Charlie Beljan wins CM Network Hospitals Classic

Charlie Beljan won the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Lake Buena Vista Golf Club by two shots, securing his PGA Tour playing status for 2013

Charlie Beljan
Fergus Bisset
By
published

Charlie Beljan won the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Lake Buena Vista Golf Club by two shots, securing his PGA Tour playing status for 2013.

Beljan, who was rushed to hospital after his blood pressure soared during the second round, came into the tournament fearful that a trip to Q-school was in the offing. But, after taking the title, he has an exemption for two years and a host of invitations to significant tournaments in 2013.

"Every day I drove underneath that Disney sign coming in here that said, 'Where dreams come true,' and that's just what happened this week," he said. "I don't know exactly what perks come with winning, but I know every single one of them is pretty darn good."

Beljan began the final round in the lead, but when he arrived at the course he was still feeling unwell with a pounding headache. It didn't seem to bother him when he got on the golf course.

He fired five birdies in six holes around the turn and, despite a stumble at the 13th, he never looked seriously troubled. His nearest challenger, Robert Garrigus, never got closer than within two shots of his fellow American.

With this being the last tournament counting towards the 2012 PGA Tour money list, there was some last-minute shuffling around the bubble. Only those finishing within the top-125 were guaranteed playing rights in 2013.

Despite a top-10 finish, Jerry Kelly came up an agonising $1,809 short of Kevin Chappell in 125th spot. Kelly finished outside the top-125 for the first time in his career.

Tim Herron was the big winner. He moved from 138th to 124th with his tied ninth place finish.

Scotland's Russell Knox also finished in tied ninth place and picked up a cheque for $112,800. Despite earning more than $500,000 through the season, he failed to retain his card, finishing the year in 143rd on the money list.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Nov 8-11, purse $4,700,000, par 72

1   Charlie Beljan (USA)   68   64   71   69   272   $846,000 T2   Robert Garrigus (USA) 68   68   70   68   274   $413,600 T2   Matt Every (USA)      67   69   70   68   274   $413,600 4   Brian Gay (USA)   69   69   67   70   275   $225,600 T5   Scott Stallings (USA)   66   70   71   69   276   $165,087 T5   Josh Teater (USA)   71   67   67   71   276   $165,087 T5   Boo Weekley (USA)   70   67   72   67   276   $165,087 T5   Charlie Wi (Kor)   64   71   70   71   276   $165,087 T9   Mark Anderson (USA) 68   67   74   68   277   $112,800 T9   Tom Gillis (USA)   72   66   70   69   277   $112,800 T9   Tim Herron (USA)   71   70   67   69   277   $112,800 T9   Jerry Kelly (USA)      71   68   72   66   277   $112,800 T9   Russell Knox (Sco)   66   72   72   67   277   $112,800 T9   Joey Snyder III (USA)   69   70   72   66   277   $112,800

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage

Fergus Bisset
Fergus Bisset
Contributing Editor

Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.

He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.

Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?

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