October 17, 2002

ROCKY MOUNT, NC — The walk from the practice tee to the first tee is the longest walk in golf.  Great players like Don Cook know how to make that transition without losing a step.  He gets the most out of his practice sessions and takes that good swing to the course.

The key to good practice on the range and good play on the course: "Leave your ego in the car", says Cook.  "Whether you're going to practice or to play, remember that you're an individual, that you have just 14 clubs, and that you can hit each of those clubs only so far."  Don Cook is one of those players who is always a few couples less than his partners and it seems to work for him.

Cook added, "Learn to live with that.  Getting your ego all caught up in how far you hit your driver or your other clubs just kills your swing."  Don Cook who has not posted a score in months is still working on his game at the local ranges in North Carolina.  "I have been especially working on my putting."  Don won the Dooty last spring as he made only 6 long putts in 72 hole tournament.

Don is one of three players from North Carolina.  He plans to enter the tournament and make the trip in June with Jamie Myers and Chris Lashley.  The 2003 Carl Spackler Open will begin in 230 days in Ohio or Pennsylvania.  Letters of intent are scheduled to be mailed in 36 days.