The AT
&
amp;T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is one of those tournaments
that can launch a career. It’s also one where a young pro can rise
up and never be heard from again.
Pebble Beach – The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is one of those tournaments that can launch a career. It’s also one where a young pro can rise up and never be heard from again.
So which is it for John Mallinger?
If you’ve never heard of the 27-year-old Californian who lives in Long Beach, you’re not alone. After all, his resume is not exactly filled with accomplishments.
Mallinger’s third-place finish was the first top-10 of his career and guaranteed entry into this week’s Nissan Open. He earned his PGA card through a tie for 13th place at the 2006 Qualifying Tour. He was only 78th on the Nationwide Tour money list in 2006, and made eight of 15 cuts.
So what is Mallinger doing braving the elements at Pebble Beach, staring down pressure and finishing third?
First, it comes in believing in one’s self and having a strong contingent of family and friends who believe in you as well. And then, when you get the opportunity to play with some of the more successful veterans, watch and learn.
He couldn’t have more different or better playing partners than long-hitting Davis Love III and short-game wizard Corey Pavin. What the fourtysomething playing partners have in common is that each has won a major and they have 14 finishes in the top-10 yearly moneywinners between them.
“It was great to play with them,” Mallinger said. “Davis has some serious power, and Corey knows how to play the game. Sure, I’d like to learn to hit a 3-wood 265 yards like Davis (on the 18th hole).
“You watch and see how composed they are coming down the stretch. It’s pretty routine for them. Hopefully, that’s the way I would look at it. Down the stretch, I played with some of the best players in the world and showed I belong here.”
Mallinger shot 1-under 71 Sunday and was tied for second until Kevin Sutherland holed a 5-foot birdie putt to break the tie on the 18th hole.
“I had a great chance to win it if a few more putts fell,” Mallinger said. “I played exactly like I wanted to. I was in the second last group on Sunday at Pebble Beach and gave it my best run.”
His best run was worth $374,000, more than 10 times as much money as he had made combined previously on the PGA Tour.
Which begs the question — one-tournament wonder or a rising star? Only time will tell.
