Pressure on to secure cards

WITH just two ranking events left on the 2002 U.S. PGA Tour, players looking to win their cards for next season are under increasing pressure to perform at the Buick Challenge starting tomorrow.

The top 125 from the season ending money list receive full playing rights for next year, while those ranked 125-150 can only expect starts in less lucrative events.

This week's $3.7 million tournament, along with the Southern Farm Classic from October 28 to November 3, represent the last chance for players to avoid returning to the nerve-shredding Tour Qualifying School.

Also up for grabs are places at the Tour Championship the top 30 from the money list receive entry to the $5 million event and the final two spots at the season opening Mercedes Classic, which has a field of the previous year's champions.

The field at Callaway Gardens' Mountain View course clearly reflects what is at stake. Twenty-four of the 29 players ranked between 12 40 will be in action, as will 38 of the 50 players between 101and 150, desperate to secure their livelihoods for next year.

Defending champion Chris DiMarco, who beat David Duval at the first extra hole in a playoff last year, will start amongst the favourites. DiMarco is enjoying his most successful season since joining the Tour in 1994 and came close to winning his second title of 2002 when he finished runner up at the Disney Classic.

DiMarco won the Phoenix Open in January and has a further five top 10 finishes to his name. Duval will also be in action. The 2001 British Open champion has struggled with his driver this year but has recently shown signs of a return to form.

After a reasonable Ryder Cup where he won 1.5 out of three points, Duval tied for 25th at the Michelob Championship and joint sixth two weeks ago at the Invensys Classic.