Adam Nicholas

Absolutely insane set of circumstances at the Mexico Open: Nick Hardy made about half a million dollars today. (Stick with me) Hardy got into the field today as the 3rd alternate. The first two alternates weren't on site, so when Taylor Moore WD'd with an injury, Nick was in. Last night, some players encouraged Hardy to make the trip, knowing the first two alternates weren't there. Nick immediately found a flight and arrived in Mexico early yesterday afternoon. Hardy has struggled the last few years and only has past champion status. This season he had made 14 starts, made 4 cuts and is 193rd in points. So how did getting into today's field potentially earn him roughly half a million dollars? It was his 15th start of the season, which counts as a full season under the PGA Tour's retirement plan. And here's the important part: It was his FIFTH qualifying season. That means Hardy has now reached the vesting requirement for the cuts-made portion of the Tour's retirement plan. Under that plan, players accumulate retirement credits for cuts made throughout their careers. Based on Hardy's 67 career cuts and the plan's historical payout structure, the amount could be worth roughly $400,000 or more. Barring a Monday Q in one of the final few events, Hardy would have fallen one start short. And with his recent struggles, there was no guarantee he'd get 15 starts again next season. Man, he had to be ecstatic when that phone rang today letting him know he was in the field.