Tracking 'THE 25': Following WNB Golf Classic

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Only two full-field events remain on the Nationwide Tour, plus the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, (Dallas area) where the top 25 money winners will receive their PGA TOUR cards for 2009 on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Last week's big movers in Midland, Texas, were Aron Price (from 20th to 15th), Spencer Levin (22nd to 17th) and winner Marc Leishman (56th to 19th). Despite his tie for eighth finish, Ricky Barnes stayed put at No. 25, a spot he has now occupied after four tournaments this year. Roger Tambellini dropped out of "THE 25" (is now 26th) for the first time since mid May. The only player to fall out of the top 30 was Matt Every, who went from 29th to 31st.

The Nationwide Tour is in Chattanooga, Tenn., this week for the Chattanooga Classic presented by Black Creek.

$1 Million Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch (Nov. 6-9)
There is also an important race to finish in the top 60 on the money list playing out. Robert Damron, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, fell to No. 60 this week. Chad Ginn is only $249 behind Damron. Won Joon Lee was the only player to move into the top 60 at Midland. He improved 17 spots to No. 52 thanks to a tie for fourth.

A top-60 finish after the final full-field event of 2008, the Miccosukee Championship near Miami (Oct. 23-26), guarantees a spot in the Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch (Nov. 6-9). With its $1 million purse and $180,000 first prize, every player who makes it to Craig Ranch in November has a mathematical chance of playing his way into "THE 25". Those who finish the season between 26 and 60 on the final money list are fully exempt on the Nationwide Tour in 2009.