WASHINGTON (Map, News) - There were “eight million stories” in “The Naked City,” according to the old TV police drama. There’s nearly that many on the Nationwide Tour. One of them belongs to Kris Blanks, a former standout at Springfield’s Robert E. Lee High and now a pro at Four Streams in Beallsville.

A year ago, Blanks, 36, was on the Hooters Tour, considering giving up playing professionally, when he decided, on a whim, to try to qualify for the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open.

It was the best career choice he ever made. Ignited by his showing in last year’s Melwood, Blanks is a fixture on the Nationwide Tour, and wants more. When he returns to play in the Melwood later this month, he’ll be gunning to improve his No. 35 standing on the Nationwide money list. Players who finish in the top 25, graduate to the PGA.

“It’s amazing how a year can go by and things are totally different,” said Blanks. “Last year, I was on the mini-tours, far from struggling, I was holding my own. But making money on the Hooters Tour doesn’t get you anywhere. All it buys you, is a lot more chicken wings and diapers for the family at home.”

Blanks’ late emergence demonstrates the fine line between the players who make it and those who don’t. By finishing tied for 25th in the Melwood last year, Blanks qualified by one stroke for the following Nationwide event.

Then at the LaSalle Bank Open in Illinois — the richest event on the Nationwide Tour — the 5-foot-10, 240-pound Blanks finished third, earning $43,500. As he qualified and made money in more events last summer, Blanks solidified his slot on the Nationwide this year. Now he finds himself on the verge of taking the next step.

“My only goal last year [at the Melwood] was to make the cut, and now look,” said Blanks. “Maybe this year, there will be a guy who nobody ever heard of, who finishes in the top 25 and does what I’ve done.”

Comments from Examiner Readers

2:31 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 4, 2007 re: "Always a fresh supply at Churchill"

Bronwen Iuen said:
Does anyone know anything about Kevin Dunleavy? If he's from Texas and about 29 then I think I was friends with him in high school (Klein). If anyone would know how to get in touch with him, that would be great. I tried calling but the lady I talked to didn't know anything about him. bronwen.iuen@gmail.com

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2:16 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 20, 2007 re: "With little help, Strang wins"

Examiner Reader said:
Mr.Dunleavy-A Baltimore boy, Church Waesche, won the 16-17 division of the Gorin on his 16th birthday and was the runner up in the Bobby Bowers last week. Any reason you continue to focus on the Washington region golfers instead of the Baltimore boys?

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3:28 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 13, 2007 re: "Wie�s uphill struggle continues"

grp of marin said:
Michelle should just be Michelle. A pro golfer and a college student. Break away from parental, sponsor, present managment domination and what the LPGA wants. Find her groove make her own decisions and RELAX! At 17 going on to 18 you are considered a young adult. It's time to break away from the nest and feel the air flutter her wings.

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4:37 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 11, 2007 re: "Wie�s uphill struggle continues"

Examiner Reader said:
even if she is going thru some swing changes can't she at least dress like a professional she looks like something from sex in the city, or a three old dressing up out of her mother's closet. some one help her please......

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3:03 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 4, 2007 re: "Gearing up for a very busy week at Bulle Rock"

Kelkyen said:
Did the rich people remember to have the cops in Aberdeen and HdG warn the bums and crackheads along route 40 to stay away?

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