The Dong earns medalist honors

Today was the last round of the last ever Q-school under the system that was in place since 1965. Longtime readers know I’m a Q-school romantic and I love the incredible stories and range of emotions, along with the drama, and I’m not alone. I’ve done my best over the past few weeks to describe the atmosphere.

To be honest, second stage was much more excruciating — probably because there wasn’t any live-scoring but in general the vibe was much more intense. Getting through second is usually the hardest part for the guys who have never made it to finals, along with the mini-tour journeymen, not to mention the veterans who had a terrible season. (continue reading…)

Kokrak: the next Dustin Johnson and/or Gary Woodland, et al.

To go from covering a 27-player limited field event in Kapalua to a 144-player full field event in Honolulu is similar to going from tending the bar at Fisher’s Island Golf Club to a club in Times Square on NYE — it’s a rather stark contrast. When I walked over to the practice area at Waialae Country Club on Wednesday, I felt like I’d just walked into a busy street in Manhattan after my quiet vacation in the country. Which isn’t a bad thing (though perhaps a little overwhelming at first). It was nice to be greeted by familiar faces and catch up with those I hadn’t seen since the playoffs and Fall Series. (continue reading…)

Thanks for believing in me! I love you, man!

As 2011 has ended and the 2012 season officially starts tomorrow, we’re (still) taking an obligatory look at the winners and losers of 2011. First, we reviewed the best shots. Then, we cringed through the greatest meltdowns. We also checked out some players who were considered overachievers. Next, we took a gander at those who had the most disappointing seasons, along with the most notable Tiger moments.

To cap off a look back at an incredible 2011, we’ll go through some of the best feel-good stories — which is my personal favorite because believe it or not, I’m a huge sucker for sap (I just don’t like to admit to it usually). Here we go in no particular order… (continue reading…)

Clear eyes, full hearts...can't lose

Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton captured the Mexico Open for his first Nationwide Tour title, firing a final round 65 to win by two shots. Compton earned $126,000, which nearly guarantees that he will earn his PGA Tour card next year. He’s currently second on the Nationwide Tour money list.

As you’re probably well aware, Compton’s story is a rather inspiring one and now his victory adds a nice fairytale twist. (continue reading…)

Erik Compton using his caddie as target practice

Erik Compton, who earned a spot at the Northern Trust Open in the Monday qualifier, posted eight birdies and a bogey to shoot seven-under 64 in the final round at Riviera and surge up the leaderboard to a T25 finish. The 64 was also the lowest of the week. Not bad considering this was Compton’s first tournament of the year. Perhaps his fine play was propelled by his practice sesh a day earlier, where he used his caddie as target practice.

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Compton is all heart

The story of Erik Compton’s battle back to playing professional golf after undergoing two heart transplants never fails to inspire. Compton shot six-under 66 at Industry Hills Golf Club’s Eisenhower course to earn one of four spots in the Monday qualifier for this week’s Northern Trust Open — which is no easy feat in the 18-hole shootout against a 100-plus player field that could easily be mistaken for a regular PGA Tour stop.

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