March 7, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — Pat Boland had a lot to learn when he first came out on the Spackler Tour.  He didn't know many of the courses. He wasn't sure who he could trust. And inside the ropes, he had to adjust.

"People talk about how they don't pay attention to leaderboards? They're lying," Boland said. "Because when these leaderboards turn over out here, it sounds like a roar that scares."

Anyone who has ever played an On Tour Championship event knows exactly what Boland is talking about.  While Boland is not directly equipped with satellite technology and lasers to chart every shot of every player, the website keeps score with electronic leaderboards that are about as up-to-date as Pac-Man.

The board changes every 120 minutes or so in the summer.  "People are watching," says Boland.  "All these people can really can take away from the game of golf."

Pat entered the On Tour Championship 1 point from last place.  His 21 and 27 point efforts are pulling him down like a ton of bricks.  Boland shot 2 quad bogeys and 5 triple bogeys during his round at the Woodlands.

"I cannot get focused with the leaderboards and people watching," says Boland.  "I am not ready for this type of attention."

The 2005 On Tour Championship Leaderboard has 8 players.  Matt Munksgard leads the tournament while Jean Dore substitutes as the caboose.  Pat Boland is averaging 30.3 points per round.