Australia’s in-form Brett Rumford will make his PGA Championship debut later this year thanks to his back-to-back Ballantine’s Championship and Volvo China Open victories.
Rumford teed up last fortnight in South Korea ranked a lowly 253rd in the world but after winning a fifth Tour title last Sunday in China he’s jumped 177 places to be now ranked 76th.
Brett Rumford becomes first Aussie in 41-years to win back-to-back on European Tour. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
The 36-year old Aussie earned a third career appearance in the $8.75m WGC – Bridgestone Invitational starting on August 1st in Akron, Ohio in winning in South Korea and now with his victory in China Rumford is assured of competing in the following week’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York State.
In fact, Rumford strangely has only competed in two majors in his 12-year pro career – 2001 Open and 2006 Open.
“It’s the first time in my career I’ve been inside the top-100 and that’s a good feeling,” said Rumford.
“That’s always been the goal to get myself as high up the World Rankings as I can and now I’m managing to achieve that goal.
“It’s going to be nice to be going to the Bridgestone Invitational for a third time but even nicer to know that I’m likely to be contesting the PGA Championship.”
Rumford’s previous highest world ranking was 110th in December 2010.
The Perth-born golfer is now among nine Australians in the top-100 in world headed by World No. 3 and reigning Masters champion, Adam Scott.
