THOUSAND OAKS, California (AP) Joost Luiten better hope his decision to hit one shot at the BMW Masters doesn't keep him out of that other "Masters."
This is the last big week of tournaments around the world as players try to finish inside the top 50 to earn an
invitation to Augusta National in April. Luiten is at No. 52 going into the Nedbank Challenge, but here's where it gets interesting.
Luiten had a sore shoulder in Shanghai. He had to play two of three "Final Series" events on the European Tour to be eligible for the finale in Dubai. So he chose to hit one shot off the first tee at Lake Malaren in the BMW Masters and withdraw. He rested his shoulder for two weeks, played Turkey and then tied for fourth in Dubai.
However, that added one tournament to his total in the world ranking formula. If he had not been required to play the BMW Masters, Luiten would be at No. 49.
Ultimately, however, his performance will dictate whether he gets into the Masters. Even though it's late in the year, the fields on three continents are packed with good players at the World Challenge in California, the Hong Kong Open and the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa.
