The Duramed Futures Tour recognized the youthful Vicky Hurst as its money champion in 2008. Hurst won four events on her way to $93K in earnings, $14 grand more than runner-up and three-time winner Mindy Kim. 12 golfers won tournaments on the LPGA’s developmental tour while 196 competitors earned money on the way to their LPGA dreams. Making it on the Futures Tour is a test of patience, determination, and Ramen Noodles. You had to finish in the top 46 to earn at least $10000 in 2008, the top 19 to earn $20 grand, and the top 10 ... full post »

While driving to Glen Oak in East Amherst, New York, my daily epiphany arrived in the form of a U.S. Open flashback. Tiger Woods has three U.S. Open trophies on his shelf at home and all were earned on public-access golf courses. Two of the aforementioned are dreaded munis. While Pebble Beach caters to the hoi-paloi of the world, it is still non-private, which simply makes me shiver. What makes my blood boil even more is the return to Bethpage Black in 2009 and Pebble in 2010. With our luck, we’ll have a three-time defender in Woods at Congressional Country ... full post »

Two compelling stories of return from the depths. Jeff Overton is sitting at #126 on the list and is recovering from an emergency apendectomy (are they ever planned?) not more than two weeks previous. He was even through two rounds and -3 today, good for a t36 to t8 move on moving day. David Duval is #223 on the money list and began the day t6 at -4. He is +2 through 4 and has dropped back to t13. For those who care most about the true characters and personalities of the PGA Tour, it ain’t about ... full post »