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Graham DeLaet reflects on career year

Sep 5, 2013 | 12:04 PM

It’s been quite the year for Graham DeLaet on the PGA Tour.

Not only has the Weyburn product come close to winning his first tournament, he’ now ranked number 35 in the world and he’s played his way on to this year’s Presidents Cup International team.

With seven top tens, a career best tied for second at The Barclays and over $2.6 million dollars in earnings, his career has taken off.

Throw in his recent play in the Fed Ex Cup playoffs where he will make the season finale TOUR Championship and that has guaranteed him a spot in all four major’s and exemptions into many more high level tournaments.

With a week off in the playoffs, DeLaet has gotten a chance to reflect on his career year.

“I’ve kind of sat back and thought about what an unbelievable year it’s been,” said DeLaet.

“I feel like there have been a couple of chances that I’ve let slip a little bit, but it’s great being in contention and I believe my time is coming.”

As for making the Presidents Cup International team, DeLaet says it’s a dream come true. And while nerves will no doubt be there when the tournament starts Oct. 3, by no means is he going to shy away from names like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

“In all honesty, I’m not intimidated by those guys,” said DeLaet.

“I feel like my game can hold up well. In the team competition there’s obviously going to be more pressure because you don’t want to let guys down. But if you can put that outside your thought process and focus on what you need to do, that’s the key.”

Before the President’s Cup though, there’s the matter of finishing up the Fed Ex Cup playoffs with the BMW Championship and the TOUR Championship.

DeLaet currently sits fifth in the points race. If he can remain in the top five heading into the last tournament he has a shot of winning the playoffs and the $10 million dollar cheque that comes with it.

“Going into the playoffs, my goal was to make Atlanta (the TOUR Championship). I thought that would be a great achievement, but now I have a legitimate chance of winning. It’s a realistic goal to win it.”

DeLaet was asked what his wife Ruby would do with $10 million dollars. With a laugh he responded with, “It’s going to me.”

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