One professional and two amateurs from the area are attempting to qualify for the Champions Tour this week at MetroWest in Orlando.
Barry Cheesman, who has played on the PGA Tour and has won on the Nationwide Tour, is in the field, along with amateurs George DeSear of Bradenton and Moe Guttman of Sarasota.
Cheesman won almost $2 million during his pro career, but hasn’t played in more than two years. He turned 50 in August, the age when golfers are eligible to play on the Champions Tour. A former minor-league baseball player, Cheesman lives in Sarasota.
DeSear has won numerous club championships at Bradenton Country Club. In the past, he has attempted and failed to qualify for the U.S. Open.
Guttman has qualified for the past two U.S. Senior Opens, but hasn’t made the cut either time.
The qualifying began Tuesday and ends Friday. You can follow the players progress on www.PGATour.com.