Brian Higgins - Lights Out

Some of the players at last week's 25th MGA Mid-Am were wondering what course Brian Higgins was playing. With rounds of 66-65-65 at Haverhill Country Club, Brian absolutely lapped the field. The runner-up was Phil Smith who was 12 shots back. It was a very deep field - all the best players were there. I watched Brian play a few holes and he was definitely in the zone. The best part was that many of the players stuck around for the trophy ceremony. Oftentimes players just hit the road when they're done and there are not too many people around other than MGA officials and staff. This time, though, there were a dozen players or more who stuck around. I thought that was very classy.

Brian will be representing Mass in the USGA State Team Championship this week in St. Louis along with teammates Frank Vana and John Hadges. That's a strong team that I know can contend. Hopefully the putts will be dropping for the boys. The tournament is Wednesday thru Friday.

Since the Pats weren't looking too sharp on Sunday, I started flipping to different channels and happened upon the Nationwide event where Fran Quinn was in contention. He made a couple of clutch putts while I was tuned in, and even though I didn't stick around to watch the finish I went online later to find out that Fran had won with a clutch birdie on the final hole. It was Fran's first win on the Nationwide in nine years. Congrats to him. That puts him 18th on the money list with about four events to go. The top-25 at year's end get their PGA Tour cards. Hopefully he can hang in there.