The seventh annual Challenge Match against members of the Lite Scratch Tour is scheduled Oct. 22-24 at Marcus Pointe Golf Club in Pensacola. Ala. Pensacola leads the overall series 4-2. The Gulf Coast Scratch Tour won the inaugural match against members of the Louisiana Scratch Tour last year at Marcus Pointe. Several of the 1999 tournament sites already have made alternative spikes mandatory and the Scratch Tour is doing likewise. No metal spikes will be allowed in Scratch Tour events in 1999.
Players are responsible for changing out their shoes for competition.
Mike Riley of Lynn Haven, Fla., became the first player to defend his Player of the Year title last year. Fla. Riley and Penton both joined a logjam of players who have won five career Scratch Tour events. Bubba Watson of Bagdad, Fla., is the leader with eight. Riley won four times in 1997 and once last year. Penton won once in 1997 and four times last year.