Ryder Cup rookie Nicolas Colsaerts confirmed he will take up the option of playing the PGA Tour from next year.
The Belgium revealed he will join the likes of England’s David Lynn, who finished runner-up in this year’s PGA Championship, in taking out 2013 membership before major qualifying changes to the Tour from 2014.
Nicolas Colsaerts to play full time next year on the PGA Tour. (Photo -www.golfbytourmiss.com).
However Colsaerts has just one concern before his 2013 membership becomes official, and that is the five players behind him on the PGA Tour money list don’t go behind him in next week’s season-ending event in Florida.
Colsaerts, as an affiliate PGA Tour member, has earned some $US 675,000 this season from the 10 Tour money counting events he’s played.
It places the big-hitting 121st on the money list and he needs only to be inside the top-125 by the end of next week to be assured of full 2013 PGA Tour membership.
“My only concern is the four guys behind me don’t go past me who may be playing in the Disney next week,” he said.
“But then I’ve spoken to a few people who say I should be okay and that’s why I’m not going back to the States next week to play.
“So getting my PGA Tour will be perfect timing for me to go over there and play more. I’ve got this chance to join and make the most of it and see what life over there is like.
“So it would be stupid not to do it.”
Colsaerts nearest money list rival in American Jeff Maggert would need to earn $UDS 4,000 next week to go past Colseaerts whereas the other three – Kevin Chappell (123rd), Australia’s Rod Pampling (124th) and American Billy Mayfair (125th) – would each need to earn between $52,000 and $56,000 to go past the European Ryder Cup star.
However Lynn’s plight is not less complicated as he just played one event this year, earning $US 865,000 for finishing second to Rory McIlroy at Kiawah Island.
The money would put Lynn 104th on the money list.
“I filled in the application forms before heading out to Shanghai last week,” said Lynn.
“I’m not sure of a schedule yet as I want to play the Middle East Swing on the European Tour before playing the two WGCs over in the States.
“But so many doors opened to my in finishing second in the PGA Championship, and while I didn’t expect what happened there at Kiawah Island, I’ve got take advantage of what is now on offer to me.
“Also an ever-weakening European Tour leaves gaps I can fill by playing in the States, and also I would be cursing myself in a few year’s time if I didn’t grab this chance.”
