Every summer, the Nationwide Tour comes to Springfield and for four days, professional golf becomes the topic of conversation. But don’t feel bad if you aren’t familiar with much of the field. No one else knows, either.
But now you have an ace up your sleeve. Here is the ultimate guide to be able to talk the language and impress your friends, and total strangers.
The Price Cutter Charity Championship begins early this morning at Highland Springs Country Club, with groups teeing off at 9 a.m. from holes Nos. 1 and 10. With typically scalding temperatures, the golfers generally enjoy the course, which lends itself to super-low scores. Year after year, golfers beat themselves up and fall out of contention without a strong Day 1.
While many of the golfers involved in the PCCC may be unknowns, the best place to start your Nationwide Tour schooling is with the Top 25 money leaders.
Nationwide Tour Top 25
- Jamie Lovemark – $346,621 — 1 victory (Mexico Open Bicentenary)
- Tommy Gainey — $327,182 — 2 victories (Melwood Prince George’s County Open and the Chiquita Classic)
- Martin Piller — $320,504 — 2 victories (Stadion Athens Classic and Cox Classic)
- Chris Kirk — $310,475 — 1 victory (Fort Smith Classic)
- Kevin Chappell — $297,193 — 1 victory (Fresh Express Classic)
- Bobby Gates – $225,844 — 1 victory
- Jhonattan Vegas — $208, 959 — 1 victory
- D.J. Brigman — $208, 619 — 1 victory
- Tag Ridings — $206, 921 — 0 victories
- Peter Tomasulo — $199,264 — 1 victory
- Fabian Gomez — $199,027 — 1 victory
- Jim Herman — $175,478 — 1 victory
- Daniel Summerhays — $161,883 — 0 victories
- James Hahn — $158,531 — 0 victories
- Justin Hicks — $156,531 — 1 victory
- John Riegger — $146,779 – 1 victory
- Scott Gutschewski — $129,878
- B.J. Staten — $128,416
- Chris Nallen — $126,485
- David Hearn — $125,532
- Colt Knost — $119,693
- William McGirt — $117,974
- Keegan Bradley — $115,140
- David Mathis — $114,336
- Alistair Presnell — $114,322
Of course, the top 25 at the end of the year, earn PGA Tour cards for full-time status next season. Let’s take a peek inside the top five to learn more.
Jamie Lovemark
Jamie Lovemark
When it comes to Lovemark, the money list leader, he’s an interesting case.
Lovemark is only 22 years old and a first-year pro after a sparkling career at USC. He’s made 11 of 16 event cuts, posting six top 10 finishes and eight top 25s.
He was a national champion as a sophomore and a two-time All-American. At 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, he is long off the tee, too, averaging 313.7 yards per drive.
Get used to this swing:
Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey
A fan favorite, Gainey is making good on his infamy as a contestant on The Golf Channel’s reality show, Big Break IV in 2005.
He made 8 of 15 cuts on the PGA Tour last season, but was caught in no-man’s land, playing in both PGA and Nationwide events. But this year, the 34-year-old (he’ll be 35 on Friday) found a way to sick to the top of the leaderboard. He’s made 12 of 17 Nationwide cuts, including two wins, a second and a third. He won the Melwood Prince George’s County Open in Maryland and the Chiquita Classic in Cincinnati.
However, Gainey was forced to withdraw from last week’s Wichita Open because of a bad back.
This line from his website tells you why people love Two Gloves.
He spent years working as an assembly line worker in a water heater factory and a furniture mover to keep money in his pocket and earn enough to play a round of golf when he could. Finances were always an obstacle. It finally took a friend willing to risk $750 so Tommy could play in his first professional event. Fortunately, Tommy was able to make that money back – and then some – by winning the event and $15,000.
Martin Piller
After finishing 35th on the Nationwide money list last season, Piller is looking to graduate to the big tour after already claiming two titles this season.
The 5-9, 155-pound Piller is unconventional. His driving average (293.3) is below the Nationwide average (296.1), as is his driving accuracy (56.3 percent to 65.9). But he makes it up with his putter. He’s a full stroke below the tour average (28.73 to 29.90).
Chris Kirk
Kirk helped the University of Georgia win a national championship in 2005 and has been a steady presence on the Nationwide Tour — until this season.
He’s made 14 of 17 cuts this season, with a win and two runner-ups. He’s made six top 10s and nine top 25s.
Kevin Chappell
The collegiate player of the year while at UCLA, Chappell has made 11 of 17 cuts, including one victory. And when he scores, he scores at a blistering pace.
Chappell ranks first on the Nationwide Tour in birdie average (4.47) and eagles (55), and is second in scoring average (69).
He’s childhood friends with Cleveland Indian shortstop Jason Donald and he also has a Twitter account.
Who’s hot?
Venezuelan-born Jhonattan Vegas won last week’s Wichita Open, shooting a final-round 64 to erase a six-stroke deficit. It was the first Nationwide Tour victory for Vegas.
Past PCCC winners
- 2009, Justin Bolli (Not in this year’s PCCC — he’s on the PGA Tour)
- 2008, Colt Knost
- 2007, Tom Scherrer
- 2006, Doug LaBelle II
- 2005, Roger Tambellin
- 2004, Brad Ott
- 2003, Tom Carter
- 2002, Patrick Sheehan
- 2001, Steve Haskins
- 2000, Pat Perez
- 1999, Ryan Howison
- 1998, Anthony Painter
- 1997, Chris DiMaro
- 1996, Stewart Cink
- 1995, Mike Schucharst
- 1994, Jerry Haas
- 1993 Tommy Tolles
- 1992, Lennie Clemnts
- 1991, Rick Dalpos
- 1990, Jeff Cook.
Highland Springs C.C.
If you want more information on the beautiful Highland Springs Country Club, click here for a full tour.
Local flavor
Brian Bennett
Former Missouri State golfer Brian “Spud” Bennett qualified for the PCCC, possibly providing the break his golf career needs. A pro at Fremont Hills C.C., Bennett has enjoyed success on the Hooters Tour and qualified for the PCCC by winning a Midwest Section qualifier at Silo Ridge C.C. in Bolivar.
Other media
KSPR’s Mike Scott gives his thoughts on the PCCC.
The News-Leader rolls out its coverage too, with a story on the locals, and a general report.
KOLR/KSFX (OzarksFirst.com) has a few stories of coverage.
Fun facts
Last year’s winner, Justin Bolli, earned $112,500 for the victory.
Lovemark may leads the Nationwide Tour in money, he’s not the favorite to win, says PGATOUR.com.
For running scores, follow along on the Nationwide Tour website.
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