Matt McQuillanHunter Martin
The PGA Tour's season concludes this week with the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
While the tournament might not rate among golf's biggest events, it's of vital importance to the players still trying to earn their playing cards for next year. The top 125 on the money list after play ends Sunday lock up their 2012 cards – those outside either have limited or no status and will have to go back to Q-school. It's do or die time.
The man with the target on his back is James Driscoll, an American who holds down the No. 125 position with $645,835 (all currency U.S.) in winnings.
Among the Canadians, David Hearn is safe at No. 102 and will return to the PGA Tour next year but Matt McQuillan is on the outside looking in. At No. 132, he is more than $70,000 behind Driscoll and needs at least a top-15 finish to have any hope.
Chris Baryla has the ultimate challenge. At No. 219 on the money, he needs to win.
Stephen Ames of Calgary is at No. 136 but has his card through 2013 based on winning the 2006 Players Championship and two subsequent tournaments.
Mike Weir and Graham DeLaet, who both missed much of the season with injuries, retain playing privileges for 2012 on medical grounds.
Adam Hadwin is the equivalent of No. 145 but isn't a PGA Tour member. He isn't playing this week, which means he can't reach the top 125. He'll head to Q-school.