Still handy: Jobe contending despite finger issue

• By Jason Sobel
• Oct 21, 2011 2:41 PM ET

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Brandt Jobe has made the cut in 21 of 28 starts this season and already has four top-10 results. With opening rounds of 69-67 at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, he’s in position to win his first career title.

Not bad for a guy who thought his career might be over a few years ago.

Jobe endured a much-publicized incident in which he was sweeping his garage and the broom split, slicing two fingers on his left hand. He’s now a leading contender for the PGA Tour’s Comeback Player of the Year award.

“I don't feel in my left hand and two fingers, so putting, I still struggle with that because if I hit my little index finger when I'm putting, it zings,” he explained. “So imagine having a zinger over a 3-footer. It's tough enough, isn't it? But we're getting there. Just got to figure out a good grip. Haven't figured out that part yet.”

One aspect of Jobe’s game that hasn’t been hindered is his driving distance. Jobe ranks 32^nd on Tour at just a shade under 300 yards per drive.

“I'm getting older and longer,” he said. “It's kind of cool. Thank you, technology.”