August 23, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The Carl Spackler Open has developed a great list of awards over the past four years.  It has found room for great putting, chipping, and iron play.  It has found awards for NOOG scoring, attendance problems, best rookie, biggest idiot, terrible golf, and even a casino for luck.

The Captains Club added the Webb, Crapper, Rusty Rod, Golden Rod, and Skills Challenge in 2004 to recognize the best of the best.  "We really have strived to add a few awards each year," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club.  "We want to create individual contests that ensure nobody knows the winner or loser regardless of golf talent."

To date, the Spackler Open did not promote low net, long drives, or anything that would filter hackers out of a particular contest.  "Times can change though," says Long.  "The entire structure was built for hackers and scratch golfers, but a push for more skill awards could be added as early as 2005."  

The Longest Drive and other similar awards could move into the tournament structure starting in September during the Captains Club meetings.  The month of September is critical to the Open as 2005 location, golf course, lodging, and tournament ideas are discussed and finalized.

The 2005 Carl Spackler Open is scheduled to begin play in 290 days.