Dec. 18, 2004 – Seven players earned their 2005 Champions Tour playing privileges at the National Qualifying Tournament, led by medallist Mark Johnson, who was 25-under during the recent 108-hole tournament at the King and Bear in St. Augustine, Fla.

Pat McGowan earned the seventh and final fully exempt spot after he defeated Norm Jarvis in a three-hole playoff. Jarvis added drama to the final round when he forced a playoff by chipping in for eagle on the last hole of regulation.

The other five cards went to Tom McKnight, Brad Bryant, Don Reese, Hajime Meshiai and R.W. Eaks. Along with Jarvis, Lonnie Nielsen, Des Smyth, Gary Robison, Dick Mast, Mike Ferguson, John Ross and Mike San Filippo all earned conditionally exempt status for 2005.

Johnson played nine Champions Tour events in 2004, with his best finish a tie for eighth at the Administaff Small Business Classic. He also has 26 Nationwide Tour starts and has played in two PGA Tour events.

Source: The Champions Tour