Paul

Stankowski

The threat of inclement weather was in the forecast early this week but wasn’t expected to hit the area until later tonight or tomorrow morning. Paul Stankowski was one of 27 stranded on the course at the time of the delay. He returned and parred the par-4 18th to finish at 4-under 138.

Stankowski lives in Flower Mound, Tex., which is just north of Irving, host of the HPBNC. He circled three birdies and suffered one bogey in his effort. Other notables that failed to qualify include: 69--Todd Fischer ... 70--David Branshaw; David Morland IV ... 71--Ted Purdy; Will Strickler ... 72--Frank Lickliter II; Chris Smith; Tom Byrum; Joel Edwards ... 73--Glen Day ... 75--Leif Olson.

Stankowski was listed as the second alternate when the field was released on Friday afternoon. He gained entry due to four withdrawals this morning. He’s cashed in only one of his three starts on the PGA TOUR this season, instead relying on a full-time schedule on the Nationwide Tour where he’s 4-for-5 with no top 25s.

Stankowski was the 10th alternate at the start of the week. He gained entry when eight golfers withdrew this morning. He’s a mere 2-for-4 on the PGA TOUR this year with no top 45s, but he recorded one of his two top 25s in 24 starts last year at TPC Southwind.

Stanko hit 16 greens in regulation and rolled in seven birdies, including conversions of 40'2" and 25'2" at the third and 17th holes, respectively. Limited to five previous starts due to Past Champions status this season, he’s cashed in three but hasn’t recorded a top 45.

Stanko enters ranked 178th on the money list. He’s coming off a T21 at the Frys.com Open, just his second top 25 of the year. At Seaside today, he showcased his buttery putting stroke to the tune of six birdies. This included conversions of 23'2", 23'8", 26'3" and 15'9" at the first, second, fifth and eighth holes, respectively.

Since losing his PGA TOUR status at the conclusion of 2012, the two-time winner has been relegated to the Web.com Tour where he’s cashed in just one of four starts this season. The HPBNC is a hometown event for the Dallas-area resident. He squared just one bogey today but mustered just four birdies. Other notables that failed to qualify include: 68--Bubba Dickerson ... 69--Chris Smith ... 71--Todd Fischer; Clark Dennis ... 72--Steve Allan ... 73--Will Strickler ... 75--Frank Lickliter II ... 76--Glen Day; Marc Turnesa ... 77--Robert Gamez.

Best known for a blazing putting stroke in his heyday, Stankowski has bounced from medical extensions to Past Champion status since 2005. Today was like 1997 all over again for the 40-year-old. He hit 15 GIR, took 28 putts and converted on six birdie tries, including three long-range efforts at the 13th (22'6"), 15th (17'9") and 7th (30'2") holes. But perhaps it was the 12'8" putt that disappeared for par at the 12th (his third of the day) that laid the foundation of confidence at the new track that is the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio. Stankowski signed his card with a one-stroke clubhouse lead as the afternoon wave began.

Stankowski was added to the field via a sponsor’s exemption. He played well in the opening round of last week’s Valero Texas Open and eventually finished in a tie for 22nd place.

Stanko hasn’t played the PGA TOUR since the Fall Series last year, so he’s immediately capitalized on a rare opportunity this week. He hit only 11 greens in regulation but limited the damage to one bogey. After returning to Annandale this morning to complete his round, he closed with three birdies, a par and an eagle to finish three strokes off the clubhouse lead. No doubt yesterday’s rain helped soften the turf and improve scoring.