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IN-FORM Matt Kuchar has revealed he sacrificed playing for a share of almost $9 million at his hometown US PGA Tour event in Georgia to tee up at the $1.25 million Australian Open.
But the highest-ranked player in the field at The Lakes has no regrets about his “great family adventure”, having shot himself into contention after two rounds.
Kuchar fired a five-under 67 on day two to climb to sevenunder for the tournament, one behind Korean leader Byeong Hun An (69).
He won last week’s PGA Tour event in Mexico and, after pocketing $1.8 million, made a 14,000km dash to Sydney — arriving only a day before the Open started.
“It’s a big commitment to make it down here,” Kuchar said yesterday. “There’s definitely a bit of jet lag.”
Kuchar lives on Sea Island, Georgia — minutes from the host course of the RSM Classic being held this week.
“Yes, that is a tough one. That’s a hometown event,” he said. “But I got excited about the opportunity to play here and the World Cup (in Melbourne next week).
“It’s a great two weeks; a great adventure for the family.”
Kuchar, his wife and two sons were stuck in LA for 24 hours before departing for Sydney.
But the eight-time PGA Tour winner says skipping the Australian Open never crossed his mind.