Michigan native fulfills dream to join PGA Tour

LAKE ORION, Mich. -- Lake Orion native Tom Gillis fulfilled the dream of every aspiring pofessional golfer last week as he qualified for the PGA Tour in La Quinta California. Tom survived the grueling six round marathon by finishing T-21st with a 10-under-par total 422, which included a 68, 69, and final round 70 to secure his 2003 PGA Tour playing card.

"I set out to achieve a goal (getting PGA Tour card) and I did it so I feel good about my of the way I handled myself down the stretch."

Tom entered the game of golf at the age of 14 and caddied for two years at Indianwood in Lake Orion, which he plays out of still today. Following a successful career at Oakland University, Tom turned professional at 21 and registered a victory on the Hooters Tour.

During the past five seasons Tom has been playing the European Tour. In 2002 he had been playing on a Medical Extension after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome curtailed his appearances to just six in 2001.

"I'm really looking forward to next year. It seems when I've played here in the states I'm so much more relaxed. For some reason I'm just more comfortable playing over here. Hopefully, that will still be the case next year. It should be pretty exciting."

December 18, 2002