Ames set for Disney defence

Canadian returns to defend his crown as season draws to close

Last updated: 5th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ames set for Disney defence

Ames: defending champion

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Canada's Stephen Ames returns to defend his Children's Miracle Network Classic crown in Florida this week, but for many the focus in the season-ending PGA Tour event will be securing playing privileges for 2009.

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Ames took the title by a single stroke from South African Tim Clark 12 months ago has no fears over his card sitting 27th on the money-list.

However, it is different story for a number of others as the scramble to get into the top 125 reaches a climax.

At present Jeff Overton is the man in most danger, sitting 125th with a total of $840,809.

That leaves him just $37,737 ahead of Scotsman Martin Laird, a PGA Tour rookie who needs a solid week if he is to avoid a trip to qualifying school.

Laird missed eight of his first 14 cuts in 2008 but has put together some positive form in recent weeks to ensure he has a chance of surviving the cull come Sunday.

Americans Michael Allen and Shane Bertsch, just ahead of Overton on the list, are also playing but remain vulnerable.

Charles Warren and Patrick Sheehan dropped out of the top 125 last week but have one final chance to put things right, while 49-year-old Bob Tway will try to extend his stay on tour.

Amongst those who will have eyes on the $828,000 top prize at the $4.6 million event are US Ryder Cup stars Boo Weekley and Justin Leonard, compatriots Woody Austin and Davis Love III and also Clark who will be looking to go one better than last year.