August 10, 2006

POWELL, OH — It only took a week for Jason Ridgeway to match Marty Zabonik's 6 birdies at the private Scioto Reserve just northwest of downtown Columbus. This birdie binge was from just under 7,000 yards.

"A great round," said Bateson. "Zabonik and Ridgeway have pumped in more birdies in two rounds than I might have all year with a membership."

Just like Zabonik, Ridgeway poured in 3 birdies on the front and back nines, however none were scored on the par 3's. A total of 4 birdies on the par 4's and 2 birdies on the par 5's. Ridgeway managed to bogey the hardest hole (14th) on the golf course.

"It was a satisfying round," said Ridgeway after scoring 55 points. "The course is very nice with conditions to score well."

The round moved Ridgeway upward on the Virtual Tournament Leaderboard. He grabs 7th position with Zabonik in 5th position.

In related news, Bill Bateson fired 43 points and tied his best stroke round of the season with 13-over 85 at Scioto Reserve. The 85 matches the 13-over round he shot with Zabonik last week. The pair of 85's are the best rounds since May 5th of last year when he shot 81 at the "helmet required" Shamrock Golf Club.

"Playing really well right now," said Bateson. "The short game is coming around and driver is much more consistent."

Bateson's round of 43 points continues his move up the Leaderboard into 13th position. Two more similar rounds nearly guarantees Bateson a Top 5 or 6 position on the season-long tournament.

"Bateson, Chad Long, Jason Watson, Marty Zabonik and Scott Zavinski's continue to progress through the summer. The great play is attributed to increased play and practice," said Mike Trojanowski. "All of these guys are playing more golf now than anytime in their lives. Most are taking the same lessons I have advocated for years."

Matt Davis is returning his game to form after a missing left hand in 2005 destroyed his low handicap.

Scott Zavinski continues to hold first position in the 2006 Virtual Tournament. Jason Watson, Chad Long, Matt Davis and Marty Zabonik round out the Top 5.