Masters Berth: 2016 LAAC Set Up For Fun Finish

With a Masters berth on the line, not even a large lead is safe. But just two shots separate the top four heading into Sunday's finale of the Latin America Amateur Championship at Pete Dye's spectacular Casa De Campo, Teeth of the Dog course.

The final threesome offers an intriguing setup, with last year's runner up and Florida golfer Alejandro Tosti paired with teaamate Jorge Garcia (Venezuela). They are chasing Campbell University golfer Gaston Bertinotti of Argentina. The U.S. collegiate aspect might be disappointing for some but also speaks to the role of NCAA golf these days in shaping players from all over.

As noted in this week's Forward Press by ESPN's Sean McDonough, Tosti's story is particularly compelling, though having a Venezuelan qualify would certainly open eyes in a country where the game has been mocked by its president, except when Johnny Vegas won a tour event.

The final round starts on ESPN2 at 11:30 am ET, with a highlights show at 5:30 pm ET.

Third round highlights:

Forward Press: Sean McDonough & Dye's Dominican Masterpiece

Other than a 1994 Shell's Wonderful World of Golf featuring Fred Couples vs. Ray Floyd, Pete Dye's Casa de Campo design hasn't been seen much on TV. Until this week.

In this week's Forward Press, I chatted with ESPN's Sean McDonough about the difficulty of working a golf broadcast featuring an almost entirely unknown field. That's the case at this week's Latin America Amateur Championship, brought to you by the Masters, USGA and R&A where a Master berth is up for grabs.

Also included are some embeds of fun "Teeth of the Dog" preview videos, including Dye reading writings about what he has said (at times) of his beloved design.

Other viewing tips include the Sony Open and a Caddyshack airing scrubbed cleaner than a Golden Globes telecast. Enjoy.

Membership Closes In Annual World Top 50 Club

There's something increasingly absurd about the year-end World Top 50 Club. Not that it's the fault of the Official World Golf Ranking. Or even the precious algorithm guiding year-end standings that carry entirely too much meaning by qualifying people into majors and other events.

It's always seemed strange to be handing out passes for major championship field spots for the previous year's top 50. They also secure $300,000-or-so in guaranteed appearance money for the coming year, all because the calendar switched to a new year January 1st.

Yes, people need to plan schedules and make travel plans at some point, but I don't get why this New Year's Eve mythical milestone of world top 50 status is still used by events such as the Masters. The idea of rewarding folks in such a substantial way while restricting others, all for finishing the year one one side of the top 50 line, just seems like an outdated notion.

Nick Menta reports on those who slipped in and those no longer with access to the club. And then there's Tiger down at 416th.

USGA Sounds Positively Thrilled About Mid-Am's Fundraising

Jeff Babineau of Golfweek, who covered Sammy Schmitz's U.S. Mid-Amateur win, considers the fundraising effort by the presumed Masters invitee.

Babineau tried to contact Schmitz but did not get a return call, only a written statement. But it's the cold, crisp statement from the USGA that is more telling:

A spokesperson for the USGA released the following: “Raising funds for reasonable competition expenses is permissible under the Rules of Amateur Status as long as a state and/or regional golf association is involved in the administration of the fund and any donations remain anonymous. The USGA has and will continue to work with all parties involved.”

In this case, any unused money would be passed on to the Minnesota Golf Association. The USGA will pass along names and contact information from the fund’s list of “anonymous” donors to Schmitz, who plans to thank those who have supported him so generously.

That chill has me putting on a sweater as we mutually share this moment in genuine warmth.