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Copyright © 2007, O'Keefe Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, graphics or illustration is prohibited. .
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Feature . By Don O'Keefe, GOLFViews Writer I’m a big fan of the Nationwide Tour and try to watch their events. This years 25 players earning a card for the PGA included 12 players under 30, including one that’s 19! The player that I?believe is going to be a star is 23 year old, Nick Flanagan, who finished 3rd. I?mentioned Martin Laird several times this past year, and he made the cut at 13th. Laird is a former Colorado State team member and was a winner and top contender of the Denver Open Tournament the last few years. The nationwide Tour provides young players a chance to hone their skills before competing on the PGA Tour. Maybe more important, it provides former PGA Players a second chance to make it back after losing their PGA?card. •••••••••••••••••••••••• If you are waiting for some young dude to overtake Tiger Woods sometime soon, I believe you have a long wait. Zach Johnson beat him out at th Masters in goofy weather conditions, but Tiger took care of Aaron Baddeley, Sergio, Adam Scott, Charles Howell III, and the rest of the “want to be’s”, without working up a sweat. Tiger led the Tour again in scoring average, greens in regulation, and all around ranking. A lot of people thought 2007 would be a tough year for Tiger, including me. No chance!?He had another great year, and may be getting better! •••••••••••••••••••••••• Lorena Ochoa was a star this year, distancing herself from the rest of the LPGA pack. This is another young player that seems to also get better each year. In some respects, one can make the case she had a better year than Tiger. •••••••••••••••••••••••• One of the biggest events of 2008 will be the implementation of testing for “game enhancing” substances. I was surprised that both the PGA and LPGA will name those that failed testing and that the 1st offense can be a one year suspension. •••••••••••••••••••••••• Last but not least, the USGA has established that club face grooves must be returned back to early 1980 configurations. Compliance would be required in 2009 for the PGA. Everyday golfers would be gandfathered in for 10 years. Several major brand driver’s were also found to be non-conforming. Some of these were delivered to retail stores. You might want to ask for a warranty when purchasing a driver. The latest info I?have is from the November 23, 2007 issue of Golf World, page 58. •••••••••••••••••••••••• Questions for the new year... will Michelle Wie’s coaches and counsel let her take a year off to focus on school? Please!... Will David Duval make this year his “comeback” year? I have been hoping the player with one of the sweetest swings in golf finds a way to make it back this year. At his best, he can compete with Tiger! •••••••••••••••••••••••• Don’t forget the Golf Expo for the best buys of the year for everything in golf! .