December 19, 2003

COLUMBUS, OH — Few remember the winners of golf's silly season events, except perhaps those who lose. That is why the conclusion of On Tour Championship meant something to Mike Zabonik, even if no World Ranking points were at stake and no official money was on the line.

Sure, the $0 earned does not touch his 2nd place finish in the record books. And it does not mean fewer presents under the Christmas tree for the Zabonik family. And it has not altered the view that Marty had the best season of his career.

But it did affirm it in Marty's mind. And it's never a bad thing to almost hold off the world's best player, Tim Nightwine even if the circumstances were a bit more casual than normal.  Too bad Zabonik's timing is not just a bit better.  Make no mistake, it was a monster year for Zabonik in 2003 and hopefully a short, short season when he is already looking ahead to next year.

"I was probably one round short from being Champion",' said Zabonik, in Columbus, Ohio.  "Buckeye football got in the way this year."  Perhaps Zabonik will register for the Open Championship and make a personal statement to the field.  He appears to be getting better with age and leads the field with practice time and confidence.  "I made some major strides in my game this year,'' Zabonik said. "I met my goal of trying to compete every week and be ready to play every week. I came to the On Tour Championship not to play, but to win.

Too bad his 2nd place finish was unimpressive to the 40 players in the field. For Marty, though, it was nonetheless meaningful.