January 25, 2006

SELLERSBURG, IN — The 2006 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled to begin in 133 days. The tournament is jammed pack full of activities, but many past activities are not scheduled to return.

"We have removed many activities this year due to lack of Captains Club interest," says Tom McCauley. "We have replaced them with socializing."

The Casino Contest will not return after two years. Mike Lewis and Chris Lashley won the contest in 2004 and last year. The Captains Club obtained a room at the Clarion hotel for cards.

The Red Tee Lottery and Draft have been eliminated. The 2006 Championship will be the first time the Red Tee Lottery system will not be used in 5 years.

The Spackler News Network has been eliminated. The program may return in 2006 dependent on horrible weather. "Our tee times and shotgun format really do not support SNN," says Jay Dilks. "The video of 2005 may be available by March. If it rains, we may do some interviews."

The Skills Challenge and Closest to the Pin Contests have not been elminated, but will be scaled back considerably. "We have a new exciting format this year," says Matt Davis. "I think it is something that everyone will be excited about. The format is designed to eliminate 70% of the time involved."

The optional hole-by-hole skins is not scheduled to return in 2006. This change eliminates administrative and financial tracking each evening after play.

The bus service and special tour will not be returning in 2006. "Too much money and no breweries," says Donny Creighton. "Bus companies in Raleigh want way too much money."

Straight tee and player tee times have been eliminated in 2006. With some minor exceptions, everyone will all have the same tee time each day. "Shotguns throughout," says Jeremy Myers. "It will be hot and golf will be as quick as possible. Lots more time to drink beer and basically be free to do what you wish."

The full itinerary is available online. Player preferences will be accepted starting in 21 days.