April 6, 2009

RUSSELL, PA — The 2009 Virtual Tournament has kicked off. With players ready to scramble and gain a lead in the season-long tournament, Mike Davis is waiting for another castle for the snow to hit Warren County today.

"It's Monday, one day before Tuesday," says Gumby wearing his pink robe and slippers. "The worst work day of the week. It couldn't be Friday afternoon with a Saturday tee time. Too freek'n cold and I am out of orange balls."

Most of the eastern United States will receive cold rainy and snowy days over the next few days. Gumby is one of 100 members with dormant turf.

"I'm all giddy like a little kid waiting for the door of sunshine to open," said Gumby with a smirk. "Other than that it's been a quiet winter for me. I plan to sit around in bed with a frown this week, which is very nice considering the weather."

Gumby had not played golf since November 2, but forced himself against better judgement to play Sunday with Randon Mineweaser. He scored just 49 points after double-bogeying three par 3's and taking two hockey sticks at Jackson Valley Country Club. He signed to the play in the 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship back in January.

When asked how everything else was going, he replied, "Work appears good as arrests continue. Home is great, family is good, life in general is good except the weather."

Gumby was asked about his thoughts about this year's championship. "Can't wait until the weather breaks. Did I mention that the weather sucks." Gumby paused and returned with, "I saw the southern boys are playing golf and guys are traveling to warm Arizona. At least someone has good weather. That frustrated me until I saw they are not scoring points. That gets me really pumped up for spring sunshine."

The 2009 Virtual Tournament began 90 days ago. Over 80 players are scheduled to participate in the season-long tournament. Veterans Greg Long of Ohio and Jason Watson of Texas have a strong handle on last place with 50 points per round.