Cognizant Classic
Why Erik van Rooyen might be perfectly happy with a second-place finish on Monday at the Cognizant Classic
Brennan Asplen
Thanks to a remarkable eight-under 63 on Sunday at PGA National, Erik van Rooyen has put himself in position to potentially get into a playoff at the Cognizant Classic, which is currently finishing up on Monday. If you can believe it, though, van Rooyen might be perfectly happy with a second-place finish instead.
At 14 under, van Rooyen is one back of leader Austin Eckroat, who just began his back nine. Given the soft conditions after rain pounded Palm Beach Gardens on Sunday, and the fact there doesn't seem to be much wind, it's Eckroat's tournament to finish. But final-round pressure is a helluva drug and anything can happen down the stretch at The Bear Trap.
In other words, van Rooyen needs to stay ready. The problem? The South African is slated to play in golf's fifth major, the Seminole Pro-Member, just 20 minutes down the road in Juno Beach. First-world problems like you read about:
As you can see, this predicament is not unique to van Rooyen. Cameron Young, who is in his foursome at Seminole, just finished his final round at PGA National. Eckroat, Rickie Fowler and Matthieu Pavon are all still on the golf course as well. Looks like they will sadly miss out on one of the most exclusive events in golf.
As for van Rooyen, he's there, though he's fully prepared to be shuttled off the course and into a car to get back to PGA National if need be:
Well, as of now, this appears to be a real possibility, as Eckroat continues to grind out pars to keep van Rooyen just one shot off the lead. Min Woo Lee is making a charge, however, reaching 14 under with five holes to play. We've all dealt with the "oh, I got a better invite" situation before. It can end friendships. But we've never dealt with the "oh, I have to go back to the other course to play for $1.6 million" situation. Prayers up for EVR during these trying times.