March 16, 2009

AMHERST, VA — In today's modern, technologically advanced world, information is craved instantaneously. The masses thirst for stories the moment something breaks. What once took hours or even days to deliver the who, what, where and when of a story now requires just seconds to be transferred to media outlets.

Thanks to communication tools like the Internet, a simple click of the mouse is all anyone needs to receive a plethora of knowledge.

And the Carl Spackler Open is one of the rare golf trips in America using the information evolution.

In June, the tournament relies heavily on the wireless Internet connection that ties directly into the mammoth tournament database. Roughly 336 scorecards will be entered into the system and 6,048 scores plus long putts will be organized, sorted, and reported in about 5 seconds.

Brian Long and Greg Garrett, Vice Presidents of Online Scoring will handle the large volume of information from just behind the ropes on the 18th green using a wireless card and laptop. Using an expedited scorecard entry process, the team will enter each scorecard into the computer as each foursome completes their round. Then double check total strokes of each golfer for complete accuracy.

"The Quality Inn has additional high speed wireless connections," said Greg Garrett. "That clearly makes things very flexible other database work and printing."

Besides recording the hole-by-hole scoring in June, the system will track multiple leaderboards, player scorecards, contest winners, daily skins, course vs field statistics, and long putt information. Those statistics are driven by player bios, individual and team handicaps, and Poplar Grove Golf Club information.

Pairing, Starting Times & Information Sheets will be printed in the evenings on the Spackler laser printer, folded by a team, and distributed each day of play on the bus with updated information.

"I always knew there was a way to make tournaments automated," says Jim Campbell. "These guys manage one hell of an event. I could not imagine a 3-round, 30-guy tournament with paper and pencil let alone 72 guys over 4 days. Simply amazing and well organized."

Matt Pritchard also recognizes the scoring technology. "My entire office arrives early in the morning in hopes they can call me and harrass me before the next round," says Pritchard. "My wife also watches the progress all week. When I return to work on Monday, everyone seems to know my failures in detail."

Pairings for Saturday morning could be ready prior to leaving the course on Friday. It is just a matter of double checking the information at the Quality Inn and printing it.

All tournament rounds will be done as a cross-over or dual tee in approximately 90 minutes. Brian Long and Greg Garrett are expected to be in the first two pairings each day and scoring off the 18th green.

"What we see as players is nothing compared to what must be happening behind the scenes," says tournament organizer Mike Davis. "Everyone wants the scores and they want them quickly. Our tournament has exceeded expectations time and time again."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins with its annual practice round on June 10. Participant option selections will occur in March and completed by March 31. Outstanding participant balances are due in the mail to Rick Dosky two weeks later.