Steven Bowditch has targeted a big performance at the US PGA Championship as he looks to continue his quest to become one of the top 50 golfers in the world.
Having pushed his way to a career high 60th in the rankings on the back of his second US tour victory in Texas in May, and with some new-found consistency, Bowditch now has his eye on a big finish to the year.
Known previously as a streaky player the 32-year-old is in the midst of his most consistent period ever on the US Tour, which he joined in 2006.
After his breakout win in 2014 Bowditch remained inconsistent and in his first 18 starts in this season he had a runner-up finish and one further top-15 result but notched up nine missed cuts and a disqualification.
However, in his past nine starts he has his second win, three other top 15s and importantly, just one missed cut.
“This is where I want to be, still improving, still trying to get better and better, playing consistently in the big events, and getting towards the top 50 in the world where you play with the best players week in and week out,” Bowditch told AAP.
“I am only just getting the taste of it and hopefully I can keep it up and find ways to contend often.”
His late season push starts at the US PGA Championship this week at Whistling Straits, where the Queenslander will look to lock up a berth on the International team for the Presidents Cup and also push his way into the US PGA Tour Championship.
Sitting just fractions out of the automatic qualifying zone for Nick Price’s International side with three weeks to go before the side is picked for the biennial team event against the USA, Bowditch knows his fate is in his own hands.
“Those two big goals to finish the year, they are in the front of my mind,” Bowditch confirmed.
“I have played my way into a position where they are realistic goals and things I really want to get done so I know another good week here will have me on the right path.”
Bowditch is 20th on the US PGA tour FedEx Cup list heading towards the playoffs so one STRONG finish could lock up the berth at the tour championship for the best 30 players.
Those who make it to East Lake Country Club get starts in all four majors next year, something Bowditch has never achieved.
“It’s like anything – It is baby steps before you start walking,” Bowditch said.
“I have to learn about my game on tougher and tougher golf courses and how to react when things go bad, slowing down and making sure you keep your head.
“The most disappointing part of the last two weeks is I’ve been right there going into Sunday and had some bad rounds, and even the British Open I did the same.
“I need to fix that part of my game, learn from it and go in this week firing and ready to go.”
