Cold weather has slowed business down here for the last week or so but a promising forecast for this weekend should bring some golfers out. Like most courses in our area we have aerated our course. I know all golfers hate this fall ritual but it is one of those necessary evils that we must do so that we can achieve optimum turf conditions next spring. With that being said a lot of courses have dropped their rates for the fall and there are some bargains to be had.

Focus on the PGA tour now is players attempting to keep their cards and stay in the top-125 money list. Fellow Hoosier and Brickyard Crossing blogger Chad Collins is in that mix as he tries to win enough money these last 2 events to jump up to the 125.

Another Hoosier, Jeff Overton, was in the top 125 and playing really well, that is, until he went to Phoenix for the PGA Tour stop and had to have an emergency appendectomy. What a terrible break, as Jeff had played really well this fall and was well on his way to securing his card for the 2009 season. But the main thing is that Jeff recovers and gets well soon.

If you don’t get to the top 125 you then get to try Q-School. It is the most grueling tournament in golf. There are two stages and then the finals where only 25 players get their tour cards for 2009.

Our good friend and former Hoosier Jim Gallagher Jr. is going to give it a try again this fall. Jim is just about as old as I am and wants to stay competitive to give the Champions Tour a chance here in a few years. Speaking of the Champions Tour, Hal Sutton made his senior debut last week. Some interesting players are turning 50 here in the next year.

In a few weeks I head off to San Luis Obispo, Calif., for a tournament hosted by Mike Rowley, president of Straight Down Clothing Company. The tournament is a scratch Pro-Am. My partner is Joe Hillman from Wolf Run Golf Club. This tournament is one of the biggest and best tournaments I play in.

Mike invites about 40 club professionals from around the country and then has 20 or more touring pros from the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour. I have not seen the list of players yet but I know the last few years Tom Lehman, Charley Hoffman and Paul Goydos have competed. When the field is set I will let you know who is playing.

‘Til then get out and play some golf and check out the Brickyard!

Jeff Schroeder

PGA Head Professional

Brickyard Crossing