OnScene: Curry prepares for Web.com Tour event

It would probably be easiest to illustrate the next several weeks as a flowchart replete with a series of if-thens, but it really isn’t that complicated. The top 125 in the FedExCup standings at the conclusion of this week’s Wyndham Championship qualify for the Playoffs. They’re also fully exempt on the PGA TOUR in 2017-18. Those who aren’t yet fully exempt and finish 126-200 in FedExCup points qualify for the Web.com Tour Finals. That series begins on Aug. 31-Sept. 3 with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. This is the first time that earnings will not be used to determine status, so if you’re a full-season salary gamer, be sure to crosscheck who’s inside the top 125 in the FedExCup standings. Do not assume that a golfer inside the top 125 on the money list after the Wyndham has a TOUR card next season. PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf presented by SERVPRO My roster for the Wyndham Championship (in alphabetical order): Bud Cauley Bill Haas Kevin Kisner (winner) Sam Saunders Webb Simpson Henrik Stenson You’ll find my starters in Expert Picks. Others to consider for each category (in alphabetical order): Scoring: Keegan Bradley; Jason Dufner; Lucas Glover; Brandon Hagy; Ben Martin; Graeme McDowell; Ryan Moore; Grayson Murray; Chris Stroud Driving: Keegan Bradley; Jason Dufner; Lucas Glover; James Hahn; Billy Horschel; Martin Laird; Ryan Moore; Rory Sabbatini; Kevin Streelman Approach: Chad Campbell; Jason Dufner; Lucas Glover; Ben Martin; Chez Reavie; Rory Sabbatini; Chris Stroud Short: Scott Brown; Luke Donald; Brandon Hagy; Billy Horschel; Martin Laird; Graeme McDowell; Chez Reavie Power Rankings Wild Card Keegan Bradley … Tied for 46th in his Sedgefield debut last year and he’s perfect in six starts since the U.S. Open. Three went for top 15s. Leads the PGA TOUR in total driving and ranks 23rd in greens in regulation. That quintessential form has relieved most of the pressure off below-average putting since the anchoring ban and has supported his spot at 48th in adjusted scoring. Draws Grayson Murray … This is all about hopping aboard the bandwagon while it’s in motion. His missed cut in Canada after his breakthrough at the Barbasol Championship wasn’t unexpected, but a T22 (despite a closing 75) at the PGA Championship was a welcome surprise. Now making his Wyndham debut while playing on house FedExCup points. Billy Horschel … He’s been quiet since a T4 at TPC Southwind, one of his haunts for success, but it’s time to make room again in DFS. Sedgefield isn’t quite in the same category in terms of year-to-year brilliance, but he’s missed only one of five cuts. He placed T5 last year. Currently 22nd on TOUR in greens hit. Lucas Glover … With ball-striking as strong as his, he should miss few cuts. That was his M.O. early in his career, and it has been again this season, at least until he endured a 1-for-4 blip in late May and all of June. The 37-year-old has since righted the ship that’s projected to sail nicely at Sedgefield where he finished inside the top 25 in each of the last two years. Graeme McDowell … It’s funny what can happen when a long-time PGA TOUR member makes a tournament debut later in his career and thrives. He returns! DFSers won’t mind taking a flier on the 38-year-old following a T5 on the gettable par 70 last year. He ranked ninth in strokes gained: putting for the week. It occurred during a similar up-and-down record with which he enters this week. Luke Donald … Only if you’re keen on comping his record at Sedgefield to his accomplishments at Harbour Town, site of his only top 15 in 2017. He’s as calculated a flier as it gets since he’s just 2-for-9 worldwide with no top 55s since the runner-up. The Englishman also was the runner-up here last year after finishing T26 in his debut in 2015. All of his scores have been 68 or lower. Chad Campbell … At 12th in greens in regulation and second in scrambling, he’s straight chalk as a DFS complement. Also 7-for-8 with five top 20s since the AT&T Byron Nelson. Fades Kyle Stanley … With no top 40s among two cuts made in four starts since winning the Quicken Loans National, he’s fulfilling the classic letdown after reaching the goal following months of chasing and crashing leaderboards. This is the essence of why he lands in this section. Otherwise, he’d set up wonderfully as the TOUR’s leader in greens in regulation who also slots T2 in proximity. A T14 at last year’s Wyndham doesn’t hurt the perception, either. Russell Knox … If he owned a record better than one cut made (T37, 2012) in two appearances, I wouldn’t talk you out of him. However, he went from putting