Ryan Palmer makes PGA Tour Champions debut at Furyk & Friends

Palm Coast, FL — PGA Tour winner Ryan Palmer, who just turned 50 three weeks ago, is set to make his Champions debut this Friday at the Furyk & Friends tournament at Hammock Beach's Ocean Course. Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson are also in their 50s and have won multiple championships on the senior tour. Palmer has four wins on the regular PGA Tour, including one at the same Conservatory course where he recently competed.

He recalls sinking a 9-foot putt on the final hole to secure that victory, a putt he'd been practicing for all year. Palmer acknowledges that his putter and short game will be crucial in the senior circuit, where distance off the tee becomes more valuable. With two more events on the Champions regular-season schedule, Palmer could potentially qualify for the playoffs, which will determine the top 72 money earners.

If he doesn't secure a win and a favorable result in the next two tournaments, he's content to focus on improving his game. Palmer's long playing career, with near $34 million in career earnings, didn't come without challenges, but staying healthy was key to his success.