There were “eight million stories” in “The Naked City,” according to the old TV police drama. There’s nearly that many on the Nationwide Tour. One of them belongs to Kris Blanks, a former standout at Springfield’s Robert E. Lee High and now a pro at Four Streams in Beallsville.
A year ago, Blanks, 36, was on the Hooters Tour, considering giving up playing professionally, when he decided, on a whim, to try to qualify for the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
It was the best career choice he ever made. Ignited by his showing in last year’s Melwood, Blanks is a fixture on the Nationwide Tour, and wants more. When he returns to play in the Melwood later this month, he’ll be gunning to improve his No. 35 standing on the Nationwide money list. Players who finish in the top 25, graduate to the PGA.
“It’s amazing how a year can go by and things are totally different,” said Blanks. “Last year, I was on the mini-tours, far from struggling, Iwas holding my own. But making money on the Hooters Tour doesn’t get you anywhere. All it buys you, is a lot more chicken wings and diapers for the family at home.”
Blanks’ late emergence demonstrates the fine line between the players who make it and those who don’t. By finishing tied for 25th in the Melwood last year, Blanks qualified by one stroke for the following Nationwide event.
Then at the LaSalle Bank Open in Illinois — the richest event on the Nationwide Tour — the 5-foot-10, 240-pound Blanks finished third, earning $43,500. As he qualified and made money in more events last summer, Blanks solidified his slot on the Nationwide this year. Now he finds himself on the verge of taking the next step.
“My only goal last year [at the Melwood] was to make the cut, and now look,” said Blanks. “Maybe this year, there will be a guy who nobody ever heard of, who finishes in the top 25 and does what I’ve done.”
