Puerto Rico Open Goes Back To The Future

The Puerto Rico Open should be re-named the Back to the Future IV Classic. The alternate event to the WGC-Mexico struggled to lure a full field of exempt players as some decided to rest due to the new condensed schedule. The event was fondly known as a launching pad for upstart players’ careers like Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Jason Day and Bryson DeChambeau.

However, this year, you’ll notice some names normally not heard or seen on PGA Tour leaderboards in…decades(?) as GolfDigest’s Joel Beall reports.

Jonathan Kaye (48) — A two-time winner on tour, Kaye has played in a mere three tour events in the last eight years.

Frank Lickliter (49) — He’s made more than 460 career starts on tour. However, he hasn’t posted a top-10 since 2006.

Dicky Pride (49) — Pride has made 472 starts on tour, astonishing considering he’s finished in the FedEx Cup 125 just once since its inception in 2007.

David Duval (47) — The former World No. 1 and current Golf Channel broadcaster has made a total of 20 starts the last five years.

Chris Smith (49) — Winner of the 2002 Buick Classic, Smith has a lone top-10 since 2005.

Spike McRoy (50) — Winner of the 2002 B.C. Open, McRoy hasn’t held full-time tour status since 2004.

Guy Boros (54) — In his sixth year on the PGA Tour Champions, Boros has made just nine starts on the PGA Tour since 2010.

Stuart Appleby (47) — A nine-time winner on tour, Appleby is nearing $30 million career earnings, yet has only breached the FedEx Cup top 100 once this decade.

Neal Lancaster (56) — Now in his eighth year playing the 50-and-older circuit, Lancaster made 579 starts in his PGA Tour career, with his last top-10 coming in 2007.

Hey, someone has to win, right?