September 14, 2003

ASHTABULA, OH — The best amateur players in the world won't have to spend a fortune to play the 2004 Carl Spackler Open Championship. They won't have to pay $60 to play the weekend round or $45 to play during the week.

The conditions could very well be better than ever. After all, this is the Carl Spackler Open.

"I'm very excited. I was hoping things would this easy," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club who spearheaded the move to bring the Carl Spackler Open to a public course into the Mid-Atlantic region and southeastern United States.

Ah, that would bring back memories for many of the amateurs. Rob Fustich grew up on a public golf course in Pennsylvania and I vividly remember the difference the first time he played a country club. "The greens were smooth and he carried bags as a caddie," he said. "Those were the days."

The 2003 major championship as expected made its move to Ohio this past June and now makes a move to another location. Carl Spackler has been trucking around the Mid-Atlantic and south regions in search of the perfect golf experience. He understands the importance of a quality track, group lodging and local entertainment.

The Captains Club has been given several tournament possibilities. Some include extremely tough tests of amateur golf and others are just where a major championship should be held.

Below is a list of courses by state.

The Wisp This difficult course is located in Deep Creek, MD where the course is in the mountains and contains many tight and long tests of golf. This test of golfing pleasure includes large rental homes and local entertainment.  The course selection is centrally located to all players in the field.

Oakland Golf Club This very fun golf course will give the players a taste of greatness. With plenty of wide fairways and water, the tournament would be a great success.  Located in Oakland, MD, the course would include entertainment from nearby Deep Creek State Park and lodging would set the bar for future tournaments.

Tanglewood Park This very challenging Senior PGA tournament course will tease each player into shots they should not play. The championship course has 104 sand traps, plays somewhat short and condition is superb.  The Vantage and RJR Championship were hosted at Tanglewood Park for many years including 2002.  Currently Tanglewood Park is ranked nationally as the 65th best golf course in America.  Located just outside Winston-Salem, NC, the course is 6 hours from Pittsburgh and Columbus. Nice accommodations are available and local entertainment is great.

A Captains Club vote is scheduled for the last week of September and first week of October.  An announcement of tournament location and golf venue will come shortly after.  Letters of intent are scheduled for post office drop on November 15.