Ken Duke’s victory in The Travelers Championship Sunday expanded his pocketbook and will impact his standing when it comes to qualifying for some of the Tour’s most exclusive events;
MOVING ON UP
The $1,098,000 paycheck and 500 FedEx Cup points moves Duke to 23rd on the 2013 money list and to No. 20 in the FedEx Cup standings, guaranteeing him a spot in the playoffs, which begin in late August.
EXEMPT STATUS
No matter what happens this year or next, Duke will keep his playing privileges through the 2015 season. He’s also assured of playing in this year’s PGA Championship, to be held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., in August.
AUGUSTA & ALOHA
An invitation to the Masters is one of the perks of winning. In one previous Masters, he tied for 35th in 2009. Also, Duke is eligible for the season-opening Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Small field, no cut, guaranteed money.
HISTORY LESSON
At 44, Duke is the oldest first-time winner on the PGA Tour since Ed Dougherty, who was 47 years old when he won the 1995 Deposit Guaranty Classic.
ADDING IT UP
Duke has earned $8,352,865 (165th all time) in 187 PGA Tour events and $992,338 (32nd all time) in 150 Web.com events.
WORLDWIDE
The new world rankings come out today. How much Duke (144) moves up will determine whether he is now qualifies for World Golf Championship events.
Sports, Pages 17 on 06/24/2013