December 29, 2008

WARREN, PA — Jon Marti, a rookie of 2006, shot an average 21-over par and 74.9 points per round. This stellar play has earned a surprise first place finish in the season-long 2008 Virtual Tournament.

His win over son Kyle by 0.3 points per round and John Mello by 2.2 points per round. Jon, a.k.a. Jonno, also grabbed 3rd position using USGA Handicapping.

While not so booming drives and staying out of trouble most of the day, Marti has steadily acquired a +18.4 USGA Stroke Handicap and lowering scores each round. He opened the 2008 season with a +23.6 stroke handicap.

"I am not getting the big numbers," says Marti. "I continue to make progress every week. There is a difference between consistency, crappy, and lucky. I was never lucky, used to be crappy, and now making a move to become a much better player."

Marti carded his best stroke round at Cable Hollow Golf Course back in August where he shot a 15-over 88. He carded his best point total in October at Poipu Bay Golf Course in Hawaii. He scored 81 points.

Marti played in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii over the past year. "Marti is a true champion," says Chad Long. "Lots more bogeys and pars is a much improved Jon Marti."

Marti's worst round was his only round of the year over 100 strokes. The round was played in early spring at Penn State University.

"The tournament was tight all the way to the end," says Captains Club member Don Creighton. "With a field of 71 guys, you are never safe out there."

The Virtual Tournament is a season-long tournament starting back on January 1st. All registered players will receive new points next week as the 2009 Virtual Tournament begins.