A 'Major' Decision

SAN FRANCISCO, Ca -- So what would you do if you were in Colt Knost's shoes?

The 22-year-old Dallas native has finished up his four years at SMU. He's playing well enough of late to believe he has a realistic shot at earning a PGA Tour card at Q school this fall. Still, having won the U.S. Amateur Public Links title in July and now having reached the finals of the 107th U.S. Amateur Championship (after winning his semifinal match versus Jhonattan Vegas, 4 and 3), he has secured spots in next year's Masters and U.S. Open ... provided he remains an amateur.

So what's the call? Do you turn pro and skip the majors or stay amateur and put the start of your career on hold until next June?

Knost said he won't make his final decision until after playing in the Walker Cup in two weeks. Sticking around to play Augusta National remains possible, but waiting until after competing at Torrey Pines seems doubtful.

"Still need to be an amateur [to get the exemption]?" Knost said. "I don't think I'll be at the U.S. Open unless I qualify then. Honestly, I'm going to have to think about it. But I don't think I can put off turning pro any longer than April."

Of course, if he were to defeat Michael Thompson in tomorrow's 36-hole final at Olympic Club, he also would earn a spot into next July's British Open, leading him to another dilemma.

If only all our decisions were so "difficult."

--Ryan Herrington