Robert Karlsson, Patrick Reed among the best storylines from Q-School

Well that’s it, folks. After years of producing more drama than your average PGA Tour event, the final edition of Q-School came to a close on Monday afternoon at PGA West. Following six grueling rounds of golf, 26 players were fortunate enough to punch their PGA Tour ticket and tee it up with the best in the world next season.

Of course, the final day of Q-School wasn’t short on drama. There were numerous storylines in play throughout the day, but when the dust finally settled, there were five storylines that stuck out.

Robert Karlsson overcomes the full-swing yips — Robert Karlsson’s career was on life support back in July. Following a practice round at the Open Championship, the Swede withdrew from the major, citing some “bad habits in my game” as the reason for pulling out. Little did anyone know that Karlsson was suffering from the full-swing yips — which basically meant he couldn’t start his golf swing or commit to pulling the trigger. Fast forward almost five months and Karlsson somehow, some way managed to secure his card with a T14 finish.

“I learned a lot,” Karlsson said of the last few months. “Not to take golf for granted, that’s for sure. Now it seems like a bonus that I can play. I am very happy.”

Mr. Monday is a full-time member — It’s tough to peg how rookies are going to fare on the PGA Tour, but if this year’s success during Monday qualifying is any indication, Patrick Reed could be in for a successful 2013. Reed, who Monday qualified for an astounding six tour events in 2012, came close to securing his card as a non-member this year. If he needed only a handful of starts to come close, imagine what the August State product could do with 20-plus starts. Reed finished T22 to secure his card.

Si Woo Kim becomes youngest PGA Tour member — Move over, Ty Tryon: Si Woo Kim is now the youngest member in PGA Tour history, after he posted 18-under to secure a spot next to Rory and Tiger next season. But there’s a catch to Kim’s big news: He won’t be able to tee it up on a full-time basis until last June. The reason? PGA Tour rules state you must be 18 before you can have full-time status — meaning Kim will technically be a non-member until. Talk about a buzz-kill.

Steven Bowditch claws his way back to the PGA Tour — The leader heading into the final day of Q-School struggled early on, going 4-over thru his first 6 holes, but he managed to calm the nerves down the stretch to become a member of the PGA Tour. Bowditch has dealt with a lot over the years, from clinical depression to anxiety issues. I know we’re not supposed to play favorites in this sport, but it’s nice to see guy like Bowditch overcome his issues and make it back to the PGA Tour.

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