April 27, 2007

JACKSON, MI — The Captains Club announced Wednesday that John and Bill Dick both have withdrawn from the 2007 Carl Spackler Open. The announcement was made late-Wednesday night by Rick Dosky. The youngest and senior member John Dick cited health related problems in a written statement to the business office. Older brother Bill from Dallas, TX immediately followed his withdrawal.

"It tears me up inside to withdrawal," said John in a written statement to the finance department.

Bill Dick was excited about his golf game during preparations for his 3rd major championship. The 76-year old member had struggled with a 61st finish at the 68-player tournament in 2005. He finished even worse as a rookie in 2004 with 46th place with just 47 golfers.

"This is ridiculous," said Matt Pritchard. "Bill Dick and Chris Hays were my tickets out of the Crapper Award. This has to be a conspiracy."

Senior member John Dick withdrawals after 4-straight years of attendance. John holds a piece of Spackler history after winning the Horses Ass Award at Thunder Hill in 2003.

"We are sad to see the Dicks miss the Open," said Rick Dosky. "There is nothing like watching two dicks alcarte from a spot behind the 18th green."

Both Dicks vowed to return in 2008.

In related news, the sudden and surprise withdrawals were immediately replaced with funded rookies from St. Louis, MO. Rudy Bailey and Tim Rooney have signed to participate in the Michigan 54-hole tournament.

Both rookies are presently equipped with online registration and 7+ scorecards. They come from an online google search.

Tim, a.k.a. Fuzz, and Rudy have been friends and been playing golf for about 20 years. They met through work at Southwestern Bell. They enjoy the party and sharing stories. They have been traveling and playing golf for years in tournaments.

The boys from Missouri attend with 15 years of golf trip/tournament organizational experience. Rudy and Fuzz have been going out of town and playing in ESPN gold challenges for years, but looking forward to the Carl Spackler Open and its feel.

Tim Rooney signs with a very low handicap. "Tim has been playing really well over the last 18 months," said Bailey in a written statement. "He won the A flight Men's Championship 2 years ago with a 4-over 76 at Annbriar Golf Club. He hits a straight ball and wonderful around the greens."

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins in 40 days. The tournament field has stepped backward to 63 participants. The Captains Club is actively searching for the 64th golfer. All attendees are encouraged to do the same.