PGA Tour Futures At Stake In California

by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

LA QUINTA, Calif. – The 108-hole, six round marathon, otherwise known as PGA TOUR Qualifying School, tees it up for the third and final stage on Wednesday in the California desert with a host of current and former Canadian Tour members in the field.

Current members aiming for a precious TOUR card include Adam Bland, Kent Eger, Steve Friesen, Erik Justesen, Troy Kelly, Jon Mills, Wil Collins, Dustin Risdon, Jim Rutledge, Lee Williamson and Dong Yi.

Former members in the field include Jay Williamson, Brennan Webb, Chris Tidland, Roger Tambellini, Sal Spallone, Ted Purdy, Bryce Molder, Spencer Levin, Kent Jones, David Hearn, Notah Begay III, Michael Bradley, Rodney Butcher, Kris Cox, Glen Day, Brian DeCorso and Scott Dunlap.

Adam Bland, 26, won twice as a rookie on the Canadian Tour in 2007 and has played professional golf around the world. The Australian had six top ten finishes this season.
Kent Eger won the Seaforth Country Classic in record breaking fashion this year, setting a Tour record for lowest overall score.

Steve Friesen has played several Nationwide events and at 31, hopes to earn his PGA TOUR card for the first time.

Erick Justesen recently graduated from the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School and at 23, appears to have a bright future ahead of him.

Canadian Tour rookie Troy Kelly had three top ten finishes this season after sharing medalist honors at the 2008 California Qualifying School.

Jon Mills won the Canadian Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and has spent the past several years on both the Nationwide and PGA TOUR.

Wil Collins finished second at both the San Luis Potosi Open and the Seaforth Country Classic this season. The 2001 Ben Hogan Award winner has all the tools for a successful golf career.
Dustin Risdon won the ATB Financial Classic just outside Calgary this year, thrilling the hometown fans. In 2007, the laidback Canadian took home the TELUS Edmonton Open for his first Canadian Tour win.

Jim Rutledge and Lee Williamson both have PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour experience and are hoping to move up a level in 2009.

Dong Yi made 8 of 14 cuts this year on the Canadian Tour and has easily advanced through both stages thus far.

Spencer Levin is also in the field. Although the Canadian Tour’s 2007 International Rookie of the Year guaranteed a PGA TOUR card with his 22nd place finish on the 2008 Nationwide Tour money list, the three-time Canadian Tour winner is hoping to move up the exemption ladder.

All players who have qualified for final stage earn at least conditional Nationwide Tour status for 2009.