Jul 28, 2006 By Jim Downey 3 min read

Four former champions all in contention Mike Revak made his move in the third round last year with a 67 at The Links Course at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa. He finished with a four-round total of 292 to win his first Fayette Open title.

What does title mean to the defending champion?

“I have a little more confidence,” said Revak after firing a 1-over 72 Thursday at Uniontown Country Club for the first-round lead.

Though pleased with the low score of the 37 golfers, Revak acknowledged he and the others are in it for the long haul.

“It’s a marathon,” said Revak.

Revak is one of four former champions in the field, and none of the quartet played themself out of contention. Pat Calvaresi, the 2002 champion, is two shots back at 74, Tom Barnhart, the 1999 winner, shot a 77 and Bernie Wydo, the 2001 champ, finished with an 80.

“You can’t win it on the first day, but you can lose it,” said Calvaresi.

“You have to keep yourself in there in the first two days,” said Barnhart.

ON THE ROAD: The second round of the Fayette Open moves to Pleasant Valley Country Club in Bullskin Twp., home to several golfers in the field, including Pete Dzambo. Dzambo is in the mix after shooting a 77.

“I think it will help me out,” said Dzambo. “It’s important to stay on the fairways if they don’t cut the rough.”

Calvaresi hasn’t had the best of luck at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

“It’s predominantly been a bad place for me. I’ll just take it one shot at a time,” said Calvaresi.

There’s a chance for rain, and count Revak among those who hope the meteorologists are correct.

“I hope it rains. Pleasant Valley Country Club can get those greens even faster,” said Revak.

“I’m hitting my driver well. Hopefully I will take advantage of the shorter holes,” said Barnhart, the 1997 WPIAL individual golf champion.

The final two rounds will be played on Saturday and Sunday at The Links course at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa.

HAND GRENADES AND HORSHESHOES: Dzambo just missed the shot of the day as he nearly aced No. 2, a 158-yard par-3.

“I almost had a hole-in-one. It hit the flagstick,” explained Dzambo, drolly adding, “I got a par.”

BEST ROUNDS: Chris Taylor had the lowest round on the front nine with a 1-under 35 while Revak’s 1-over 36 was the best on the back.

Jim Hayes had the best turnaround on the back, opening with a 45 and shaving six strokes on the final nine holes to finish with an 84.

Wydo, Brownsville graduate and current Washington & Jefferson College golfer Ryan Bashour, and Justin Goletz had four-stroke improvements.