This is just one of those topics that has gotten to me so I though I'd ask here too. Why do players such as Tad Fujikawa and Manuel Villegas that are given a sponsor's invite into a tournament; do well, then decide to go directly to Q-school and go pro without considering the nationwide tour (or in Tad's case even college)? I know it's their dream to play on the pga tour. I know that Tad has some serious game. But come on where are the parents. There is no way that these kids have near enough the amount of mental edge and experience that even the younger pros do. So rare are the AK(s), Camilo(s), Garcias, Woods, etc. I'm 24 and played college golf, if I had decided that I wanted to go pro I'd get as much experience as I could. I'd hate to be one of the talked about rising stars, under achieve (as most do), and be a "what ever happen to player" (Charles Howell III).

I guess it is all about aiming high. These guys have avenues to play on the big tour so that is what they are taking right now.
Your argument makes a lot of sense, but these guys, for the time being, have options open to them that are more appealing.
I can't hate on them for taking them because I think I'd do it too. Just on the chance that if I'd catch fire at the right time.
I'd be golden. I think that is the biggest part of these guys mindset, then if they should falter well, Nationwide here we come.

I understand, and have the same gripe with football and basketball

BUT

#100 on PGA Tour made 1.04 million

YE Yang was 157 on the list last year, making 461,000 - look at what happened to him with 1 good week this year?

2008 Nationwide money leader was Matt Bettencourt who made 448,000

Some figure its a roll of the dice - the competition on the nationwide tour is very tough as well, and some would rather play against tough competitors for 10x the money

If there was an increase in nationwide purses - you would see far more young players stay there

Until this year Tadd wasn't old enough to play the PGA Tour as a member, so he hasn't gone to Q-School. Also, the only way to get onto the Nationwide Tour is to go to Q-School, get a sponsor's exemption for a tournament or Monday Qualify for a tournament. I'm certain that you will see Tadd play some Nationwide this year since PGA Tour sponsor exemptions are limited to 6 or 7. Hasn't he made 3 cuts in a row now on the PGA Tour? He's playing well.

I think these guys want to play as many PGA Tour events as possible because if they win an event or earn enough money they can get their card for next year without going to Q-school. And if they think they're good enough to play on the big tour than why not give it a try?

Yes, what ever did happen to Charles Howell III? (1 PGA Tour victory, 6 out of 7 cuts made this year, 43 top tens, $17 million in career earnings, just horrible.)

Agreed, Absolute failure.

Exactly. There's no separate qualifying tournament for the Nationwide Tour like there is for the Canadian Tour. Those who don't earn a PGA Tour card in the finals of Q-school have some sort of exemption on the Nationwide Tour based on where they finish.

I'm not sure any top level golfer aspires to make it to the Nationwide Tour as his final destination. The PGA Tour is the pinnacle. Guys that grind it out on the mini tours wish they were playing on the PGA Tour just like guys playing AA baseball wish they were in "the show".

I guess I feel that there are two types of players: those that want to play all the majors and want the prestige, and those that are trying to make a living; Boo Weekly is probably the best of the latter. And I feel Tad wants to be in the former group but look at what happened the final round of the Sony, the crowd kinda got to him. I noticed the same thing at the Puerto Rico Open, he did well overall but made some disatorous shots. I think mainly due to him wanting to please everyone behind the ropes. I know he's a super nice kid, but you've got to be a little selfish out there, and not let everyone distract you while you are playing.

I am aware of the Nationwide Tour requirements, and I agree that Nationwide players don't want to be there forever. But for Tad to not want to finish high school or even play college, is disturbing.

I guess I just feel that players few the Nationwide tour as a bad place to be, and I was using Tad and Manuel Villegas as examples. The Nationwide tour should not be viewd by these younger kids as a "not good enough tour" but as a "thank god I'm not playing a mini tour" tour, or a "stepping stone" tour, or even "thank god I've got a place to fall back on" tour.

The thing with Tad is he said his parents could no longer afford for him to play competitive amateur golf since he was in hawaii so he turned pro to get the needed experience and make alil money on the way. also tad has played alot in asia as well so he seems to know he needs experience and is trying to get as much as he can while making money for himself and his family. Also i agree why would these kids pass up a chance at a PGA tour event??

Also charles howell is a bad example because he went to Okla st won a national championship and individual championship and rookie of the year.

Tadd is still in high school and will finish soon. With his contracts, pro-ams, outings and just decent play he can probably make a couple hundred thousand dollars this year. Could you do that right out of high school??

I am aware. I've had several sarcastic posts to let me know how inferior I am to them in golf player knowledge.

Staying AM was not an option for Tadd and Manuel has played Hooters Tour events and other mini tour events. Manuel did go to college as did Howell III, who btw has 2 PGA Tour wins not one. Tadd had more of a reason to turn pro than Manuel Villegas IMHO. Other than being Camillo's brother he hasn't done much. He won once in a rather lackluster college career and his low competitive round is a 67. Tadd has won an event since turning professional, the Hawaiian Open, and has made 3 straight cuts on the PGA Tour. I don't feel he is out of his league and will get his card sooner rather than later.

Don't get your shorts in a wad, we're just keeping things accurate here. No need to be defensive.

You're right, he won at Kingsmill in '02 and at the Nissan in '07 but the PGA profile stats page for him only goes back to '05. Wikipedia to the rescue.

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I am aware. I've had several sarcastic posts to let me know how inferior I am to them in golf player knowledge.


Don't get your shorts in a wad, we're just keeping things accurate here. No need to be defensive.
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Exactly. The first post made it seem like you didn't know, everybody was just trying to help.

Can't I be sarcastic too?

The Nationwide Tour is like gettin' a little action from an average looking lady...sure, you should be happy cause it could be worse, (i.e. Mini Tours) but you don't want to settle for a "7" when you're goal has always been a "10."

I don't think tour pros look negatively on the Nationwide, but I doubt many of them (ESPECIALLY successful ones) start their career with the ultimate goal/dream of playing there.

I'm sure aspiring tour pros look at the Nationwide Tour as a stepping stone, just as you suggest. But if they can jump over that stone and not need to use it...well, I'm not sure anyone wouldn't make a different decision.

Besides...they get some PGA Tour experience, make a little cash, and even if they don't earn a PGA Tour card they better their odds of getting to that holy grail that is known as the Nationwide Tour (sarcasm...ha, ha) by improving thier status as far as starting stage for Q-school.

Because nobody wants to be on the Nationwide tour, its like minor league baseball, everyone is looking to make it to the bigs, aka the show if your goal is to be on the Nationwide tour, your never gonna make it anywhere.
I worked that tour when my player lost his card, and the motto from the nationwide people was "hope we dont see you next year"

67's and 68's are the same scores no matter which tour you
shoot them on, so people who can, try to use them on the PGA Tour,
pays way more money.