Nolan charge fizzles in Florida

By John Manley

Despite losing his PGA Tour card, Keith Nolan hasn’t given up on trying to make it in the United States. This year is shaping up as one of Monday qualifiers, seeking sponsors’ exemptions and mini-tour events for the Wicklow man. The recent Florida Open at the Palm Aire Country Club in Pompano Beach epitomized Nolan’s American experience.

A 4-over-par 75 in the first round placed Nolan well back of the field, many of whom will comprise the bulk of Buy.com Tour events this year. Nolan recovered with a 70 on the second-go-round, then fired on all cylinders with a third-round 67. Nolan’s was the only score to break 70 that day and was 4 strokes better than the next-best number.

Any hope of sustaining his charge up the leaderboard over the final 18 holes were frittered away as he hacked his way to a closing 74 and an eighth-place tie. That was good for earnings of $2,250. Nolan’s final score of 2-over 286 was 7 shots behind the medalist, Duke Donahue.

Also competing were P.J. Cowan, who tied for 28th place at 291 (70-72-74-75), and Sean Quinlivan, who shared 34th position at 293 (73-71-79-70). Cowan earned $650, while Quinlivan’s take was $505.