Winner last week tees off in Melwood P.G. County Open
After missing 30 of 36 cuts the last two years on the Nationwide Tour, Kevin Johnson considered the possibility that his journeyman golf career was over.
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Who could blame him? With a wife and two young daughters at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Johnson had ample reason to seek an alternate occupation after earning $6,479 in 2008.
But this year has brought sudden and unexpected success. In winning in a playoff last week at the Rex Hospital Open in Raleigh, N.C., Johnson has virtually locked up a slot on the 2010 PGA Tour and done it at the unlikely age of 42.
Thursday at Woodmore Country Club, Johnson tees off, along with 155 other PGA hopefuls, in the third Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
While Johnson’s strong play this season has come out of the blue, his victory last weekend was no fluke. He ranks seventh in scoring (69.9) and fourth on the money list ($146,879). The top 25 players on the Nationwide graduate to the PGA. Like many athletes suddenly “in the zone,” Johnson is at a loss to pinpoint the reason.
“I’m not doing anything different,” said Johnson. “I got off to a good start this year. My confidence is up, I’m staying consistent, staying with it, not panicking.”
Johnson has been a fixture on the Nationwide Tour since 1996. After his best year, winning the Permian Basin Open and earning $158,219 in 2000, he advanced to the PGA. Johnson won $205,242 and was on his way to retaining his privileges, but missed the cut in nine of his last 10 events.
“I had a back injury and tried to play through it,” said Johnson, a three-time All-American at Clemson. “My doctor was telling me, ‘Take a break.’ But I had waited so long for my chance, I had to play. I could play Harbour Town. I’m not going to pass that up.”
Thanks to his current run, Johnson will get another shot. In his last four tournaments, Johnson has finished no worse than 19th. Last weekend, Johnson (65-69-65-67 — 266) made a six-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Jeff Gallagher. On the first extra hole, the 577-yard 18th, he did it again, sinking a four-footer for the winning birdie.
“When you’re struggling, you always think — is this worth it?” said Johnson. “But I’ve got a great sponsor [Palm Beach Dodge dealer Jim Arrigo]. He’s been with me since 1993-94. He’s never once said anything about quitting.”
