August 15, 2003

COLUMBUS, OH — Tragedy and rumors swirl around his personal life, issues that Pat McElroy struggles with every day. Get him on the golf course, though, and it's never been lovelier.

Not far away, though, are reminders that all has not been well in what has otherwise been a magical year for the boyish-looking member.  Lately, there have been nasty rumors about his golf swing circulating so widely McElroy was forced to confront them publicly.

"Not everybody hears every rumor", McElroy said.  "But a lot of people hear a lot of things."   Through it all, McElroy is playing golf the best he can, confident with his hockey swing and aggressive as possible.

And he's feeling better about his game than he has in years.  "I have not played enough big tournaments, but I ought to be comfortable at Spackler", McElroy said. "So, hopefully that confidence from playing well this year and also playing a lot of golf tournaments like this will help me next year."

"Certainly it has been a good year golf-wise", he said.  I think my family has obviously had a big loss this summer with my 13th place finish, and that will be with us for a long time as they were hoping for a $330 vacation.  But we've certainly grown close at the same time.  I think a lot about my golf game and get stronger and moved forward."