After sitting out most of the past two seasons on the PGA Tour because of an injury, Denver native Jonathan Kaye hopes he finally has a foothold on things.
Kaye, who lives most of the year near Phoenix, will make his 2009 tour debut today in his home tournament — the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz. He won the event in 2004.
“Maybe I can start my year on fire,” Kaye said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
A big payday would eliminate a lot of pressure. Kaye is playing this year’s tour on a major medical extension. To regain full exempt status, he has 13 events to earn $743,805.
Kaye, 38, underwent surgery on the big toe of his right foot prior to the 2007 season and missed all of that year. He returned to play in eight events early in 2008 but made only three cuts and had to stop when the pain became unbearable.
The University of Colorado graduate initially had surgery on that toe in 1996. “Feet are tough. They take a long time to heal,” Kaye said. “And I probably played too soon last year. I would have been better served to wait until the end of the year.”
Kaye has a special shoe for his right foot. Steel supports were inserted into the insole.
“I guess you could say I have a ‘Forrest Gump’ right shoe; it doesn’t bend,” Kaye said. “That eliminates some of the pressure on the joint. It’s not great for walking, but it’s the only way I can get around pain free.
“My swing might have gotten a little out of balance last year. It’s better now. Walking the course is my challenge.”
A problem with playing on a medical extension, Kaye said, is being so low on the entry list pecking order. He likely will not play in some of the tournaments that he enjoys most. Kaye got in the FBR Open because he is a past champion.
“The medical extension isn’t the greatest deal, but I’m at peace with it,” Kaye said. “You can get ($743,805) in one tournament out here.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
