March 9, 2009

COLUMBUS, OH — Mark Wray, 2-time member of the Carl Spackler Open, has ventured out this weekend proving winter is never to early to get in a few rounds of golf. Wray played Thursday and Saturday during a strong warm front blanketed Ohio.

Wray opened his 2009 season with an impressive 14-over 86 at Thorn Apple Country Club. "The greens were like putting on normal fairway, but the golf was still enjoyable," says Wray of the course conditions. "The 3 hockey sticks on the front nine were round killers."

He carded 3 hockey sticks, 6 pars, and a birdie during his round. The round played from 7,039 yards was worth 62 points.

Mark returned to the golf course on Saturday, however this time to Rolling Meadows. He carded a 12-over 83 at Rolling Meadows with 7 pars, 2 double-bogeys, and a birdie. The round was worth 62 points.

"Can you believe the temperature out here," asked Wray? "It has to be warmer than 70 degrees."

Wray 3-putted an unprecedented 13 times in 36 holes. "The ball bounced left, right, and even bounced straight up at times," says Wray. "The greens were not in good shape, but that was expected. My personal management of the 20 to 30 mph winds was a pleasant surprise."

Mark opens the 2009 season with 63 points per round. He needs just 37 points during his next round to grab first place over John Mello of Virginia Beach.

"Wray 3-putted 13 times and was 26-over par through 36 winter conditioned rough, fairways, and bunkers," says Rick Dosky. "I think that says a lot about his game right now."

In other news, Chris Milam hacked up Ballantyne Country Club over the weekend as the temperatures neared 80 degrees. He carded just 51 points after getting 22 points for course difficulty. Chris Philipsen and Dave Osborne also took the opportunity to get out on Saturday. Philipsen scored 61 points from a very easy 7,021 yards.