Knowing he is a big Bucs fan, the celebration for Palm Harbor's John Huston was likely tempered a bit

Monday night. Nonetheless, Huston will enter the 2009 PGA Tour season as an exempt player. John

qualified Monday through the grueling Q-school. He tied for 4th where 28 players earned their cards.

Huston was the oldest qualifier at the age of 47. It's good to see Huston, a seven time winner on

the PGA Tour, back in the fold with exempt status. If he can hold his game together for a few years, he'll

make a mint on the Champions Tour.

     Congratulations also go out to Clearwater's Bob Heintz. He also earned exempt status in 2009. This

was Bob's ninth trip to Q-school, and the 4th time he's picked up this card.

Unfortunately for Lithia's Michael Bradley and Tampa's David Branshaw, they did not qualify. Expect

to see both those players on the Nationwide Tour. Perhaps, we will see all four in this year's field at the

Transitions Championship at Innisbrook, March 16-22.

     Meanwhile, Brandenton's Paul Azinger will not return as Ryder Cup captain. Azinger told the

Associated Press "It ain't gonna be me." Corey Pavin is rumored to be his likely replacement. This

move comes after U.S. players lobbied hard for Azinger to return as captain. The 2010 Ryder Cup will be

played in Wales. Corey Pavin is one of the nicest guys ever on tour and will be a worthy captain. What

will be missing is Azinger's personality. Zinger likes to tell it as he sees it. Don't know if that had

anything to do with the Tour's decision, but it wouldn't surprise me. Hopefully Paul can now get his game

ready for the new season. There was a time, back in the 90's, when Azinger game was plain scary. I'll

share this moment with you.  Back then, Paul took off a week from the tour during a tremendous hot

streak. We met to film a closest to the hole segment were all proceeds would go to a charity. He

was there at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Sarasota, giving up his time. That week likely cost him

money not being out on tour. Will never forget that and will always be grateful. Huston also

participated that year, joining me at Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course. He too was playing very well,

and still gave up his time on tour to join us.

    One final note: Look for Seminole's Brittany Lincicome to rebound after a sub-par 2008 LPGA

season. Looking from a distance, I believe she went through a big adjustment year on tour, coming

off her first tour win, caddy change, and the usual demands that go along with being a budding star.

If you will excuse me, I'm headed to the practice tee. Tee it high and let it fly!

Tom Korun