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By Adam Wallace
PGA TOUR Staff

The Nationwide Tour travels to Minnesota this week, and the players vying for The Rochester Area Charities Showdown at Somerby presented by Think know that winning the $500,000 event means that PGA TOUR success might not be far behind. Kevin Stadler (2004), Jason Gore (2005) and Brandt Snedeker (2006) all parlayed victories into success on the PGA TOUR. This year's champion will earn $90,000, which will go a long way to helping him earn a spot in THE 25.

Somerby Golf Club, with a par-72 (7,209 yards) course designed by 2006 Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman and golf course architect Jon Fought, hosts the event for the second year in a row. Last year, Brandt Snedeker eagled the par-5 18th hole to force a playoff with Jeff Quinney before defeating him with a two-putt birdie on the second playoff hole. Snedeker finished 9th on the money list and earned a promotion to the PGA TOUR. He will be playing in the U.S. Open along with 67 other players who have Nationwide Tour connections this week.

Jamie Lovemark, playing this week on a sponsor's exemption, won NCAA Individual medalist honors. Lovemark, a freshman at University of Southern California is the son of Gary Lovemark, former University of Minnesota basketball player. Lovemark earned First Team All-America honors and was the recipient of this year's Jack Nicklaus Award (College Player of the Year), as well as the Phil Mickelson Award (nation's outstanding freshman). This is the second time Lovemark has played in a PGA TOUR sanctioned event. He finished tied for 39th earlier this year at the Buick Invitational.

Ben Bates, the all-time cuts made leader on the Nationwide Tour with nearly 200 weekend appearances, finished tied for 38th last week. As the season nears the half way point, Bates along with every other player, will be looking to better his position in the race for THE 25.