May 14, 2003

COLUMBUS, OH — Greg Long is taking a must needed layoff for two or three weeks after his Sunday after failing his Playing Ability Test as the first step for PGA certification, and will likely go to the Carl Spackler Open having played only once after this Sunday.

Slick shot a pair of 81's, missing the cut for passing the PAT by 7 strokes.  "The wheels fell off on #11 after starting +1 through 10 holes."

Slick has always played at least three times a week since late March, but is looking for some rest and range time.  "I will be sticking to a lighter schedule now since the tournament is coming in June", said Slick.

He'll be at this weekend's trip to Thunder Hill, where he, Cowan and Matt Davis will scout the course.  While long layoffs aren't typical for Slick, he said his reduced schedule won't hurt his chances for a 2nd Carl Spackler Open title.  

After all, it's not as if he's been off on some exotic extended vacation.  He has spent his downtime working on his swing -- its plane and extension of his downswing, in particular. And he plans to spend time with Troy Wright on Monday.  "If my practice sessions go well," he said, "then there's nothing to worry about."

And if there's one tournament where extra practice helps, it's the Carl Spackler Open.  The Open courses are traditionally longer and narrower than those for other majors, and Thunder Hill is the longest and tightest yet.

"I think the Carl Spackler Open setup is wonderful, because it puts a premium on ball striking," Slick said. "On top of that, it really puts you in a position where you have to think your way around a golf course.  It's just not about tee up the driver and bombs away, hit it as hard as you can and go find it.  You've got to really strategize and position your golf club moreso than most tournaments you play in.  It's all about NOOG points and course management."

"When the rookies play a Carl Spackler Open, they don't know how to play it.  I know how to strategize and put myself from point A to point B.  But my game didn't allow me to do that last year," he added.  "I didn't drive it very straight and, on top of that, my distance control wasn't very good."

"I'm just hoping to enjoy playing in front of my friends. They've been awesome," Slick said with a grin. "It's been a lot of fun for me, and hopefully I can use that good karma at the Carl Spackler Open."