March 16, 2009

SEDONA, AZ — Jack Schone was ready to get his 2009 Virtual Tournament off to a great start in Arizona on Sunday, March 8. He opened with a 8-point birdie at Sedona Golf Club & Resort at the first hole, a 3-point par at the 2nd hole, but his hopes were dashed quickly. The +2.6 stroke handicap shot 8-over on the next four holes scoring just 1 point. "It was simply impossible to forget the 3rd hole," said Schone. "That was a round killer."

Schone racked up a 10-over 46 on the front nine and a dreadful 8-over 44 on the back nine. He finished with 52 points.

"I would like to downplay any coversation of sandbagging right away," says Schone. "My 46 on the front was legit. The back nine was tough."

Jack moved over to the private Granite Falls Golf Club last Monday. He dropped 5 strokes off his scorecard and never scored a hockey stick or snowman. The front nine included a 6-over 42.

"It looks like a rocky start," says neighbor Chad Long. "I am sure he was rusty and has plenty of good golf up his sleeve."

"I am not worried and don't think anyone else should be," says Schone of his golf game. "I plan to have myself ready for the Open Championship in 3 months."

In other related news, Scott Mealey tore up the back nine at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Lutherville, MD on Thursday afternoon. The incredible 18-over 50 included 5 bogeys and 1 par worth 26 points.

The 2009 Virtual Tournament is expecting a tournament field of 80 players for its season-long tournament. Jason Ridgeway has a commanding lead with 68.4 points per round.