May 30, 2007

JACKSON, MI — The #1 amateur golf tournament, the Carl Spackler Open, announced on Sunday a drop in overall travel by 15.2 percent. The choice venue specifically ensures travel time of participants in Ohio and western Pennsylvania are cut in half or more.

"This is absolutely great news," said Captains Club member Brian Flanagan. "Driving is all part of a golf trip, but this 7 hour trip will be welcome break from 15 hours for the past 3 years."

The 15.2 percent drop was determined based on mileage to/from Michigan for our 37 senior members attending at least 3 years including this year. It was compared to Raleigh when senior members traveled an average of 15.42 hours round trip.

The average distance traveled over 7 years is 6.54 hours per way or 13.08 hours round trip. The Michigan venue is just 1.8 percent higher than average.

The selected lodging is 60 minutes from Detroit Wayne International Airport (DTW). Virginia Beach to Brooklyn by vehicle is 12 hours. Warren to Brooklyn has been clocked at 6 hours. Columbus to Brooklyn is 3 1/2 hours. Grande Golf Club is 12-mile (16-minute) high-speed drive from Super 8 Motel.

"Vehicles traveling through Toledo can expect an extra 18 minutes if they stop at Detroit Wayne International Airport," said Brian Long. "The drive to both the hotel or golf course is 60 minutes from the airport."

Flights to Detroit using Northwest Airlines are direct flights lasting a maximum of 2 hours from New York, Baltimore, Washington, Atlanta and Norfolk.

Travel time is expected to drop again in 2008 and 2009 with venue selections in Kentucky, New York, Maryland or West Virginia.

Captains Club member Jason Watson presently has the most mileage in Spackler history averaging 18.26 hours per year. Member Bob Morris is second with 18.16 hours per year. Mike Trojanowski has the record by vehicle at 16.42 hours per year. "It shows a commitment to Spackler," says Jason Watson of the mileage list. "Is anyone more dedicated?"

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled for June 7 with a tournament field of 64 golfers residing between Virginia Beach and Hawaii.