It's A Small WorldThe Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
It's A Small Worldby: Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Editor
10 March 2004
After the Alabama drive two weeks ago, Michael and I decided to fly to Matt's Florida games last weekend. Our plane lifted off in heavy winds Friday morning having us a little on edge, but the packed plane broke through the wind and above the clouds without any problems. It was beautiful to look down on the billowy clouds that look more like snow and ice than clouds.
After a quick change in Atlanta, we were soon in Pensacola in sunny 76 degree weather. As we unpacked at our hotel, we turned on the TV and saw Oquawka's Todd Hamilton (formerly of Oquawka) golfing on the PGA Tour at the Ford Championship at Doral. He was tied for the lead that day ending in second place. When the week ended, Hamilton had his best finish on the PGA TOUR in 2004 with T15th at the Ford Championship at Doral.
He ranks T56th in Eagles (Holes per) on the PGA TOUR. Born in Galesburg October 18, 1965, Todd is now 38, living in McKinney, TX with his wife: Jaque (Saben) and three children Tyler (4/2/98), Kaylee (6/20/00), and Drake (4/18/03). He received his education at the University of Oklahoma and turned professional in 1997.
According to the GPA web site on Todd Hamilton:
International Victories (6): 1996 Japan PGA Philanthropy [Jpn]. 1998 Gene Sarazen Jun Classic [Jpn]. 2003 Fujisankei Classic [Jpn], Diamond Cup [Jpn], Gateway to the Mizuno Open [Jpn], Japan PGA Matchplay Championship [Jpn].
Current Year PGA TOUR Money and Positions $136,927 (95)
Current Year Best PGA TOUR Finishes
T15--Ford Championship at Doral
Current Year PGA TOUR Best Round
68at Round2, Chrysler Classic of Tucson, 68 at Round 1, Ford Championship at Doral,68 at Round 2, Ford Championship at Doral
Best PGA TOUR Finishes
T15--2004 Ford Championship at Doral.
Best Nationwide Tour Finishes
T21--1991 Ben Hogan Hawkeye Open.
2003 Season Highlights
Earned first PGA TOUR card with a T16 finish at the 2003 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament. Won a Japan Golf Tour-high four times in 2003 and finished third on the Japan Golf Tour Official Money List. Played in two majors in 2003, finishing T29 at the PGA Championship, his best career PGA TOUR finish, and missing the cut at the British Open. Also placed 72nd in the WGC-American Express Championship.
Member of the Nationwide Tour in 1991. Has made only four cuts in 12 career starts on the PGA TOUR. Member of the Canadian Tour from 1988-89. Member of the Asian Tour from 1992-2002. 1992 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. Winner of the 1992 Thailand Open, Singapore Rolex Masters and Korean Open, in addition to six career wins on the Japan Golf Tour.
Biggest thrill in golf was winning his first tournament. Lists Jack Nicklaus as his hero.
Credits his father for giving him his start in golf.
His wife, Jaque, was his high school sweetheart.
Almost quit golf prior to winning the 1992 Asian Tour Order of Merit. Three-time NCAA All-American.
Congratulations Todd...we are not surprised.