Children's Miracle Network Classic / PGA TOUR / November 6-9, 2008
 

Our focus this week will be on Brian Gay and his quest for status among the PGA TOUR's Top 30 Money Winners. At stake in this final event are 2009 invitations to The Masters and the U.S. Open.

I would love to add the British Open to that list, but alas, it simply ain't the case. In the news, you will read the following press release:

"New entry criteria are being introduced for next year’s Open at Turnberry to guarantee places in the Championship for the top 30 players from both the European and PGA Tour."

So, Top 30 Money Winner status gains an exemption into the British Open, right? Uh . . . not so fast.

The Top 30 European players are determined by the Order of Merit, the European version of the U.S. Money Winners. The Top 30 U.S. players, on the other hand, are determined by the Top 30 in the FedExCup points system (the qualifiers for the TOUR Championship). So, we now have an 'apples and oranges' situation: The Order of Merit determined by money earned . . . and the FedExCup standings determined by points earned.

If the FedExCup and the Money List were more closely aligned, all would be well. However, the FedExCup ranking is heavily weighted toward the last three tournaments in the Series and away from 'half points' contests played 'opposite' more 'worthy' events throughout the year. Both these constraints divorce the FedExCup rankings away from the Money List.

So, since Brian did not make the TOUR Championship in the FedExCup Playoff Series, he cannot achieve British Open exemption status via the Top 30 money winners.

Go figure.

:scratch:

Perhaps BG will be able to get into The Open via his world ranking.

From the R&A's website:

He could also try via International Final Qualifying:

I'll be at Turnberry to watch Paddy go for three in a row. Hopefully BG and Yoda will be there too!

Life was so much simplier when everything was taken off the Money List/Order of Merit.
International Qualifying is a good way to go. Turnberry is not that far away from me.......:golf:
Alex

'The Shadow' Knows
 

If Brian's there, I'm there.

:salut:

Thats good to hear Yoda.

Alex, I'll be sure to be in touch so we can meet up next July!

:dance:

Get Ready To Rumble!
 

Brian Gay has earned $2,205,513 YTD and presently sits at #30 on the PGA TOUR Money List. Top 30 status is especially coveted because it guarantees an invitation to both The Masters and the U.S. Open for those not otherwise qualified. So, this is an all-important week for Brian, and there is no room to spare.

Interestingly, of the 'men in front', neither Hunter Mahan (#29 / $3,342 ahead) nor D. J. Trahan (#26 / $98,855 ahead) are in the field. So, we know exactly what needs to be done to pass them.

Of those five nearest behind, neither Sean O'Hare (#34 / $115,656 behind) nor Andres Romero (#35 / $140,901 behind) are in the field. That leaves Ken Duke (#31 / $266 behind); J.B. Holmes (#32 / $73,020); and Woody Austin (#33 / $81,392 behind) as the most dangerous to Our Hero. Of course, a win or a very high finish by any of the trailing players (up to about #60) could be enough to leapfrog that player into the Top 30.

This is going to be a real slugfest. And, for Brian, it begins tomorrow at 7:35 a.m.

Go get'em, Champ!

:boxing:

Of course!!
Good luck to Brian this week! I really hope he can sign off the year in big style!
Alex

What a Year!
 

Stay cool & in the moment Brian.....everything else is automatic for you....look forward to seeing you in person at Riviera CC in '09 (& on TV in the Masters):)

Lynn, did Brian speak to you about his mind set going into this?

I would imagine the plan ought to be 'go out and win'. Once he plays with one eye on what others are doing around him he is asking for disaster.

Good luck BG!

Letting Go
 

I called Brian from Dallas on Saturday a week ago. He had just missed his third cut in a row (at the Frys.com Open) by one shot. I'm not going to go into the details of what was said, but suffice it to say that we were both pleased with his T-7 finish the following week at the Ginn sur Mer.

Regarding Brian's focus this week, I assure you he knows what is at stake. But, once the bell rings, he will be into his own game, as always, and will let the chips fall where they may.

:salut: