April 26, 2006

SMYRNA, GA — The 2006 Carl Spackler Open Championship expanded to 64 golfers back in early April with additions from Georgia, Illinois and California. With funding due in the mail today, the season of withdraws is upon the business office.

The business office received their first withdrawal from the tournament last Thursday from Brad Simon of Georgia. "Due to recent circumstances, I have to forfeit my position in your tournament," said Simon. "My apologies for any inconvenience caused. Thank you, take care, and maybe next year."

Simon was rumored to be withdrawing after choosing not to fill out options and not posting required rookie scorecards. The April 26 deadline was looming.

"Things are starting to get moving as outstanding balances are finally under $10,000," says Rick Dosky. "The tournament never expects everyone to attend. Our withdrawal rate has been 4.2% for years and not expecting this year to be any different. We take deposits to curb the withdraw rate, pay the hotel and tourney losses and try to replace."

The withdrawal from Thursday opens one spot in the field of players. It also inserts an unpaid fee at the hotel, a single rider at the golf course, and drops the overall tournament budget.

"We have a spot open," says Dosky. "As a collective group, we ask that everyone keeps their eyes and ears open."

The 2006 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins play in 42 days.