February 28, 2007

WARREN, PA — Mike Davis, a.k.a. Gumby, has signed for his 5th-straight major championship. He plans to attend, but also to end a drought of zero success stories and complete ownership of the rough.

"Gumby deserves respect," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "With all do respect, he sucks at Spackler. He continues to play like crap when it matters. That is indeed disappointing."

Mike Davis nearly withdrew from the 2004 tournament after opening the front nine with 47 strokes. He proceeded to stick around and shoot 47 in Round 2 and 47 in Round 3.

"Absolutely terrible for a finely-tuned animal like Gumby," says brother Matt Davis. "I continue to be surprised each year as he exhibits no control of his mental or physical game. He has been a master-educator of the rough. Sometimes the first cut... sometimes the third cut."

Gumby's game went further south at Mountain Valley where he shot a 27-over 99 in Round 1. He finished the tournament with a record-high 29-over 101.

"How did this guy escape the outfits," says a confused Long. "His handicap before the tournament was 7.2. Shooting 70-over par is unacceptable for such an athlete."

Gumby showed up in Raleigh with a positive attitude. This time it was the Neuse and this time the tournament provided wider fairways. "He opened OK, but cannot find the magic long-term," said Long. "He developed an awful hook off the tee in Round 2. It started on the first tee and was disappointing to see."

The poor 19-over 91 dashed all hopes for spot in the Top 50. Gumby finished the tournament in a tie for 57th position.

This year may or may not be different. The tournament will open their fairways considerably and decrease the rough substantially. The Grande Golf Club provides 75-100 yard wide fairways and greens larger than 10,000 square feet. With struggles in the heat, this year brings a northern climate and one of the shortest daily commutes in Spackler History.

"We have eliminate the excuses this year," said brother Matt Davis. "We have (1) elevated his handicap target by 8 percent over the field, (2) widen the fairways considerably, (3) doubled green size, (4) dropped his transportation to venue by 40 percent, (5) lowered the heat and (6) provided the most true roll in Spackler history. I am not sure we can provide anything else. I for sure will be rooting for Gumby and saying prayers for something close to his 6.6 stroke handicap."

Gumby enters his 5th tournament as the 25th best senior member. There are 38 senior members attending the Michigan experience.

There are 98 days left before Round 1. Mike Davis signs as the 41st player and will represent the state of Pennsylvania. A mandatory player meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at 8:45AM.