June 25, 2002

WHEELING, WV — With GVI just around the corner, several players have been working on their games.  The demanding nature of playing three intense rounds of golf with virtually no sleep, hangovers, and pine cones hurling through the air on the 18th green requires not only a good mental game but plenty of practice.  As Golfapalooza has gone to the Web, we are better able to track a player's preparation for the highly anticipated event.  We have seen some incredible activity on the scorecard front.  Some of Golfapalooza's most prominent players are taking aim at the coveted Traveling Cup this year by getting mentally and physically prepared.

Founding Father GStan has carded several scores in the mid 80's and one as low as 80.  Financial woes have kept him restricted the Oglebay's Crispin Course but Stan likes the layout and thinks it will mimic the tough conditions at Alpine Lake.  "You can't go around at Crispin and not find yourself in some sticky situations.  The sidehill lies here at Crispin should prepare me for anything I will see at the Big Al."  Stan also says that he enjoys sharing some of his best golf with people who know his name.  "I am becoming sort of a legend around here.  There is nothing like walking up to the first tee and having Earl Habberfield greet you by name."

Two time defending champion Greg long has taken a completely different approach in his preparations.  "Stamina is the key to success at the Lake.  You have to be up to the grueling challenge provided by a tough course, a tough schedule and, most of all, a tough crowd," said Long.  He has commited himself to playing as often and as many courses as he can this Summer.  "I feel that if I can average 9 rounds a week for the next three months, I will be ready to defend again."

After walking off the 54th hole at last years event, JT Thomas vowed that fans would see a whole different man at GVI.  The former champion hooked and sliced his way around the course the last two years leaving many wondering how this man could ever have won the most coveted title in all of golf.  I don't know if anyone has been paying attention to the Summer scores, but Thomas's are plummeting rapidly.  Thomas is giving most of the credit to his first ever Father's Day gift, a golf bag presented to him by his son Jett.  "I know that a golf bag does not make you a better golfer, but just knowing that my son is behind my efforts is enough motivation for me to continue working on my game.  I feel like every time I go to my bag, he is there with me saying 'Trust your swing Papa'."  It will be interesting to see what the favorites will do if Thomas shows up with his "A" game.

Even the Staff at Alpine Lake is preparing for the event.  Anna at the Pro shop has already ordered 200 additional pepperoni rolls.  "I have never seen a human being eat like the one they call Gus.  You would swear he has to be hiding those rolls somewhere."