News
Quest for a Tour card: Dollar$ and $en$e
By Jordan Holley
Special to GolfWRX
Jordan Holley, 28, is a mini-tour player pursuing his dream of earning a PGA Tour card. He graduated from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., where he was an NCAA All-American and a member of the Cleveland Golf Academic All-American First Team. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur in 2008, and since turning professional has played on the NGA Hooters and eGolf tours, as well as other minor league tours.
Hey golf fans!! It’s Jordan Holley again with a little perspective on what kind of life the Tour hopefuls lead from week to week. As much as I would love to say that I spend every waking moment out on the course or on the range, the truth is that when you are playing a rich man’s sport with a poor man’s wallet, you have to make allowances. I have always found a way to be as best prepared as possible heading into any given tournament, but when you are playing on your own dime and without sponsors, you stack the already huge odds just a little bit bigger against yourself. That being said, let’s take a look at an unusual week for me.
Monday — I received a return phone call from an informal audition I did last week for a Dicks Sporting Goods commercial. After I drove an 1.5 hours south from my apartment (and spent $30 in gas), I reached the driving range to find more than 15 golfers ready for a second audition. The guys lined us up in front of the camera and had us hit some beat up range balls and pretend we just hit the best feeling ball ever made — pretty hard to do with very little acting experience. Long story short, I got the job but after food, gas, etc. I’m down $65 for the day.
Tuesday — I signed up for the Minor League Golf Tour’s stop at Ironhorse Country Club. I brought a good friend of mine to help navigate the course (I didn’t play a practice round as they were $75). The event cost me $220 and although I went out with every intention of winning my third event in the last two months (I’ve played six times these last two months) I didn’t do what I wanted to do and shot 73. I did made four birdies and an eagle on the back nine to close on a positive note! I made $87 on the day, but after the entry fee and buying lunch for my caddy I’m at a net loss of $155.
Wednesday — I was invited to a pro-am at Old Palm Country Club and played with an amateur partner in their annual Pro-Member tournament. I shot 68, won nothing, but spent nothing (and got a free lunch). After the round, I met with the owners of Planet Golf in Miami and they were blown away by a new product I use and endorse, a Piretti putter. I became involved with this high-end boutique putter company this summer and have taken over as the Southeast representative for Piretti golf. The guys at Planet Golf put an order in for eight putters and have become the first of many golf shops to carry the product in Florida … check them out if you’re in the area!! So, after the meeting, my commission and the four hours of driving I made $135 on the day.
Thursday — So I got the job for the commercial and drove down to Weston Hills Country Club in Weston, Fla. (another 1.5 hour drive). I had to leave my house at 4:30 a.m. to get there for a 6 a.m. line up and breakfast. After more than 12 hours, five location changes and countless takes and re-takes later, we left the set only to find out the $800 I was set to make wouldn’t be sent to me for another 60 days. Bummer, I was down $50 on the day.
Friday — I practiced all morning and got an offer to bartend for a wedding in downtown Miami. I accepted and drove the two hours south to the city. I was there from 4 a.m. until 1 a.m. bartending for a huge Indian style wedding. Yes, there was a lot of curry and fantastic looking Indian dresses. By the time I got home around 3 a.m., I hit the sack with a $150 profit.
To recap:
I made more than I spent, but not by much. Each week is different and when I am playing golf every day (tournaments or just gambling games), I’m making more money. The problem always comes down to how much of an already depleted bank account am I willing to risk in events that can cost more than $1200 even when I know my game is good enough to win. Decisions come down to gut feelings. I will be getting out on the road with the guys soon, as the first eGolf event started this week.
People may have a misconception of the life a professional golfer lives, and although this may not apply to all the guys in my shoes, I know my passion for competition, my love of the process, and the ultimate goal of playing the PGA Tour all drive me to continue beating one ball after another down life’s fairways, always trying to avoid the rough.
I’ll be qualifying for the Honda Classic this week so keep an eye out!
Click here for more discussion in the “Tour talk” forum
Keep following me on Twitter @j_holley6under or on www.jordanholleygolf.com.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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Nic
Apr 18, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Good Luck Man. Anytime your in the Birmingham Area hit me up. I would love to do what you are doing but with a wife a child that dream is up to guys like you.
Jordan Holley
Feb 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm
I can’t thank you guys enough for the feedback, both positive and negative. I am learning on the fly with what I am writing and can always use some constructive criticism (on and off the course). @stevejones I want to especially thank you because I know you are most likely not the only reader who feels this way. That being said, I feel that I have some interesting insight into a very small section of players who aren’t playing off of their parents/grandparents dime.
I just wanted to mention something I think would benefit anyone reading these articles. The keys to success aren’t given away or sold to the highest bidder. In every walk of life they are earned. The most effective method of practice I have found, as it relates to improved performance is not practicing what you are good at, but instead spend the majority of your tine trying to make yourself comfortable in uncomfortable situations (whatever you struggle with…long bunkers, lag putting, etc). This is where you find out what kind of awesome power the brain has!!
I’ll give a quick example: I began taking lessons for the first time last fall with Mike Adams (Medallist Golf Club). I have always been an above average ball striker and a solid putter. My weakness was always the short game. The weird thing is it was never the hard shots, but always seemed to be the simple, straightforward ones that I would find a way to screw up!! I never wanted to practice them because I felt like it wore on my confidence (by far the most important aspect of the game). What Mike was able to instill in me were not only some technical things, but the idea that if I truly committed myself to the changes and put in the time necessary to make them routine, that I would transform an uncomfortable weakness into a strength. I feel like it was not only a lesson on the golf course but something I could take with me off it as well!!
Anyway, enough ranting for now! Good luck guys and keep an eye out for the next piece!!
Ryan
Feb 22, 2012 at 10:16 am
I’d be interested in a series of these. I’ve often wondered what it took and what kind of path a life of professional golf would entail.
Keep it up!
jerry bollinger
Feb 21, 2012 at 8:17 pm
This is a great place for the article. How many new 3 woods & $ 350 putters does one golfer need to look at ?
Good luck on your journey !
Brent Mann
Feb 21, 2012 at 6:09 pm
@Stevejones I doubt Jordan thinks he is the only mini tour player out there. This is a perfectly acceptable place for this article. From an aspiring players stand point, I found the article interesting. Best of luck Jordan!
russ
Feb 21, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Steve Jones, let’s try and keep it positive. You’re right, he’s not the only guy out there on his own dime (you assume)…but he is taking the time to make some posts and give people some insight on the day-to-day grind that is mini-tour golf. Nice to be able to put a story to a name on the leaderboard, and if he picks up some backing as a result, I don’t see it as a bad thing.
Keep chasing it Jordon…best of luck from someone who knows the grind and now watches from a cubicle!
Tony Mangler
Feb 21, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@stevejones hate hate hate hate hate hate hate…
Steve Jones
Feb 21, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Your not the only mini tour golfer who is looking for backers and is playing on their own dime….I feel this type of article should find a different place, seems like it is only here because this man hopes that someone will donate or sponsor him