June 7, 2005

POWELL, OH — Marty Zabonik was ready to perform at the Carl Spackler Open until his debacle last week at his home course Scioto Reserve.  Zabonik, who has watched his scores rise over the past year shot 46 strokes on the back nine scoring only a 8-point birdie.

"I would like to downplay any coversation of sandbagging right away," says Zabonik.  "My 46 on the back was witnessed by Bill Bateson, so he can attest to it.  The back nine was tough."

Zabonik shot a par 36 on the front nine before falling apart at the turn including double bogey on Hole 10 and Hole 11.

"I am not worried and don't think anyone else should be," says Zabonik.  "I plan to have myself ready for the Open Championship in two days."

In other related news, Scott Mealey fired a measley 28 points yesterday in his hopes to turn around a poor season.  His 106 strokes was led by 2 pars and 5 bogeys, 5 doubles, and 5 triples.

The 2005 On Tour Championship is expected to receive 44+ scorecards on Wednesday, June 8, 2005.  There are 44 players playing the annual practice round at Mountain Valley on Wednesday afternoon.  Zabonik is currently in 21st position on a leaderboard of 57 players.