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TB Classic offers fun incentives

PALM HARBOR -- A week at a posh golf resort isn't the worst way to spend your down time. But, just in case, the Tampa Bay Classic has made sure the players in town for this week's tournament at the Westin Innisbrook Resort have options.

Such as fishing, a cruise, Busch Gardens tickets and the Dolphin Encounter at Clearwater Beach Marina.

"We're trying to do a bunch of things that will improve their experience here and might make them want to come back," tournament director Gerald Goodman said.

That's why he put together a fishing charter through Donzi/ProLine Boats out of Tarpon Springs Yacht Club. Morning and afternoon excursions were offered to players Tuesday and today.

Goodman organized a brunch cruise for players' wives and the Dolphin Encounter, which he encouraged players and their families to use.

VALIDATION: When Dan Forsman dropped a 22-foot eagle on the final hole of the SEI Pennsylvania Classic on Sunday, he did not know where he stood. That putt won him the tournament -- his first victory on the PGA Tour in 10 years. Forsman, 44, last won at the 1992 Buick Open, and on Tuesday he was still emotional.

"I haven't been able to sleep," he said.

Forsman has struggled in recent years and already had sent in his $3,500 check in case he had to return to the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. Two years ago, Forsman failed to remain among the top 125 exempt players for the first time in his career.

"It was an eye-opening experience," he said. "These tournaments go right on without me and with no problem."

The victory meant Forsman's biggest paycheck, $594,000, which is more money than he won for his four other victories combined. He was 117th on the money list but moved past $1-million for the year.

"What is more satisfying is that at 44 years of age, to confirm the convictions I have that tell me I can still compete with these guys out here, on a given week, I can win a golf tournament," Forsman said.

RUN TO THE FINISH: In addition to the $2.6-million purse, the Tampa Bay Classic lets players earn points in the Fall Finish, the tour's final 12 tournaments of the season. The player with the most points at the end of the Fall Finish earns a $500,000 bonus. The American Express Championship in Ireland and the Tampa Bay Classic are the fourth and fifth events. Players receive 100 points for a win down to 10 for a 10th-place finish. Robert Allenby leads, followed by Forsman, John Rollins and Gene Sauers, who each have won a Fall Finish event. A total of $1-million will be paid in the bonus program.

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