June 7, 2004

POWELL, OH — Brian Flanagan took one look at Thunder Hill's longer rough and narrower fairways and decided he may be able to win the 2003 Carl Spackler Open after all.

Flanagan has said for years that he thought his best chance to win would be the On Tour Championship -- events where his power fade should give him an advantage.

"There is more rough at my home courses and that's better for the likes of myself," he said days before he leaves for his record 6th major.  "The courses in Ohio have more definition," says Flanagan. "My 105 at Oakhaven this year was not my best, but I feel comfortable."

"You cannot win this Tour Championship without putting," he said. "And I'm putting a lot better even with a 105. The only way to hole putts is to be confident and I started this tournament in March filled with confidence."

Apparently the abuse Flanagan endured during last season has kept him away from the course this season.  "It's much more pleasant this year," he said of his reception at Oakhaven. "I've had a lot of people come up to me and say pleasant things at dinner, at gas stations, all around.  "I enjoyed my first round because the people were great."

With that frame of mind and a solid putting stroke, Flanagan just might win the On Tour Championship.  "You never know," he said. "Sometimes fate works in strange ways."