beautifully on the bentgrass at Firestone en route to a T5 to missing the cut on Bermuda at Quail Hollow. While the Scot has succeeded on all surfaces, it was a regression toward form that yielded just the singular top 10 in 2017. Kevin Na … It hasn’t been a bad season, but it’s been his worst while healthy in nine years. It also hasn’t been any one thing, so there’s a direct relationship between his stats and his production. It’s been six months since his last top 20 in stroke-play competition on the PGA TOUR. Last year’s T10 at Sedgefield occurred amid a stretch of consistently strong form. William McGirt … Now 0-for-3 since The Open Championship with the withdrawal in Canada sandwiched in there. Has a pair of top 15s at Sedgefield, but he’s also finished outside the top 50 four times. For a veteran who often lines up as a horse for a course, the smart play is to leave him in the stable this week. Kyle Reifers … As often as he emerges as a potential sleeper, it’s surprising that he’s 152nd in the FedExCup standings. However, he’s outside the top 155 in both third- and final-round scoring average. With T18s in the last two additional events, there’s reason to be hopeful yet again, but he’s just 2-for-4 without a top 35 at Sedgefield. Returning to Competition Smylie Kaufman … The recently engaged 25-year-old made the cut at the Barracuda Championship two weeks ago but withdrew before the final round. Now makes his Wyndham debut positioned 135th in the FedExCup standings, but he’s fully exempt through 2017-18 via his victory at the 2015 Shriners. Julian Etulain … Withdrew during his second round of the Barracuda with a wrist injury. The rookie is 160th in the FedExCup standings. Brian Davis … Making his first appearance on the PGA TOUR in 14 months. Sat out nearly a year due to injury. Went 3-for-5 without a top 45 on the Web.co Tour this summer. Has five starts on a medical extension that will extend into 2017-18 PGA TOUR season, if necessary. Notable WDs Brandt Snedeker … He’s now gone five commitments from which a rib injury has forced his early withdrawal. It’s the first time in 11 years that he’s missing the Wyndham Championship. He’s been a faithful participant (and frequent contender) ever since he won in his debut as a PGA TOUR rookie at Forest Oaks in 2007. Currently 57th in the FedExCup standings, he’s fallen just 16 spots since a T14 at the Travelers. Charles Howell III … Once a regular at Sedgefield, he’s now sat out the last two editions. However, at 20th in the FedExCup standings, he’s in position to go deep into the Playoffs. It speaks to the value of the length of the season given he was sidelined for two-and-a-half months with a rib injury. Kelly Kraft … Opting to rest on the eve of his debut in the FedExCup Playoffs. He’s 56th in points. The 2016-17 season marked quite a turnaround for the former U.S. Amateur champion after he placed 165th as a first-time PGA TOUR member last season. It also served as a reminder to gamers that the learning curve doesn’t discriminate based on pedigree. Sung Kang … The 30-year-old is rapidly rising in the ranks among the better talents on TOUR without a victory. Poised for his second Playoffs and a virtual lock to make at least three starts as he’s 42nd in points. Boo Weekley … At 167th in the FedExCup standings, he’s eligible for the Web.com Tour Finals. Turned 44 in July. Once said that when he had enough money in the bank, he’d retire and go fishing. It’s doubtful that he’s considering the former anytime soon, but you can sure bet on the latter as often as possible. Dominic Bozzelli … Withdrew early from the Barracuda Championship as well. No news has surfaced regarding injury or another reason why. Just 1-for-6 since late June but will qualify for next week’s NORTHERN TRUST. That’s a goal achieved for any rookie. Power Rankings Recap – PGA Championship Power Ranking, Golfer, Result 1 Hideki Matsuyama T5 2 Rory McIlroy T22 3 Rickie Fowler T5 4 Zach Johnson T48 5 Jordan Spieth T28 6 Thomas Pieters MC 7 Charley Hoffman T48 8 Paul Casey T13 9 Brooks Koepka T13 10 Dustin Johnson T13 11 Tony Finau T44 12 Adam Scott T61 13 Phil Mickelson MC 14 Jon Rahm T58 15 Henrik Stenson T13 16 Matt Kuchar T9 17 Marc Leishman T13 18 Alex Noren T67 19 Patrick Reed T2 20 Tommy Fleetwood T61 Sleepers Recap – PGA Championship Golfer, Result Bud Cauley T33 Hao Tong Li MC Luke List MC Ian Poulter T22 Brendan Steele MC Birthdays among active golfers on the PGA TOUR August 15 … Ted Purdy (44); Harold Varner III (27) August 16 … none August 17 … none August 18 … Cameron Smith (24) August 19 … Jhonattan Vegas (33) August 20 … Zac Blair (27) August 21 … J.J. Spaun (27)

Click here to read the full article…

