Citi Mentor Program

text size

For many golfers, surviving q-school is just the first step in fulfilling their dreams...

Badz/PGA TOUR

From left, Derek Fathauer, James Nitties, Captain Paul Azinger, Brian Vranesh and Jimmy Walker.

In 1998, Mike Weir, an unknown Canadian, took home medalist honors and hasn't looked back. Weir has eight TOUR victories, including the 2003 masters. He's not only his country's best-ever golfer, but one of its most popular athletes.

Woody Austin took top honors at the 1994 q-school. While his three TOUR wins are a highlight, the splash he made at the 2007 Presidents Cup just may be his defining moment. Following his swim at No. 14, Austin birdied the last three holes to gain a crucial ½ point in his match. His performance helped Team USA get it done as they won the Presidents Cup in dominating fashion.

Paul Azinger won q-school in 1984, went on to win 12 PGA TOUR events and was the captain for the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup squad. But Zinger has not forgotten his q-school roots. In partnership with Citi, he will serve as a mentor for a foursome of the TOUR's aspiring newcomers.

Each year, Citi will select four recent graduates of q-school and, along with captain Azinger, will help guide them through their upcoming season on TOUR.

Follow the 2009 team that includes California golfer Brian Vranesh, three-time Nationwide Tour winner Jimmy Walker, Australian rookie James Nitties and twin Derek Fathauer as they try to turn their dreams into reality.

MEET THE CAPTAIN

Name: Paul Azinger
Birthplace: Holyoke, Mass.
College: Brevard Junior College, Florida State University
More: Azinger, one of the most respected figures in the game, medaled at q-school in 1984 and has 12 TOUR titles. He is also the captain of the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team. "I am honored to be the captain of Citi's mentor program," said Azinger. "I look forward to helping these players reach their full potential on the PGA TOUR."

MEET THE 2009 TEAM

Name: Brian Vranesh
Birthplace: Northridge, Calif.
College: College of the Canyons
2009 PGA TOUR Rookie: Yes
Experience: No PGA TOUR starts prior to 2009
More: Vranesh made just one cut in 12 starts last season on the Nationwide Tour, but turned his luck around when he made it through all three stages of q-school. He also competed on the Nationwide Tour in 2007 and tried his hand on various mini-tours throughout his career. When not playing golf, Vranesh has waited tables, worked at restaurants and a catering company, and delivered pizzas to support his career. This Californian who's pals with Pat Perez and Charley Hoffman joins his friends on the TOUR in 2009.

Name: Jimmy Walker
Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Okla.
College: Baylor University
2008 PGA TOUR Rookie: No
Experience: 60 PGA TOUR starts, 26 cuts made
More: Walker retained his PGA TOUR status for 2009 by a T11 finish in q-school. While a member of the PGA TOUR in 2008, Walker made 13 cuts and had three top-25 finishes. His biggest thrill in golf was playing in the 2001 U.S. Open, where he tied for 52nd and had the third lowest round of the week when he shot a 66 in the second round. Walker is now on the PGA TOUR but the Nationwide Tour has a special place in his heart, since he met his now wife, Erin, at a Nationwide Tour event in 2004 when she was serving as a volunteer.

Name: James Nitties
Birthplace: New South Wales, Australia
2008 PGA TOUR Rookie: Yes
Experience: No PGA TOUR starts
More: After four years of trying to make the PGA TOUR through q-school, Nitties finally earned his card in 2008. He finished second to Harrison Frazar after holding the outright lead in two rounds at the final stage. In addition to spending time on the Nationwide Tour and Hooters Tour before this season, Nitties was also featured on the GOLF CHANNEL's "Big Break". Off the course, he lists his interests as "clubbing, girls and movies".

Name: Derek Fathauer
Birthplace: Stuart, Fla.
College: University of Louisville
2008 PGA TOUR Rookie: Yes
Experience: 2 PGA TOUR Starts, 1 made cut
More: The 23-year-old golfer successfully navigated the final two stages of q-school and posted sub-par scores in all six rounds of the final stage. He's made two starts on the PGA TOUR, including the 2007 Ginn Sur Mer Classic at Tesoro. Fathauer and his twin brother, Daryl, both missed the cut at that tournament. The brothers also played on the same golf team in college and both qualified for the 2006 U.S. Amateur, making them the first set of twins in USGA history to reach match play.