November 29, 2006

COLUMBUS, OH — Shawn Long, the reigning champion of the Carl Spackler Open, has decided to skip the tournament for personal reasons undisclosed. The decision ensures Long will not repeat.

"We are sorry things are not working out for our Champion," says Don Creighton, Vice President of Transportation. "We will not dwell on Shawn or any guys that do not attend, but concentrate on the guys who are attending."

Shawn Long misses his second tournament since his rookie season at Thunder Hill in 2003. Long missed the Tanglewood Park addition of the Carl Spackler Open in June 2004 due to a Red Zone violation.

Long opened the 2006 Carl Spackler Open with just 31 points. He removed nearly 20 strokes in Round 2 and scored 51 points. The final round was more of the same, but included a birdie on the Neuse's hardest hole. The dominating round included 3 pars and 5 bogeys in route to a stunning 67 points.

Long won the tournament on the 54th hole when he dropped a 5-foot putt for bogey. The final stroke was enough to beat out rookie Bryan Zeybel of Warren, PA for the tournament purse.

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship moves through its registration period. The 54-hole tournament is scheduled for June 7 in Jackson, MI. Golfers can register until December 28.