Dawson makes another strong showing at Warwick -

 16 years later

by Mark Spezia

Redemption, renewal, revival.

All of the above apply to several golfers who entered this year's Buick Open having experienced hard times this season, but finished among the top 10. In fact, six who were 102nd or worse on the money list did so, including tournament champion Brian Bateman.

Also in their ranks was Marco Dawson, who at last enjoyed another strong showing at Warwick Hills 16 years after he tied for 10th as a 27-year-old PGA Tour rookie.

Dawson, who had made the cut in only five of 10 tournaments this season, finished tied for fifth place with a 13-under-par 275. His previous best finish in 2007 was a tie for 30th at the St. Jude Classic.

"I put together some good rounds," said Dawson, who closed with his third 4-under 68 of the tournament. "I finally putted well and finally got some breaks. I hate to say it, but I've had a lot of bad breaks this year that have made the difference between me making the cut or not. It was nice to see things go my way for a change."

Dawson, who began the tournament 186th on the money list and has never won on the PGA Tour, moved within one shot of the lead with an eagle on the par-4 14th and a birdie on the 15th, but parred the final three holes. His birdie attempt from the edge of the rough on 18 rolled 2 feet from the hole.

Dawson swung from the bunker on 14 for his third eagle of the season.

"My bunker play is usually another strong part of my game, but I had not hit any good bunker shots this year," Dawson said. "I hit a nice one today, though. Bunker shots usually don't bother me. Things got a little tricky out there today with the wind and fast greens, but overall I'm really happy how things turned out this weekend."

Dawson will take it indeed.

The 43-year-old was a Tour regular from 1991-97, but a series of physical setbacks threw off his game. He has finished in the top 125 on the money list only once (2003) since 1996, which also was the last year he finished in the money at the Buick Open.

Dawson led the 1991 Buick Open after three rounds before dropping back. He finished no better than 54th in his next 10 appearances at Warwick Hills before this year.

"My biggest problem this season has been just not putting well, but I finally was able to do that," Dawson said. "It's been coming around. I changed my grip about three weeks ago and that has really seemed to help."

Dawson will attempt to make the British Open field for the first time by finishing in the top 14 in today's qualifying tournament at Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham.