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Special to PGATOUR.com

Upon returning to the winner's circle last Sunday after a three-year injury-plagued drought, one of the first things that came to the mind of 2004 Nationwide Tour Player of the Year Jimmy Walker was "THE 25."

"It feels good to be back in that top 25 and that is the most important thing on the Nationwide Tour," he said.

'THE 25' has created quite a buzz on the Nationwide Tour this year. (Grayson/WireImage)

The National Mining Association Pete Dye Classic champion could have been speaking for virtually any other Nationwide Tour player who calls the Tour home and navigates its ultra-competitive 32-tournament schedule. With eight events left, there is much drama ahead as Walker and his peers battle down the stretch in search of one of the 25 coveted PGA TOUR cards for 2008.

At this time last year Brandt Snedeker, Boo Weekley and Jeff Quinney were engrossed in a similar scenario, jockeying for their final positions on the Nationwide Tour money list and the realization of a dream, much like many others who preceded them. This year those compelling storylines and dramatic finishes will be repeated but under the guise of a new program called "THE 25."

Launched in April as a means for fans to identify and follow the Tour's leading money winners, "THE 25" has created a sizzle and spirit throughout the Nationwide Tour that is enhancing the competitive environment. An intrinsic and inspiring component, "THE 25" has garnered national media attention as one of sports' truly unique storylines.

"THE 25" has flourished beyond leaderboard identification, fans guides and caddies vying for the prestigious gold bib and become the centerpiece of dialogue on the GOLF CHANNEL and the PGA TOUR's other television outlets, as well as on PGATOUR.com. The program's growing appeal and momentum has spurred interest for corporate sponsorship.

The lure of the Nationwide Tour and what is has to offer is not lost on teenage sensation Jason Day of Australia.

"On the Nationwide Tour, you're playing each week like it's the PGA TOUR," said the 19-year-old who became the youngest winner of a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in July in Cleveland. "And you're playing for something. You're playing for one of those 25 cards, and that makes you work harder because you want to be on the main tour (PGA TOUR), you want to play in majors, you want to do all that stuff."

One element of THE 25 program is the distinct gold vests that are worn by the caddies of those players who are among the top-25 money winners on a given week. In a short span, the vests have become a topic of conversation and object of desire among both players and caddies. Not only is it the goal of the players to be inside "THE 25," it has become prestigious for caddies to don the gold vests that distinquish them and their player from the rest who are outfitted in red and blue bibs.

Justin Bolli, champion of the recent Northeast Pennsylvania Classic, poked fun at his bag man after his win by saying, "I joked with my caddie about wearing his out on the town. I told him he probably sleeps in it at night."

Bill Calfee, who has been president of the Nationwide Tour since 1999, has witnessed first hand the evolution of the Tour over the last decade and is particulary excited about the interest "THE 25" program has created and its impact.

"The essence of the Nationwide Tour is the 25 cards that are at stake," Calfee said. "The competition is intense week in and week out, which is backed up by the fact that 15 of the first 23 events this year have been decided by one shot or gone to a playoff. 'THE 25' program has not only engaged our fans both on site and on the Golf Channel, it has created a buzz and heightened focus among players, caddies, sponsors and the media that, quite frankly, didn't exist for the card chase in past years. There is no doubt in my mind that the strides we are making on this Tour are making the PGA TOUR better and stronger."

Other players, including former members, certainly are taking note of all the fuss being made about "THE 25."

"We're all trying to move up the money list to get in 'THE 25' program where your caddie gets to wear one of those gold bibs," said Australian Scott Gardiner, currently 27th on the money list. "I've been playing steady. I just want to keep it going. This game is all about momentum."

"My goal the rest of the year is to finish inside 'THE 25' and earn my PGA TOUR card.....maybe even win again," said Daniel Summerhays, who last month became the first amateur to win a Nationwide Tour event and has since turned pro. "Playing on the Nationwide Tour is an amazing opportunity. It gives players an avenue to achieve their dreams."

"Year after year the Nationwide Tour graduates do a great job of proving how successful the Nationwide Tour is when they get to the PGA TOUR," echoed 1991 Nationwide Tour Player of the Year Tom Lehman. "It gives guys the opportunity to step up to the next level with the poise they need to succeed on the PGA TOUR."

With eight events remaining and many cards still up for grabs, there is plenty of action ahead. Three-time winner Nick Flanagan is on his way to the PGA TOUR leaving No. 1 Roland Thatcher and No. 3 Jason Day to take center stage in their duel to become the Tour's leading money winner and earn a spot in next year's PLAYERS Championship.

But the real spotlight, and the pressure that accompanies it, will be on those players who have still not locked up their spot in "THE 25," or worse, are on the outside looking in. With only $804 separating Canadian Jon Mills at No. 24 and Australian Scott Gardiner at No. 27, for some it could be a very wild ride to the season-culminating Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek and the Nov. 4th PGA TOUR Card Ceremony.