Pernice makes most of sponsor exemptions

Photo by Associated Press

Tom Pernice Jr. at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in October.

SAN DIEGO – Tom Pernice Jr., who turned 50 in September, got into the Farmers Insurance Open on a sponsor exemption. Then he got out of the first round with a 65 on the easier North Course, putting him one stroke off the lead.

The two-time Tour winner is playing out of the 126-150 category, which gives him conditional status that could get him into more than a dozen events. The veteran tried to get his card back at Q-School but double bogeyed the last hole and missed full playing privileges by one shot.

Now his goal is to stay on the PGA Tour rather than play the Champions Tour. That means seeking sponsor exemptions.

“I’m trying to make the most of it when I get my opportunities out here,” he said.

So far, so good.