June 11, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Jason Ridgeway made his share of ?birdies? on a tough Tanglewood Park Championship course Friday. What made him the leader in the first round of the Carl Spackler Open was the same thing that gives him a commanding lead going into the final round.

"It was quite a ride this week," Ridgeway said.  He was talking about my seven birdies -- only "three double bogeys" -- but he could have speaking for so many others.

Five players ? Steve Hoden, Joe Caridi, Chad Long, John Dick, and Kyle Marti are looking for one last shot at destiny on Saturday for at least a share of the lead unless bad shots, bad breaks and big numbers sent them back to the pack.

Steve Mascaro anchors the field in dead last place.  He shot only 30 points in two days and is scheduled to wear the dreaded Al Outfit.

Ridgeway hit a few wayward shots at the start and end of his round, but otherwise was out of harm's way for a ?72?.  Rob Fustich, from Pennsylvania playing with ?Andy Cohen? for the first time this year, had a miserable time with his putter and had to scramble to salvage 24 points.

Great fairway conditions and very fast true greens made for good scores.  The 120 was the highest first-round lead at this tournament ever.  Not many were surprised.  "Where they're tucking the flags, they are making players look silly," Glenn Hoffert said.  "The course is magnificent," says Matt Pritchard.  "The fairways are like carpets, bunkers are trimmed, and the greens are tiered, fast, and difficult.  A true champion will be crowned this week."  Pritchard finished with a disappointing 14 points.

The Tournament Honoree, Matt Davis, fired 20 points in Round 1 to embarrass his wife back in Pittsburgh, PA.  Today's round was much different scoring 58 points.  "That one is for my kids," says Davis.  "I am looking forward to Round 3."

Hunter, who grew up about 140 minutes away from Tanglewood Park, plays the Carl Spackler Open for the first time this year, although only his close friends give him a chance this week.

The cheers were much louder Thursday, in part because of his bogey binge, in part because of that golden jacket.  "Every hole that I went up to, people were clapping and it felt good," Hunter said. "It was a true home course advantage."

Fans gathered around the 18th green saw a familiar scene -- guys with a chance to lead walking off in disgust.