Turning Stone Notebook

By John Craig

TSRC FIELD

Turning Stone was what the players call an “opposite” event, going up against the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, OH, west down I-90.

But the field still attracted 132 professionals that boast Major Championships – David Toms, Steve Elkington, Todd Hamilton – and several PGA Tour wins.

And it gives players a chance to get a round in before next week’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

“It might not be the household names but that’s what’s great about the PGA Tour,” said J.J. Henry, who grew up in Connecticut but lives in Texas. “Every week somebody can step up and make a name for themselves and play great.”

Billy Mayfair, who will not play in next week’s PGA Championship, finished tied for third: “The golf course is in immaculate shape. It’s the kind of weather I like. It was hot and warm and it’s a good golf course for me. You’ve got to drive the ball well and made a few good putts here and there.”

LUNDE’S SPOILS

At 34 years, 8 months and 21 days, Bill Lunde earns his first PGA Tour victory in his 53rd career start….he becomes the second player to record his first PGA Tour victory at the TSRC – Dustin Johnson (2008).

Lunde is now fully exempt for the remainder of 2010 and all of 2011-12 and earns a spot in next week’s PGA Championship as well as the 2011 SBS Championship, 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational, 2011 Players Championship, 2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational and 2011 Memorial Tournament.

FEDEXCUP STATUS

With the win, Lunde earns 250 points to move inside the top 125 in the FedExCup standings with 449 points…he tied for most birdies made this week with 22.

Last year, he missed the cut in his only previous appearance in Vernon.

He made three of four cuts coming into the TSRC including a T10 at the Reno-Tahoe Open, which is also an “opposite” event.

BILL LUNDE’S 2010 TSRC STATS

Driving Distance: 300 (11th); Driving Accuracy: 36 of 56 (64.3%) T36; Greens in Regulation: 62 of 72 (86.1%) T3; Putts Per Round: 30, T42.

CAREER NOTES

Best previous finish on Tour was T4 at the 2009 Frys.com Open…Registers the 280th Tour victory by a former Nationwide Tour player…Becomes the 12th first-time winner on Tour in 2010.

He has entered 23 tournaments; Been in the money 11 times; Top-10s: 3

Born November 18, 1975 in San Diego, CA. Lives in Las Vegas, NV. Turned pro in 1998. Earned a degree in Economics from UNLV in 1998…stands 6-foot-1, 220 pounds.

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