Dudley

Hart

Hart hasn’t competed anywhere on a formal tour since late 2010 when he had a setback in Australia. However, we know that he participated in a pro-am in Oregon in September and a pro clambake in Florida in December. Still just 43 years of age, he could sparkle if his back (spinal fusion surgery) is ready for the big time again.

In the brief article, Hart rehashes much of what we’ve relayed to you during the course of his time away due to spinal fusion surgery and a setback in December 2010. Mell added the following update, however: “Hart said rigorous new therapy has helped him get ready for a return, though he says he still has issues and difficulty playing three and four rounds in a row.” And Hart remains cautious. “The frustrating thing is there is no magic formula for healing the back,” he said.

This is a splendid effort given the circumstances that prevented him from competing for over a year. He hit nine (of 14) fairways and only 10 greens but converted five birdies. He took 26 putts in the round. Hart will take on Spyglass Hill in his second round on Friday.

It wasn’t the most impressive week of his life but it’s a step in the right direction that he was able to play three consecutive rounds. He hit 10 greens in regulation every day but averaged 29.3 putts per round. This leaves him with 12 starts on his Major Medical Extension to earn $504,284 and retain status.

The website also indicated that the golfer underwent a second back fusion surgery; it doesn’t state when it occurred. He limited his schedule to one start in 2012, missing the cut at Pebble Beach. Whenever he tees it up again, he’ll have 12 starts on his Major Medical Extension to earn $504,284 and retain status.

The event is contested at Wildfire Golf Club in Peterborough, Ontario. Assuming he honors the commitment, it will mark his first sanctioned start anywhere since missing the cut at the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Hart underwent at least two back fusion surgeries in the last four years. He hasn’t played regularly until his 2009 season was cut short at the end of May. Perhaps his appearance at the Wildfire indicates a return to the PGA TOUR this October. Whenever he’s back, he’ll be equipped with a Major Medical Extension to earn $504,284 and retain status.

He erased a birdie at the par-4 14th hole with two outward bogeys and sits nine strokes off the pace of the overnight co-leaders. Never mind that though. It’s great to see the 45-year-old, two-time PGA TOUR winner back inside the ropes. This was his first official action since he missed the cut at Pebble Beach in February of 2012.

He withdrew early from the WM Phoenix Open, too, but pegged it at Pebble Beach and finish T35. Hart will remain on hold with 10 starts on his Major Medical Extension to earn $475,145 and retain status.

Hart hit only 11 greens in regulation but limited the damage to a lone bogey at the par-4 sixth hole. He picked off five birdies, including on three of the four par 5s, to post 5-under 139 at the midpoint, four strokes off the 36-hole clubhouse lead. Look for him at the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in the third round.

In his only start this season, he missed the cut at the Humana Challenge by nine strokes. Hart will stay put on 11 starts remaining on his Major Medical Extension to earn $504,284 and retain status.