Lutterus closing in, others eyeing TOUR cards

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David Lutterus is on his way toward securing a PGA TOUR card for the 2010 season.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- David Lutterus is having a dream finish in today's final round of the PGA TOUR's Qualifying Tournament at Bear Lakes Country Club.

Starting the final two round two shots out of the coveted top 25, Lutterus is 8 under through 15 holes on the Lakes course, moving him into a fifth-place tie. Lutterus made five birdies on his front nine to move inside "the number," then added two birdies and an eagle on the back nine before he bogeyed the par-4 15th hole.

Lutterus was a rookie on the TOUR in 2008, making seven cuts in 23 starts and posting just one top-25 finish.

With leader Troy Merritt (20 under) about to make the turn, there are currently 33 players tied at 8 under, which would earn them TOUR cards for next year by finishing among the top 25 and ties. Of course, the number is expected to move several more times.

Virtually assured of finishing in the top 25 are Merritt, Jeff Maggert (18 under), Brendan Pappas (17 under), Matt Jones (17 under), Lutterus, Neal Lancaster (15 under), Graham DeLaet (15 under), Joe Ogilvie (14 under), J.P. Hayes (14 under), Martin Flores (14 under) and Billy Horschel (14 under).

Among those looking good: Omar Uresti (13 under), Brendon de Jonge (13 under), Jay Williamson (13 under), Rickie Fowler (13 under), Chris Wilson (13 under), Chris Riley (15 under), Mike Connell (12 under) and Kris Blanks (12 under).

Tom Pernice, the oldest player in the field at age 50, is tied for 20th at 11 under with Andrew McLardy. Brian Stuard and Shane Bertsch are tied for 22nd at 10 under, a shot ahead of Spencer Levin.

Amazingly, nine players are currently tied for 25th place at 8 under: Glen Day, Ted Brown, Adam Meyer, Ken Duke, Andrew Buckle, Keegan Bradley, Gary Christian, Josh Broadaway and James Hahn.