Phil Tataurangi needs to pocket a swag of dollars if he wants to keep his US Tour card for next year.
But New Zealand golfer, making his comeback after a herniated disc in his lower spine required two operations and 16 months on the sidelines, says he is taking things
a step at a time.
Tataurangi, who resumed his US career in January, received what the Tour terms a "major medical exemption" for 2006.
Together with the US$6540 ($10,986) he earned in 2004, he must earn a further US$616,722 in his 22 scheduled events this year to retain his card for 2007.
The figure is the amount earned by American Tad Ridings who finished 125th on the 2004 money list.
"I want to make my card for next year but I have not mapped out any real outcome goals," Tataurangi, 34, told NZPA in Atlanta where he will be playing this week's BellSouth Classic along with compatriot Craig Perks.
"I just want to keep improving and who knows where that will take me but every week I feel like I am getting a little bit better.
"I am not going to worry about what money I need to make because I know the results will take care of that."
Tataurangi had a useful joint ninth placing at last week's Lousiana Open, a part of the second-tier Nationwide circuit.
"I will not play any more Nationwide events this year so I now have a minimum of 21 events, including this week, on the main tour to look forward to this year."
The US$5.3 million BellSouth tournament is only Tataurangi's second regular US Tour event this year. In four previous appearances, his best finish was a share of eighth place in 2002.
"I am just so excited being back in the US and looking forward to playing a lot of golf this year," said Tataurangi w ho felt his game was at "80 per cent" and just needed regular competition to continue improving.
"I feel as though I am getting better with every week and I am not trying to climb back up to the top of the ladder all in one step."
- NZPA
