January 24, 2007

ROCKY MOUNT, NC — Jeremy Myers, CEO of the Captains Club, leads a record 38 percent of members choosing to skip the Open Championship. Myers' decision is his first in 7 years and followed multiple years of attendance speculation.

"Myers has made a decision to skip," said Kevin Long, Jr. of Myers' written statement. "We accept his decision and move forward realizing his hands are tied."

Myers is added to a list of Captains Club members that are not participating in Michigan. He joins Don Creighton and Jay Dilks as other members not attending. "This is unfortunate," said Matt Davis from his home in Pittsburgh. "I hope we see them in Kentucky or New York, but realize a great time in Michigan is less than 5 months away."

Four year member Glenn Hoffert has also decided to skip his first event. Hoffert arrived at Thunder Hill in 2003 and has attended four-consecutive years.

Chris Lashley of Southern Shores, NC is another senior member who did not register for the 2007 tournament. There was no statement made available.

With the Myers and Lashley skipping the tournament, second-year Chris Milam is expected to represent the entire state of North Carolina just one year after the tournament venue was held in Raleigh. Brandon Hunter, Ashley Davis and David Neill also have decided to skip the Michigan experience with no letters of intent received.

Third year member Grady Walters along with Chuck Long, Sr., Joe Butkus, Mike Herron, Scott Zavinski, Chet Munksgard and Scott Mealey have also decided to skip the tournament.

With the number of high-profile members deciding to skip the Open Championship, the tournament business office reduced its forecast to 60-64 golfers for the 7th annual tournament.

"Our budget is based on 60 golfers," said CFO Rick Dosky. "There are no worries about attendance cutting into the bottom line. Our conservative forecast has fortunately outlasted the 38 percent."

The annual tournament does return a record-high 82 percent of its members. The rookie class drops to a record-low 18 percent.

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins in 133 days. There are presently 55 golfers signed to play in the 7th major championship.