Valley native Purdy inches closer to dream

Jan 31, 2009
Tim Tyers
Special for The Republic

Ted Purdy admits he has dreamed of winning the FBR (Phoenix) Open ever since he began taking golf seriously as a youth.

The native Phoenician and former University of Arizona star, who is playing this week on a sponsor's exemption, gave himself a chance to accomplish that goal on Saturday, firing a 6-under 65 to move into a tie for sixth at 9-under, three strokes behind leader Kenny Perry entering Sunday's final round at TPC Scottsdale.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't dream as a kid of winning this golf tournament," said Purdy, who won the 1991 state high school championship while at Phoenix Brophy Prep. "I was asked the other day what would be my ideal year. I said to win the Phoenix Open and back it up with a major."

That said, he now faces a Herculean task in the final round: Attaining a title he dearly wants in front of his fans, friends and family, while clearing his mind and convincing himself that it's just another golf tournament. He was loosey-goosey Saturday, hitting a full sand wedge nine inches from the cup on the raucous 16th hole, and then delighting fans by waving a huge Arizona Cardinals flag on the way to the green for his tap-in birdie.

"Who knows, I might do it again (Sunday)," he said. "It got me loose, and that's the point. It's just a golf tournament. It's not that big of a deal. As long as I have that attitude, I think I'll be fine."

"It's important for me to play well here because of my fans, friends and family," he said.

He played well in two late season events in October, then regained his Tour card in December by dropping a 12-foot putt on the final hole of the final stage of the Tour qualifying school, tying for 18th. His exempt status should gain him entrance to 28-30 events this year.

"When I make that putt to win the FBR Open, it won't be the biggest putt I've ever made," Purdy said. "It'll be the one I made in December, because without that putt, I wouldn't be here (today)."