nick O’Hern, John Senden, and Richard Green at Augusta. Also in the field is New Zealander, Michael Campbell.
The only other option available to Lonard and others still looking to qualify would have been to win next week’s Shell Houston Open but Lonard’s big leap in the world rankings to number 46 has him inside one of the several categories to ensure invitation.
Lonard needed to be inside the top 50 in the world rankings when they were published today and his runner up finish to Andres Romero in New Orleans was enough to do so.
When asked about his chances of gaining a berth at Augusta after his final round today, Lonard joked, “Well, I’ve never made a cut at Augusta, so it doesn’t really worry me whether I’m going or not (laughter). But I would like another go before I die (laughter).”
And so he will.
