A look at where four of the fi nalists in the 2006 U.S. Amateur have gone since that game-changing week at Hazeltine. By Joseph Oberle T 22 he U.S. Amateur tournament has long been a springboard for players to launch their professional golfi ng careers. Most golf fans have heard of players such as Tiger Woods (who won the tournament three times before turning pro) and Phil Mickelson (the 1991 winner) who fi rst gained national prominence at the Amateur. Even Jack Nicklaus made his decision to turn pro after his second Amateur win in 1961. MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2012 In 2006, when the U.S. Amateur was played at Hazeltine National Golf Club and Chaska Town Course, the tournament featured a number of players who were hoping to make their way into professional golf. Five and a half years have gone by. Where are those players now? Did they make the tour? Did competing in the championship assist them in anyway? Here's a check up: www.mngolf.org John Kelly Webb Simpson Rickie Fowler Richie Ramsayhttp://www.mngolf.org