May 31, 2007

JACKSON, MI — Senior member Chad Long was found lounging around on his very small 4 by 4 foot deck outside his brand new home in Galena, OH. The 2004 Horses Ass was confronted as one participant with Grande Golf Club experience. The topic was simple. What is the key to the Golden Jacket?

The surprising conversation started and concluded in the bunkers.

"There has been an extreme focus on large greens and large fairways this year," says Long while enjoying the fresh Ohio air. "They are large, but everyone really needs to be prepared for the large deep bunkers. There is going to be considerable stroke loss in these hazards and this is clearly not getting enough press."

The bunkers at the Grande Golf Club could very well determine who wins the Carl Spackler Open Championship this year, as there are 61 to contend with. "The 61 sand bunkers do sound average until you consider 3,000 square foot bunkers in front of greens and in the middle of fairways," added Long. "When you consider sand volume, we are talking about Tanglewood Park, which had over 100 bunkers."

The bunkers are cut very uniquely with ragged edges, which will introduce very unique shots. Raymond Hearn secretly doubled the complications of each hazard with very awkward lies.

"Players that aren't working on their sand play right now are damned fools," says Long. "They stand to be eaten alive and possibly wearing a couple of outfits. This my friends will be the key to the Jacket."

Long speaks from experience after taking 8 shots from 5 different bunkers while playing his second and third holes. The 17 strokes plus a big 12 at Hole 17 was 29 strokes of his 104 total. He did manage to score 62 points with 5 pars and 8 bogeys, but completely understands the penalties in the white sand.

"The design is pretty good," says Long. "Someone took the time to figure out where everyday golfers hit the ball and cut holes in the fairway for sand. Then put some ragged edges so that feet are not necessarily in the bunker or vice versa. The Grande is all about putting, but that is if you can stay out of the hazards."

The most bunkered hole at the tournament venue is Hole 13 with 6 bunkers. All 6 hazards split the 280-yard fairway.

"The bunkers are very deep in places," says Long. "You will not see golfers in some bunkers when standing on the green. Just bring a 3 or 4 wedges so you are prepared."

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins on June 7. The Skills Challenge Contest returns on Thursday after Round 1. The contest will start in a large greenside bunker.