He was looking golden with 18 holes to go at the Champions Tour Q-School in Scottsdale, tied for fourth place and five spots available to compete weekly with the big boys in 2012, but a closing 76 sent former Salem Country Club golf director Kirk Hanefeld in a tailspin that placed him tied for 16th when it weas all over, and uncertain what he will do in 2012.
“I have an opportunity to go bck to work as a club professional,” Hanefeld revealed, “but I don’t expect to make a decision to do that or give the Tour another shot until sometime in January. Even if I take the job, I’d expect to play several Champions Tour events, at least try to with the Monday qualifying routine. I’m exempt into the PGA Pro National Championship for life (after winning it twice) and I’m exempt into next year’s PGA Senior Championship anyway.”
No matter what he decides, Hanefeld will shoot for Monday qualifying at the first four Champions Tour events next year and go from there.”
Hanefeld, 55, is also exempt into next summer’s British PGA Seniors.
In Scottsdale, Hanefeld said he “kept his mistakes to a minimum for three days, but made too many the last day and kind of gave my position away;” not a pleasant experience. He was 69-65-67-201 after 54 holes. “But it’s a four day grind, senior professional golf at the highest level, and you can’t mess up even one day or you’ll regret it.”