September 22, 2008

TERRA ALTA, WV — The remaining stretch to Golfapalooza XII is short. Only a few days are left for field members to get in their last rounds of practice and work out the kinks in their game. The stakes remain the same, a tournament purse and trophy are just the salad to the steak. The MELC Champion stature is the prize everyone is seeking.

The field has several familiar faces that are sure to drawn crowds of concerned homeowners out to the fairway edges to watch for missile-like balls rocketing towards their sliding glass doors. Rick Dosky with house-hitting experience, and particularly the return of Sheiker have the Homeowner's society at the Alpine Lake up in arms.

"This course isn't going to know what has hit it," exclaimed a zealous Gus Sokos. "I feel like I'm really going to kick it into high gear and demonstrate how good I truly can be". Sokos is one of several players that are sure to be leading the pack after round one. Todd Flanagan is looking to rebound from his showing in 2007. "I am looking forward to that crisp West Virginia air. That fresh oxygen will shock my lungs back into normality.

Brent Kaniecki is also grasping for glory and apparently has not been working on his swing. "I am confident that most of these bums aren't going to touch my game. I'll be providing a putting clinic this year."

Just as there are those that are certain to complete for glory, there are those bound to experience the tragedy of defeat. "The single thing this tournament does that others don't is publicly humiliate its worst competitor," warned Stacey Bartlett. The green jacket will be on display reminding the field of what may be ahead for those that don't at least keep there head above water.

Mark Kaniecki returns as the MELC Champion. He returns in 2nd position within the Virtual Tournament with 76 points per round.

"My prediction for the green jacket," says Jason Watson. "I hope he wins, but he is entering the handicapped tournament at the top of his game. The writing is on the wall."

Sheiker has other ideas. "Gordon has played 2 of his past 15 rounds from 5,500+ yards," said Sheik. "He has lost a ton of points from last year. The difference in yardage at Alpine Lake will complicate things with longer approach shots. He is my prediction to lose."

Several stories are sure to surface as the tournament nears and players begin their migration east. Who will be the next MELC Champion? Who will grab the next green jacket with horrible play? Who will be the next create a moment that falls into loozer lore?