By John Cook

The year 2006 was a decent year on the PGA tour for me. I just missed the “top 125”, which brings full exempt status for the following year, but having only played 19 events and being 49 years of age, I was satisfied with 3 top 10 finishes. I was looking forward to 2007 with much anticipation and excitement but I also felt a little apprehension. I was turning 50 on October 2 of that year and would become eligible to play on the Champions Tour.

The first six months of 2007 were a disaster. Sickness and injury left my confidence shaken as my body was showing signs of the "A" word, aging. Luckily, I found two guys in Southern California that piece by piece, put this body back together and sent me towards my 50th birthday with hope. Justin Frandsen, my trainer and Dr. Tim Brown deserve credit for restoring my belief in myself and showing me that I could age gracefully. I must also thank the members at Virginia Country Club, Big Canyon Country Club and El Niguel Country Club. The guys I would play golf with, and give far too many shots to, got me back to being competitive and playing golf instead of just practicing. Having tee times and shooting scores go so much further than just hitting golf balls.

So, my 50th birthday on October 2nd could not come soon enough for me. I was eligible for two Champions Tour events. I started that month in Houston at the Administaff. I was a bit anxious, a little nervous and it showed in my play. I tied for 36th which didn't really show that I was ready to compete again. I knew I had to get much better very quickly. My next event was the following week at the AT&T Championship in San Antonio and my result was a bit better. I was fortunate enough to hold off Tom Kite and my good friend, Mark O'Meara down the stretch and capture the trophy.

The Champions Tour consists of 29 events, 18 less than the regular tour. The schedule rarely goes more than three consecutive weeks before a one or two week break. A great schedule for sure. Most of the players play every week. There are no weak fields so the "star power" is there every tournament. Each community gets to see their favorite stars - players who have won hundreds of tournaments, dozens of major championships and have not lost any of their skill on the golf course.

The competition has been far better that I anticipated. The scoring is low every week. Winning scores are consistently in double digits under par. You might think we are playing pitch and putt courses, but I can assure you the courses we play measure from 6800 to 7400 yards. The rough is a bit shorter which does not mean it is easier. The shorter rough brings back the "flyer" lie, something missing on the regular tour. Green speeds are quick and the pin placements are challenging. This all adds up to a lot of players at or near the lead on Sunday every week.

The Champions Tour name certainly fits this fine group of players. Every player that plays each week has been a champion. There is very little backing up on Sunday as these players have closed out tournaments on every level on which they have competed. Experience down the stretch goes a long way and not one player stops competing. I think that the spectators appreciate the fact that they are going to see a fun and great finish to each event.

The travel has been fun, if travel can be fun. My wife, Jan has been attending most of the events. Since our first years on tour, her travel schedule mostly coincided with kids' school schedules, game schedules and functions. With me traveling half the year, Jan kept the homestead in fine working order and rearing the children was top priority, as well it should have been. The kids are grown and gone, doing their thing. Jan has been to mostly all of the events, a fine traveling partner for sure. She has spent some time with other tour wives with whom she had developed friendships through the years. Any time we can spend together is quality time and we are having a great time in this second chance at a career. We have been to Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Major championships have been played at Oak Hill, Royal Troon and The Broadmoor - all classic courses with incredible history and certainly the feel of any major championship on any tour.

The guys have been great. They seem to really appreciate this second chance. The great guys are still great, the gruffy guys are still gruffy, but with a smile and a wink. I played recently with Dr. Gil Morgan and we were trying to think about when we last played. We pinpointed 1991. He is still very good at the tender age of 62. Getting to play with these fine players again has been the real highlight of my re-rookie year.

Everyone says there is a small window of opportunity on the Champions Tour. I am not sure I believe that though. Dr. Gil is competitive at 62, so is Hale Irwin. That is the benchmark in my eyes. Keeping your health and body in working order is of the utmost importance. I will keep training and getting stretched. It doesn't take much time out of the day and I want this ride to last until they tell me otherwise. We get to play and compete and also enjoy what this great life has given to us. Hard work and sacrifice and learning life's lessons along the way have paid off for the players of the Champions Tour. I certainly hope you can take in a Champions Tour event at some point. We get to Naples, Tampa, Boca and Palm Coast on the Florida swing. I promise you a good time.