James Nitties

fter having competed in the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament each year since 2005, finally broke through in 2008. After holding the outright lead after two rounds in the final stage at PGA West in La Quinta, CA, finished second to Harrison Frazar and earned his PGA Tour card for 2009. Competed in two events on the Nationwide Tour in 2008, making one cut. In October, claimed the Aspen Group WA (Western Australian) Open Championship by two strokes. Prior to that win, spent most of the 2008 season competing on the Nationwide Tour and Hooters Tour. In 2007, finished fifth at the HSBC New Zealand PGA Championship. Best finishes of the 2005 season on the Nationwide Tour were a T10 at the Jacob's Creek Open Championship and a T11 at the Chattanooga Classic. Was featured on Golf Channel's show "Big Break." While playing in the U.S. mini-tours in 2005, spent nearly a month in a Texas hospital with pain in his right hip and knee. Was diagnosed with reactive arthritis, a chronic condition where fluid builds up in the joints. Takes medication to alleviate the pain. Started a physical fitness routine and by 2007 finished T5 behind Craig Parry at the Australian Open.