No shortage of playoff fever for finally-healthy Bohn
Jason Bohn has the sort of enthusiasm that can bring a smile to the face of even the most cynical person in the room. He may 36 years old, but Bohn still appreciates the fact that he can make a living as a professional golfer and doesn't hide the fact that he's excited about playing in the FedExCup playoffs.
There's no need for Bohn to zip up his zeal for the postseason. Unlike most of his accomplished colleagues, Bohn has never made a playoff appearance, which no doubt helps feed his fervor for the FedExCup Playoffs.
"I'm thrilled because this is my first FedExCup playoff, to go to Barclays," Bohn said. "I'm pumped, I can't wait."
Bohn missed the playoffs each of the last two years because of injuries. In 2007 he had to shut it down after 17 events, unable to play after the AT&T National because of a rib injury that never seemed to heal.
In 2008, after a third-place showing at the Wachovia Championship, Bohn went almost five months between starts. The problem began with back surgery and became serious when a surgeon's mistake caused fluid to leak from Bohn's spinal cord and created the potential for infection. Eventually Bohn spent 32 days unable to lift his head above his waist. He wasn't able to play with his kids, must less think about playing golf. His life and his career were placed on hold.
"It put a lot of things into perspective," Bohn said.
This season he's looked more like his old self. The former Alabama standout made the cut in 13 of 19 events and placed 63rd in the FedExCup points standings. Bohn has two top-10s, including last week's playoff loss at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro.
"To go to the playoffs, I'm feeling hot," Bohn said. "To go in there with some momentum is huge."
He almost started the playoffs on the heels of a victory. Bohn shot a final-round 62 last week and posted an early number that became the target for the rest of the field in Greensboro. He wound up in a three-way playoff, even though he didn't really give himself much of a chance, believing that he would fall about two shots short.
"Believe it or not I never thought I would get in a playoff," he said. "There was too many birdie holes coming in and I just thought 16-under wasn't good enough."
So Bohn spent some time with his family, playing with his kids, before realizing he might have a chance. He went to the range with caddie Billy Sullivan when it looked like he might have a chance for the bonus round. Neither Ryan Moore nor Kevin Stadler could close the deal, leaving Bohn with the opportunity to win his second PGA TOUR event.
Unlike many of his colleagues, who may be too cool to admit they get nervous, Bohn left no doubt about his mental state at the time. He said his heart was racing when he met Moore and Stadler on the tee for the playoff and drew a number to determine the order of play.
"I'll be a hundred percent honest, nerves got to me a little bit at the end," he said. "I haven't been in this position in a long time."
Bohn's last win came in 2005 at the B.C. Open, which he followed up six events later with a second-place finish at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Since then he's had a close call at Greensboro (second in 2006) and at Wachovia in 2008. But his health issues have kept him away from serious contention.
Bohn bowed out on the first playoff hole after leaving a shot from a greenside bunker in the sand. He admitted to being a "little disappointed in the way it ended." But the unsatisfactory finish wasn't enough to kill his buzz about the playoffs.
Bohn won't be anywhere close to the favorites, but he definitely brings momentum into the postseason. Whatever happens at The Barclays or the Deutsche Bank Championship, you can bet Jason Bohn will enjoy the ride.
Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.
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