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Local Sports

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sgunter@wmbb.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Back to Golf School

Panama City Beach- The Hombre Golf Club is active this week with the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School.

This four day event features some great players from all over the country competing to make it to the final stage in qualifying, and just one step closer to that PGA tour card, allowing them to play in tournaments with the big dogs.

“It’s amazing. You see some things at Q-School that are just incredible. Guys that play for money every week, but when it comes down to playing for their lively hood, it seems to be much more difficult,” said PGA Tour Rules Official John Mutch said.

80 players are teeing it up this week trying to find their way to the final stage in qualifying for the PGA Tour, and yes, it is difficult when only the lowest 20 scores and ties advance to the finals.

“We have guys that are qualified for the Champions Tour, obviously young guys, out of college, some probably from the Hooter’s Tour, Nationwide Tour, even guys that have played the regular tour for many years are here,” said Mutch.

This great field of players offers a lot of competition and excitement to everyone involved.

“I’m just going to play this week and whatever happens, happens. I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself or my game.  I’m just going to go play and at the end of the week and just add them up,” said golfer David Ladd.

While the PGA Tour Qualifying School might bring excitement, it can also bring pressure as well.

“Q-School is definitely the most pressure we face all year I’d say, since basically our whole year comes down to how we finish at Q-School,” said golfer Lee Williams.

“I think its one of those things you make it what it is. If you want to make it like a life or death situation, then that’s what it’s going to be. Pressure comes from however important you make something and that’s what it’s going to be. So, you just try to relax and just play. If it goes well then great and if it doesn’t go well, life goes on,” Ladd said.

Most of these golfers know that it’s not the end of the world if they don’t make it to the final round of Q-School.

“If things go well, then that’s great, if they don’t, I have a beautiful wife at home, two beautiful little girls. I’m just going to play and enjoy it, and see what happens at the end,” said Ladd.

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