AKRON, Ohio -- Patience proved to be a virtue for Stephen Ames, Mark Hensby and Todd Hamilton.

All three have taken different paths to reach the PGA TOUR. Each was rewarded for his perseverance as Ames and Hensby both used recent victories on the PGA TOUR to join Hamilton, who won the British Open two weeks ago, as players who have qualified for the 2004 World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational.

The NEC Invitational will be played Aug. 16-22 at Firestone Country Club.

Hamilton, a 38-year-old rookie on the PGA TOUR, defeated Els in a four-hole playoff at Royal Troon to win his second PGA TOUR event and his first major championship. Hamilton gained experience playing on the Japan Tour and has been playing in the Far East for the better part of the last 12 years.

"It seems like probably a fairy tale, and to me it really is," he said.

Ames, who turned pro in 1987 and has been on the PGA TOUR since 1996, has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA TOUR this season. He currently ranks third on TOUR with nine top-10 finishes behind Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh. His victory at the Cialis Western Open helped him to his current No. 6 spot on the PGA TOUR money list.

Ames, who is the first touring pro from Trinidad and Tobago, has also played in the World Golf Championships-World Cup with his brother, Robert, who currently caddies for Stephen. Ames recently became a Canadian citizen.

Hensby, who spent six years on the Nationwide Tour, defeated John E. Morgan in a playoff at the John Deere Classic for his first PGA TOUR victory. Hensby, 33, is No. 15 on the PGA TOUR money list.

"It's taken a long time," said Hensby. "I grew up from a background with not a lot of money and not much help. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Players like Todd Hamilton, Stephen Ames and Mark Hensby are each great examples of how dedication and perseverance can pay off," said Tom Strong, executive director of the NEC Invitational. "The World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational will again be a fantastic collection of players from all over the world who have each taken different paths to get here. Fans should get their tickets now to see the best the world has to offer."

Tickets to the 2004 NEC Invitational can be purchased by calling the Championship Office at 330-644-2299, by calling toll free 1-877-942-4849 or by logging on to www.worldgolfchampionships.com. This is the last week to purchase tickets at the advance price. Tickets range from $45 daily passes to $125 weekly championship ticket books.