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John Merrick had a successful year on the Nationwide Tour, highlighted by his win at The Peek'n Peak Classic, and earned a spot on the 2007 PGA Tour. But he decided he wanted to better his exempt status, and went through the stages of Qualifying School, finished in a tie for fourth and improved his Category Ranking. He spoke with PGATOUR.com about his goals on and off the course.

PGATOUR.com: Tell me three things not related to golf that you consider must-dos before you're on the wrong side of the divot?
Merrick: Travel in Europe. Build a dream house. Create a charity foundation.

PGATOUR.com: What is your wildest golf dream?
Merrick:: Beating Tiger Woods at the Masters.

PGATOUR.com: What aspect of the Nationwide Tour will you miss most next season?
Merrick: I will miss all the people I created such nice friendships with on this tour.

Robert Laberge (Getty Images)

Inside The Numbers

John Merrick 2006 Nationwide Tour and PGA Q-School Results

Events played 26 Win 1 Top 10 4 Official Money $208,506 PGA Q-School -15 (t4)

PGATOUR.com: What was your welcome-to-professional-golf moment?
Merrick: My first tournament was a three-day desert Hooters Tour event in Palm Springs, Calif. I finished third and earned $3,000.

PGATOUR.com: You've been granted a 60-minute sit-down with any figure in the world of golf, living or dead. What's your first question -- and to whom would you address it?
Merrick: It would be Ben Hogan. I'd ask him what his secret was.

PGATOUR.com: Describe the menu, from soup to nuts, of your next title celebration dinner. And name the wine pairings.
Merrick: I'd start with a garden salad and some rolls. Then on to filet mignon with Silver Oak cabernet sauvignon. I had some crème brulee for dessert.

PGATOUR.com: Name five songs in your iPod.
Merrick:
• Unsatisfied by Nine Black Alps.
• When You Love Young by The Killers.
• You Only Live Once by The Stokes.
• Away from Me by Puddle of Mudd.
• What I Know by T.I.

PGATOUR.com: Other than winning a tournament, what would make next year a success?
Merrick: Keeping my card.

PGATOUR.com: The first time you're paired with Tiger, what would you say to break the ice?
Merrick: I might ask him to play a money game.

PGATOUR.com: Who would you most like to hit balls next to, and why?
Merrick: Ernie Els because he has such great tempo.