With one shot, Troy Merritt earns more money than he did all season
PGA Tour rookie Troy Merritt had a very good day on Sunday 14 November. First, he shot a five-under 67 on the final day of the Children’s Miracle Network Classic to barely earn his tour
card for the 2011 season. Then, he won $1 million with one swing of the club.
Merritt, along with Aaron Baddeley and Rickie Fowler, participated in a play-off to decide the winner of the $1 million Kodak Challenge. The contest designates 30 holes from different
tournaments over the season and the player who finishes with the lowest cumulative score on said holes wins the $1 million bonus. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 holes to qualify.
With the three players tied at 17-under for the season-long competition, a play-off beginning at the 17th hole of Disney World’s Magnolia course would break the tie. When Merritt hit his
approach shot to tap-in range, he added $1 million to his bank account the same day he kept his job for next year.
“It was a photo finish,” Merritt told reporters after winning the contest. “I wouldn’t say it was a stress-free day. It certainly was a nice ending.”
With one swing, Merritt earned more money than he did throughout the season. He earned $786,977 for his rookie season.
"He nearly holes it for a two, which is pretty good," Baddeley said of Merritt’s shot.
Merritt, who got married in March, said he plans to buy his wife a new car with his winnings. As for Merritt’s wife, Courtney, she was more worried about her husband gaining some job security
than the $1 million bonus.
"Definitely watching the top-125 was harder, because it's more important than this, really," she said. "There was definitely drama today. It ended up being the best of both worlds, for
sure."
With the top-125 players on the money list earning playing privileges for the following season, Merritt’s T30 finish at the season-ending event was good enough to move him into the 125th
spot.
Tags: