April 13, 2009

PITTSBURGH, PA — Billy Smalls returned Saturday to the 2009 Virtual Tournament. The 175-pound Pennsylvanian carded a 27-over 99 to beat both Jeremy and Richard Myers by 15 strokes as he looks forward to the Carl Spackler Open Championship this June.

Smalls played the Lindenwood Golf Club outside Pittsburgh, PA. He scored 5 pars worth 25 points. He also scored 2 bogeys worth 6 points.

The opening round was considered strong for April. "It was good," said Smalls of the 55 points. "I was happy with my stroll around the course. There were no big numbers today, chipping was excellent, and drives were longer than ever."

Partner Richard Myers played his first competitive round in 4 years last this past Saturday with Smalls. He shot an impressive and surprising 42-over 114 to beat son Jeremy by 3 shots. The round included 6 bogeys worth 30 points.

"Dick would shock the world," says Jeremy Myers. "His control was super and must have hit 12 fairways in regulation. It was an impressive day for both my partners."

The highlight to the round was at the 2nd hole of the Blue nine at Lindenwood. Richard Myers skulled a chip that plowed into the pin and dropped straight into the hole for bogey.

In other news, Henry Jensen scored an impressive 66 points just north of Myrtle Beach at Long Bay Golf Club. Henry opened with a 13-over 49, but low very low on the back nine with 7 pars worth 35 points.

He carded 5 pars on the back nine at River's Edge earlier last week. He scored 64 points and grabbed 6th position in the Virtual Tournament.

The 2009 Virtual Tournament picked up speed this past week with 18 rounds in 6 days. Jason Ridgeway continues to hold the top spot with 64.5 points per round. Jason Watson is scheduled to play South Padre Island Golf Club today and tommorrow.