Coughlan's bubble may burst

Richard Coughlan's destiny, and that of a number of players on the bubble, among them Sandy Lyle, will be decided at the Walt Disney Classic which takes place at the Lake Bueno Vista resort, starting today.

With only the top 125 players on the money-list guaranteed their tour cards for next season after the conclusion of the Disney event, Coughlan - who is currently in 160th place on the Order of Merit with earnings this season of $152,285 - needs to produce the best week of his season if he is to avoid a trip back to the tour school next month.

Coughlan, who has played in 16 of the last 17 tournaments in his quest to retain his card, needs to reproduce the sort of form that brought him a top-10 finish in the BC Open last month if he is realistically to achieve his objective. "I know I have it in me, although I am exhausted after all the travel of recent months," he admitted.

A secondary aim for the Birr Golf Club-attached player would be to at least break into the 125 to 150 zone which would give him a place in the final qualifying school (rather than first having to play in the tour school second phase) which means he needs to earn approximately $30,000 in this week's event, the final tournament on the tour before the exclusive Tour Championship which features only the top 30 players on the money-list.

Coughlan is not alone in seeking to retain his card. Among those also on the bubble is Lyle, whose 10-year exemption for winning the US Masters finishes this season. Lyle is currently placed in 149th place with $172,414.

David Duval, who retained his Texas Open title two weeks ago, is defending his title at Orlando where he will be attempting to increase his lead at the top of the Order of Merit.

US Masters, British Open and World Matchplay champion Mark O'Meara has clinched the PGA of America Player of the Year award. O'Meara beat PGA Tour money leader David Duval, who has won four 1998 titles. O'Meara accumulated 136 points to Duval's 90. The award is based on tournament wins, official money standings and scoring average.