January 26, 2004

BALTIMORE, MD — The rap against Jay Dilks for years is that he didn't care, although that view probably had more to do with the way he went about his business with such a lack of intensity. He has consistently scored less and less points at each stop during his three majors.

Still, for a man of his abilities, more is expected than 5th place in 2001, 10th place in 2002 and 24th place in 2003.  The Captains Club and America expects more than one slide downward after another.  Dilks decided enough is enough and has decided to get started early.  As early as January 1 with a growl and 45 points out of the gate.

"I think I'm just above mediocre right now," said Dilks, who has done nothing right since March 2001. "It would be a monkey off my back for me to win the On Tour Championship right now.  It would be a gorilla off my back to win the Open Championship in Winston-Salem."

Dilks should take heart when he sees what Glenn Hoffert, Don McFarland and now Tim Nightwine have accomplished recently. Hoffert has endured his share of distractions, too, yet managed to keep his head through his 3rd On Tour Championship after placing 1st two years ago.

Dilsk has slipped considerably, and it sure seems strange to see his name behind players such as Myers, Cowan, and even McElroy. At this point, Dilks is faced with having to suck it up and play for pride. And he doesn't sound all that confident. "As they say, anything can happen", said Matt Davis. "(But) put me with any of these guys in the fall and I'm going to seek my first Championship."