March 8, 2006

SOMERSET, PA — Bill Schrift, the blood sister of Thelma Long, has signed a letter of intent to play golf at the 2006 Carl Spackler Open this summer. He represents the state of Pennsylvania and also is the 7th player over the age of 45 to sign.

Schrift, a.k.a. Chang, has been very competitive over the years and plans to do more than just show up.

"We're extremely excited to sign Bill, he's a quality guy," Chairman of the Captains Club, Greg Long said. "He's not the type of guy to be seen on the range. He may be a little inexperienced in tournament play, not very coachable, or passionate about the game, but he is a competitor. As a recruiter for the Spackler Open, those are things you look for if you personally want to succeed."

Chang's strengths lie in his wedge game from 100 yards and in, according to Long, but he also can surprise on the putting surface.

"He is probably one of the those rookies that just doesn't know what to expect in June," nephew Chad Long said. "Bill needs to focus on fine tuning his game. Not just his swing, but mixing it with beer without stroke increase."

Bill is the 56th player to play in the Carl Spackler Open. Round 1 begins in 91 days in Raleigh, NC.