The DP World Tour today announced its full 12-month schedule for the 2023 season, featuring a minimum of 39 tournaments in 26 countries, once again emphasizing its position as golf’s global Tour. To view the DP World Tour full schedule and release, click here. Record overall prize fund of $144.2 million for regular DP World Tour events next season Increase in Rolex Series prize funds Player Earnings Assurance Programme to be introduced DP World Tour members will compete for an overall prize fund of $144.2 million across the tournaments outside the Major Championships and WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play including an increased bonus pool of $6 million for the leading eight players on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. As part of this record total prize fund, the 2023 season will also see the introduction of a new Earnings Assurance Programme for DP World Tour members. Exempt players in categories 1-17 will be guaranteed minimum earnings of $150,000 if they compete in 15 or more events as part of the programme which was agreed by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee last week. Both the record prize fund, increased bonus pool and Earnings Assurance Programme have been made possible by the DP World Tour’s operational joint venture partnership with the PGA TOUR which was announced in June. Keith Pelley, the DP World Tour’s Chief Executive, said: “For us to be able to offer our members record prize funds and enhanced earning opportunities is massive, particularly when global economies are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and with the new challenge of rising inflation significantly putting pressure on costs in all facets of our business. “Our overall prize fund for the 2023 season represents $50 million more than 2021 and also underlines the strength of our partnership with the PGA TOUR, who are working with us to drive revenue and a long-term growth plan. “One of the many benefits we have been able to introduce because of this partnership is the new Earnings Assurance Programme, similar to what they already have on the PGA TOUR. I have always believed that it is an incredible accomplishment for any professional golfer to simply gain their playing rights on the DP World Tour and this new initiative recognizes and rewards that achievement. “Although we will never lose the magic of the meritocracy and purity of a performance-based structure, this now offers certainty of income to those players who have made it to the pinnacle of the professional game in Europe. “Alongside the John Jacobs Bursary for the top five players who graduate to the DP World Tour from the Challenge Tour, it will provide security and a strong platform for emerging players in particular as they come through the global pathways we have created.” Included in the DP World Tour’s record prize fund of $144.2 million is an increase in the tournament prize funds for the first four Rolex Series events of 2023. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Dubai Desert Classic, Genesis Scottish Open and BMW PGA Championship all move from $8 million in 2022 to $9 million next year, ahead of the $10 million season-ending DP World Tour Championship. The DP World Tour’s global schedule begins on November 24, 2022, with a double header – the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane and the Joburg Open in South Africa. The former is one of two tournaments in Australia on the DP World Tour schedule as part of the Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, while the latter is one of six events co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour, also as part of a strategic alliance. Four new tournaments in Asia are also included on the 2023 schedule, with the Singapore Classic (February 9-12) and Thailand Classic (February 16-19) taking place in consecutive weeks, followed by the Tour’s first trip to Japan for the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP (April 20-23) and a return to Korea for the first time since 2013 (April 27-30). In Europe, there are dates changes for several tournaments, including the Horizon Irish Open moving to September 7-10, while the Italian Open will take place from May 4-7 ahead of venue Marco Simone Golf & Country Club hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup from September 29 – October 1. There is also a new three-week summer break in the schedule following the 151st Open Championship and Barracuda Championship (both July 20-23) which has been introduced following player feedback. Further details about the autumn events will be announced in due course. To view the full schedule, click here.

