Nitties (9-under 63) surges to second-round lead at Q-school
LA QUINTA, Calif. -- James Nitties shot a 9-under 63 on Thursday at PGA West's Nicklaus Tournament Course to take a one-stroke lead over Robert Garrigus and Harrison Frazar after the second round of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament.
Status Symbol
Why would someone choose to go through the rigors of PGA Tour Q-school? If you're Olin Browne, Bryce Molder or Chris Riley, it's all about status. Peter YoonGarrigus and Frazar shot 64s on the TPC Stadium Course. The 108-hole event will end Monday with the top 25 and ties earning cards.
Bryan DeCorso (68), Geoffrey Sisk (65), James Oh (63), Diego Vanegas (64), Troy Kelly (68), Gary Woodland (64) and Tyler Aldridge (66) were 10 under, and former PGA winner Mark Brooks (69) was 9 under along with Jay Williamson (68), Major Manning (70) and Ted Purdy (67). Williamson reached the FedEx Cup third round, but failed to keep his card.
Former U.S. Amateur champion Ricky Barnes already earned his card by finishing 25th on the Nationwide Tour money list, but entered the final stage to improve his status. He was tied for 68th at 4 under after a 68 on the TPC Stadium Course.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
2008 PGA TOUR Q-SCHOOL FINALS
Harrison Frazar rode a magical 59 to become the 2008 Q-school medalist, winning by 8 shots. The "other" magic number? Nineteen under: the score needed to earn a 2009 PGA Tour card.
What: PGA Tour Q-school final stage
When: Dec. 3-8
Courses: PGA West, Nicklaus Tournament Course (par 72, 7,204 yards) and TPC Stadium Course (par 72, 7,266 yards)
Location: La Quinta, Calif.
At stake: Top 25 and ties earn 2009 PGA Tour card.
Field: 163 golfers, 6 rounds, 108 holes
Day 6
• Frazar, 27 others earn Tour cards | Scores• Sobel: Grading the 28 Q-school graduates
• Yoon: Vranesh a true Cinderella story at Q-school
Day 5
• Yoon: Expect a little tightening up at Q-school• Frazar increases lead to 5 | Scores
Day 4
• Yoon: After 59, Frazar keeps it in perspective• After 59, Frazar leads by 4 strokes
• Yoon: Slow start doesn't damper hopes for some
Day 3
• Yoon: Sometimes green is good at Q-school• Day, Nitties share PGA Q-school lead
Day 2
• Yoon: For many at Q-school, it's all about status• Nitties grabs lead after 36 holes of Q-school
Day 1
• Yoon: Brooks, Han find own forms of inspiration• Kanada part of 3-way tie for lead in Q-school
Preview
• Kaddy Korner: Here's how to survive Q-school• Yoon: Q-school a true litmus test
• 13 players to watch at PGA Tour Q-school finals
• Yoon: It's back to class for Q-school vet Tidland
LPGA Tour Q-school
• Wie earns her LPGA card; Lewis wins Q-school• Watch: Wie discusses earning her Tour card
