June 14, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — Pat Boland from Duluth, GA won the Skills Challenge after Round 3 at the Mountain Valley practice facility on Saturday. After being given the putting line and speed, the field of 68 players was given 40 seconds to two-putt from 40 feet. This round 1 of the Skills Challenge lasted 25 minutes and rendered 15 players.

"I did not consider the possibility of being in the top 15," says Andrew Dill. "It was quite a treat." Round 2 of the Skills Challenge introduced trivia in 3 different categories. Those being USGA Golf Rules, General Golf, or Spackler History.

Pat Boland was one of the Top 8 players that advanced from the multiple choice trivia to the Round 3 chipping. "Some of these guys are just awful with their knowledge of the game," said Boland.

Round 3 was chipping from 40 feet to less than 6 feet of a hole. Pat Boland was one of two players to even come close. Boland put his chip to about 5 feet of the hole. "This contest was tailored to my golf game," said Boland. "I really enjoyed this contest and hope to defend my title next year."

The Skills Challenge was completed after Round 3 of the tournament on Saturday afternoon. Two players completely holed out on his first putt during Round 1, however he missed two trivia questions in Round 2. They were given two chances as he acquired his mulligan with his one putt.