Q School Player Preview: Carlos Franco

26 players earned their cards very recently, and while many of them won't make it big on the tour quite yet, it's important to note that 3 that qualified last year from the end of year tour made their way to the big check at the end of the tournaments. So, while there we be 40 that ultimately make it, some will win and do decent, and others won't--17 of the 40 from last year are playing again for their PGA lives.

One of the graduates, Carlos Franco, has a good shot at taking home some gold next year. He has 10 million in career earnings, but don't forget that he is also 42 and in his 12 events last year, his highest finish was 94th. One of the reasons that people have said he didn't do well last year is his lack of practice and work on his game--but when he earned his card again, he spoke of the effort he made to get back on the tour--so if he can keep that up, he should be able to move his way back up in several tournaments that play to his strengths. While he is not a big guy (5'9" and 165), his experience is enough to get him further than most.

He also has a sentimental vote in most fans' hearts. He comes from a poor background and grew up in a one-room, dirt-floor home. His father was a greenkeeper and caddy, and he has five brothers, all of whom became golf professionals. Carlos turned professional in 1986 and has played in many parts of the world. He has won more than twenty tournaments in Latin America, and from 1994 to 1999 he won five times on the Japan Golf Tour. He also claimed the 1994 Philippine Open title on the Asian Tour. Since 1999, he has played on the U.S. based PGA Tour. He was the first rookie to surpass $1 million in earnings in a season and won the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year title.

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Q School Player Preview: Carlos Franco

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