Click here to read the full article…

When the 1986 Pensacola Open began, Ernie Gonzalez’s claim to PGA TOUR fame was his 10th-place finish at the Bank of Boston Classic a month earlier. That was his career-best performance. After rain delayed play both Thursday and Friday at the October tournament in Florida’s Panhandle, Gonzalez moved to the top of the leaderboard—thanks to an eagle and five birdies over his final nine holes of the second round Saturday at Perdido Bay Country Club. Gonzalez led Joey Sindelar by a shot, with a Sunday 36-hole finale looming. Those 36 holes never came as the rain that fell as Gonzalez finished his second round only intensified, becoming torrential at times. Unplayable course conditions left officials no choice but to cancel the final two rounds and declare Gonzalez the winner. That victory, Gonzalez’s lone PGA TOUR title, remained the highlight of his PGA TOUR career. The California native of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent died in a Chicago hospital of causes due to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 59. Gonzalez, the third lefthander to win a PGA TOUR event—behind Sam Adams and Bob Charles—was born February 19, 1961 in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista. He attended nearby U.S. International University, where he was a member of the golf team, and he turned pro in 1983. Gonzalez joined the TOUR in 1985. Following a 171st-place money-list finish in 1985, Gonzalez regained his playing privileges at that season’s Qualifying Tournament. His second year on TOUR was his high-water mark, making 25 appearances and getting to the weekend 13 times. Besides the win and the top-10 in Boston, he added a tie for third at the weather-shortened, 54-hole Vantage Championship in San Antonio, sharing third place with Ronnie Black, Phil Blackmar and Bobby Clampett, five shots behind winner Ben Crenshaw. Gonzalez finished the 1986 season 68th on the final money list. His $48,000 payday in San Antonio was a career-best, $7,500 more than his haul from Pensacola as officials reduced the Pensacola Open purse by 25 percent due to the two lost rounds. Following his victory, Gonzalez met with assembled reporters and talked about the long and productive week. “I was pretty nervous when I came out this morning. All we’ve been doing is sitting back and waiting. The waiting is tougher than the playing. I don’t know how to react.� He then paused, deciding on his words, before continuing. “It’s a win, and I’m happy. Realistically, my goal was to keep my card. Getting the win is a surprise and a big break.� Of his lone TOUR win, Gonzalez always contended, his opening-round 63 “was probably the best I’ve ever played.� Gonzalez’s victory did not lead to additional success on TOUR. By 1988, he had fallen to 207th on the money list and began playing sparingly after that, relying on his past-champion status to get into events. Between 1990 and 1998, he saw action in 38 tournaments but did play in at least one tournament every year from 1999 to 2010. His last made cut came at the 2009 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, a week where he showed he still had a little game remaining. After opening with a disappointing, 4-over 75 in the first round at TPC Summerlin, Gonzalez shaved 12 strokes off his score in the second round, firing a 63 that included a wild stretch of four birdies, a double bogey and an eagle on the back nine that moved him inside the cutline. He went on to shoot weekend rounds of 69-68 to tie for 47th. Gonzalez continued to play sporadic pro golf events while working for a beverage distributorship in Las Vegas. He played in 44 Korn Ferry Tour tournaments between the Tour’s inaugural year of 1990 and 2002. He tied for 14th at the 1990 New Haven Open in Connecticut for his top showing. After turning 50, he only played in one PGA TOUR Champions tournament, the 2011 Senior Open Championship, in Surrey, England, where he missed the cut. Funeral services are pending.

Click here to read the full article…