Australian golfer James Nitties has qualified for the PGA Tour next year after finishing in a tie for second place at the qualifying tournament in La Quinta, California. With the top 25 (plus ties) earning a card on the 2009 Tour, Nitties was always among the leaders after his nine-under-par 63 in the second round saw him shoot to the top. A birdie on the 108th and final hole of the tournament took the Aussie to 24-under overall, tied with Derek Fathauer in second place, but still eight strokes behind winner Harrison Frazar. Frazar set up his victory with a remarkable 13-under-par 59 in the fourth round and was on track for another low round until he double bogeyed the last to finish at 32-under overall. Nitties was the only Aussie out of the 12 that competed to win a card for next year, with Gavin Coles the next best finisher in a share of 40th. Jason Day finished in a tie for 53rd, while Steve Allan finished in 70th. Won Joon Lee and Andrew Bonhomme both had disappointing final rounds and dropped into a share of 80th spot. Scott Gardiner (T87), Adam Bland (T97) and Andrew Buckle (T145) were never really in the hunt and will have to wait another year before trying again.