LAKE WORTH, Fla. – Eric Cole of Orlando, FL, bogeyed the final hole Tuesday but it didn’t cost him as he won for the 34th time on the Minor League Golf Tour. Cole edged Hunter O’Mahony of Tequesta, FL, 68-69, at Winston Trails Golf Club. Each made five birdies but O’Mahony had two bogeys in his second MLGT start, both in the last 15 days. In addition to his 34 wins, Cole has career earnings of $87,868 since joining the MLGT in August, 2009.
Today's event at Winston Trails was a new format created by the Minor League Golf Tour called Pass/Fail. In the Pass/Fail format, the closest number of players and ties to 50% of the field, but not to exceed 50% of the field passes and earns at least their entry fee back. In the Pass/Fail event format the player that finishes 1st will earn the same check as the player who finishes just inside the top half of the field.
There was also an optional $100 bonus pool for those players that want to compete for more money. The top 33% and ties earn a check in the bonus pool based on order of finish in the event.
The point of the Pass/Fail event is to simulate competing in a golf tournament where you don't have to win, you just have to pass to reach the next level. Examples of this are attempting to make the cut after a mediocre first round, trying make it through a Q-School stage, or passing the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT). The pass/fail format will help you to learn to grind it out and give it everything you have to "pass" instead of letting up a bit when you don't have your best on any given day.
The tour's next tournament will be played Thursday at nearby Atlantic National GC.
The Minor League Golf Tour 3rd Major of the year is just 8 days away. It will be contested at Martin Downs Golf Club on Wednesday/Thursday October 19-20. The entry fee is $590 and 40% of the field earns a check. $10,000 First Place at 60 Players. $6,000 1st at 40 players. $3,000 1st at any number of players. Call Tournament Director Scott Turner at 561.598.9630 with any questions.
| Score | Player | Amount | Skins | B-Pool | Total | Hometown | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | Eric Cole | 1-P | $175.00 | $33.35 | $0.00 | $208.35 | Orlando, FL |
| 69 | Hunter O'Mahony | P | $175.00 | $26.68 | $0.00 | $201.68 | Tequesta, FL |
| 72 | Michael Jooste | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | South Africa | |
| 73 | Scott Turner (a) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Palm City, FL | |
| DNF | Jay Slazinski (a) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |