Elkington takes this advice to heart

2008-03-30

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By John Reger PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

AVONDALE, Louisiana (Ticker) - If 44-year-old Steve Elkingtonneeded any motivation to play better, it inadvertently was givento him by his 11-year-old son Samuel.

"My son wanted to know where I bought all those trophies that Ihave," Elkington said.

Samuel was 2 years old the last time Elkington won a tournament- the 1999 Doral Open - so his query was an innocent enoughquestion, but still managed to motivate his father.

"I''ve been trying to play more golf and refocus a little bit ontrying to get up and win some tournaments," said Elkington, whohas been on the PGA Tour since 1987.

He put himself in position after Thursday''s first round of theZurich Classic of New Orleans, shooting a 68 to trail leaderDean Wilson by two shots.

Though Elkington has been winless since 1999, he has had hischances, especially in major championships. He was part of afour-golfer playoff at the 2002 British Open, missing a six-footputt on the fourth hole that eliminated him.

At the 2005 PGA Championship, he tied for second, losing to PhilMickelson.

"I could have easily won either one of those and then I''d besitting in a different spot," Elkington said. "I always try todo well in the biggest tournaments - my record shows it."

In addition to his PGA Championship victory in 1995, Elkingtonhas eight top-10 finishes in major championships and has wonother high-profile events like The Players Championship and theMercedes Championship.

Elkington''s philosophy for tournaments the last few years hadbeen quality over quantity. When his children were younger,Elkington preferred to be at home rather than on the road, butthe last couple of years the prize money has been too tempting.

"I did for a number of years, got a little tired of playing alot of events," Elkington said. "With my young family, it waseasy for me not to play them. But now there''s so much moremoney to be playing for."

Elkington would like to grab some of it. In his first full yearon the tour, he earned nearly $76,000. At this year''s BuickInvitational he received $91,866 for tying for 13th.

"When I came on tour I made 75 grand to keep my card," Elkingtonsaid. "Now we''re asking these kids to make $800,000. All themoney is on the tour so you might as well enjoy it."

Two decades on tour will take its toll on anyone, and manygolfers who are in their mid-40 like Elkington are winding downtheir careers and looking ahead to the Champions Tour.

Elkington, though, has added more dates to his schedule andhopes to cash in on the added workload.

To add eight or nine more to your schedule, that''s two monthsmore, that''s a lot to me," Elkington said. "I did it last yearand it was no problem and I feel better that I''ve done it."

Last year Elkington played 25 events and earned $911,875. Thisyear, he already has made 528,690 through seven events.

"I''ve been trying to play more golf and refocus a little bit ontrying to get up and win some tournaments," Elkington said."I''ve had years were I wanted to be energized and couldn''t doanything. It just so happens that I''ve got energy and I''mplaying well."

Of course, one more bit of advice from Samuel gave Elkington areminder why he is out here.

"He said, ''Hey Dad, you stay out there and see if you can dosomething.''"