May 13, 2003

ASHTABULA, OH — Matt Davis admitted Monday he's facing major battles to cut his drinking and fight the flab in an attempt to win the 2003 Carl Spackler Open.  Matt Davis secretly is planning a trip to Thunder Hill this weekend in an attempt to make some notes.

"I have to try to cut back the drinking.  That will be the hardest thing for me," said the American, who turns 32 this year.  "And if I do, my weight will probably shrink.  If I completely quit, I lose respect from my peers, but my weight is definitely going to go up to if I continue to drink at this pace.  I'll be looking like Babe Ruth."

"Right now I'm about 235 pounds. At my heaviest, I was about 265. If I could zap my fingers, I'd love to weigh 195 or 200, but I don't see that happening," he added.  "I consider myself physically fit to play golf.  Maybe not to run a marathon, but I don't get tired on the golf course," Davis said.

"I am not commenting on my schedule this weekend.  I am trying to get things going for the tournament, but I am doing nothing more than anyone else.  Next question please."  Davis went into a slump after placing 2nd in the 2001 Carl Spackler Open.