Top 10 players to watch in 2011: No. 10 Michael Allen

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Michael Allen's goal was to be an exempt player in 2011 on both the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour. He made it easily on the Champions Tour but missed on the PGA TOUR when he finished 130th on the money list. He fell short of finishing in the top 125 by $60,000.

Discusses runner-up at Schwab Cup Championship Birdie at Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship Birdie at Songdo Championship

That should mean that Allen will spend most of his time on the Champions Tour in 2011 and that should translate into a banner season. Allen has what it takes to be a top five performer on the Champions Tour.

As a part-time player, Allen narrowly missed winning two Champions Tour majors this year, tying for second at the JELD-WEN Tradition and losing a playoff at the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship. He was also runner-up at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. It's clear what the up side is.

There are benefits to concentrating on the Champions Tour. Greater focus will allow Allen to better arrange his schedule to maximize performances. Not having to go back-and-forth between tours certainly will be to his advantage.

Also, his familiarity with the Champions Tour will be enhanced when it comes to selecting courses that may be a better fit although at the level Allen is playing, he should be able to handle anything that comes his way.

The key for Allen these days is that he's more relaxed than ever. He no longer frets about having to make a living at the game. He's done that.

"I'm enjoying the game and I'm enjoying competing," he said. "I love playing well and getting in those last few groups. It's been a blast over the last few years. Before, I was a little afraid of it, I think. Now I'm just really enjoying the game."

Starts 14 Schwab Cup points 1,846 (4th) Official money $1,196,770 (9th) Driving distance 284.6 yds. (14th) Greens in regulation 71.64% (15th) Putts per round 28.79 (5th)