Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1077792
124 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 In 2004, when Potter was just trying to launch his pro career, he somehow missed the cut at all 24 of his starts on the developmental Web.com tour. That would have broken a lesser competi- tor, but Potter rebuilt his self- esteem on the podunk Hooters mini-tour, winning a dozen times over the next half- decade while twice being named player of the year. Including mini tours of all shapes and sizes, Potter estimates he has around 60 professional victories, the value of which can't be overstated. In 2011, he won a Web.com event as a Monday qualifier and went on to earn a spot on the PGA Tour. Potter's playoff victory the follow- ing year at the Greenbrier Classic was one of the season's little surprises. Over the next two years he quietly went about making a nice living but in July 2014, he shattered his right ankle trip- ping over a curb in flip-flops. It took two surger- ies, 12 screws and a pair of metal plates to put Potter's ankle back together. He was sidelined for two years and then rehabbed his game on the Web.com tour. All of the strife he has had to overcome explains the want and will that Potter unleashed upon Pebble Beach last year. After beginning the final round with that bogey, Potter birdied four of the next six holes, including a chip-in on the seventh hole that was shades of Tom Kite at the '92 U.S. Open. That pushed Potter to 17 under par and over the ensuing 11 holes he simply refused to make a bogey, pouring in crucial par- saves and hitting a series of solid, savvy shots as the wind freshened. Afterward, Potter, said it was the finest golf he had ever played. He now joins the golf royalty that has won the Clambake, including Nicklaus, Woods, Hogan, Nelson, Watson, Miller, and Casper. Kevin Na may not know Potter personally but he certainly respects how far he has come: "The guy disappears for three years and then comes back and wins at Pebble Beach. That's impressive. Good for him. I like stories like that." Don't we all. This year's AT&T Pebble Pro-Am takes place Februar y 4-10. For more information, go to www.attpbgolf.com. © Pebble Beach Company. Pebble Beach® , Pebble Beach Resorts® , Pebble Beach Golf Links® , The Lone Cypress, The Heritage Logo and their distinctive marks and hole designs are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. U.S. Open® is a trademark of the United States Golf Association. Photos: TGO. Pebble Beach has been the site of some of golf 's greatest moments. Be here when the U.S. Open returns for the sixth time, hosted during the Pebble Beach Centennial. Be a part of history, 100 years in the making. History awaits: Don't miss your chance to experience the 119th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Purchase your tickets now at usga.org/tickets Learn about on-course hospitality packages at pebblebeach.com/2019USOpen June 10-16, 2019 It took a magical weekend at the Pro-Am for his remarkable journey to be fully appreciated.