Life just keeps getting better for Mike Harris.

In the last five weeks, he has bagged four wins, his most recent a playoff victory in the
Michigan Tournament of Champions, which came a mere five days after his triumph in the LeBaron Hills Open.

To top it all off, Harris has received a sponsors exemption into the PGA Tour's Buick Open, played in his home state of Michigan at Warwick Hills G & CC in Grand Blanc.

"The story's getting sweeter," Harris said after receiving the good news. "My brother has some friends in the auto industry. I tried in the past [to get a sponsors exemption] and didn't get very far with it. It's all in who you know. And on top of it, I've had a good run here in the state of Michigan. I'm pretty relieved I don't have to Monday Qualify. And I'm happy to be playing close to home."

The "good run" he speaks of includes a dominating six-stroke victory in the Michigan Open followed by his third career win in the Tournament of Champions. Those two wins alone grossed him $30,000. For the year, his combined earnings on the Canadian and Cleveland Tours exceed $45,000, not including the $8,000 first prize he received for winning the Vermont Open.

"It's been a good year," said Harris. "And it's not even halfway over."

Once Harris tees it up in the Buick, it will be his third appearance on the PGA Tour. In 2000, he missed the cut in the US Open at Pebble Beach. In 2003, he finished tied for 56th in the Bell Canadian Open.

"I was pretty young when I played the US Open," admitted Harris, a 27-year-old resident of Troy, MI. "I was wide-eyed and not ready for the experience. I'm just going to try and pretend it's a regular event. It's worked for me lately. If I can just get my sunglasses on, get behind them, hide out and do my thing, I'll be fine. I can't worry about where the cut is. I just need to play golf."

Soon after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2002, Harris competed full-time on the Canadian Tour from 2001-03. Last year, he advanced to the final stage of PGA Tour Q School and earned his Nationwide Tour card, but lost his status after one season while enduring physical and mental setbacks. The constant rigors of travel put his commitment to the game into question, prompting him to step away from golf for more than five months.

Now, playing some of the best golf of his life, Harris enters the Buick Open as the hometown favorite.
"I'm most excited about it being in my hometown. A lot of people have helped me out the last few years: A lot of well-wishers, family and friends. To be that close, I know a lot of people will come out. Hopefully I can put on a good show."

If the last five weeks are any indication, he will be the hottest ticket in town.