October 26, 2008

The 18th hole at the Nationwide’s Miccosukee Championship in Miami proved a dramatic stage for PING pro D.A. Points. First, he holed a 125-yard wedge shot for an eagle on the par 4 to force a playoff. Then he sank a 4-footer for birdie on the first extra hole to secure his fourth Nationwide Tour win and, more importantly, ensure a return to the PGA Tour in 2009. It all came with his wife and parents in the gallery.

“It’s the first time I’ve won in front of them,” said Points. “And I’m heading back to the PGA Tour.”

Hoping to birdie the final hole for a chance at a playoff, Points took dead aim with his PING wedge and went one better. He still had to wait as his nearest competitor faced a 15-foot putt for birdie, which he made to send the twosome back to the 18th hole. A near identical drive left Points, who entered the final round tied for the lead, the same distance with the same club choice. Once again, he answered the challenge and knocked the shot within easy birdie range. He calmly stroked the ball into the hole for his first win since 2004. It moved him into 15th place on the money list with more than $260,000 in earnings. The top 25 on the Nationwide Tour money list at season’s end earn PGA Tour playing privileges for the following year.

The 31-year-old Illinois native played the new PING Rapture V2 driver, G10 18 and 21 degree hybrids, i5 irons, two PING MB wedges and a Redwood prototype putter.