December 16, 2005

DUBLIN, OH — Jason Watson, Vice President of Awards, held a press conference on Thursday with 14 days left in the 2005 Virtual Tournament.

"We really are astonished with the growth of our virtual tournament over the past 5 years," says Watson. "It is all about vision, but maybe not this fast."

Nick Casale, playing local courses where he "feels comfortable," continues to lead the tournament over Mark Wray, Tom Fowble and Jean Dore. The virtual tournament ends on December 30.

"You look at Nick's first three rounds this year and nobody including Nick thinks he can do this," Watson says. "Something just happened and he just started moving up the leaderboard. A little each week until I reached the top spot. It must feel great. Our business office is very impressed."

Nick Casale, from New Jersey, is routinely scoring 50+ points since July. He can close the door on his first Virtual Tournament after registering in April 2002.

Casale leads the tournament by 1.1 points per round.

"A 90 may look real easy, but not for me," Casale said. "Pars have just been plentiful this year. If this tournament was about total strokes, I would not feel a whole lot about my chances to lead the tournament."

The tournament has 40 players between 33 and 39 points per round.

Matt Davis, who stuck his hand in a snowblower, currently holds 82nd place. He currently averages 20.0 points per round, which is 2.4 points per round less than Chris Lashley in 81st place.

The 2006 Virtual Tournament is scheduled to begin in 16 days with all new 2006 handicapping.