May 29, 2007

JACKSON, MI — Bob Morris, the 3-year member from Chicago, played Grande Golf Club over the weekend. With just 9 days left before the 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship, Morris has completed the first step in his quest to win his first Golden Jacket.

"My notes are nearly complete," says Morris of his practice round. "The Grande will be a great course for the Carl Spackler Open. I shot birdies and triple bogeys. Slick's suggestion box on the pairing sheet saved many strokes throughout the course."

Bob shot a 15-over 87 during his very early morning round.

Morris suggests the key to taming the 6,400 yard course is long-distance putting. "I four-putted the first green," says Morris of his opening hole. "Then three-putted the second. It took a few holes before realizing you have to shoot for the pins - center of the green is not helpful."

Pat Boland accompanied Morris for early Red Tee Lottery notes. "With the exception of Hole 14, all par 5's will be eliminated for Round 1 selection," said Boland of the Red Tee Lottery. "These are simply too short."

Boland also shot 15-over 87 during his round. He missed just one fairway.

"Very large plush with true roll," says Boland of the greens. "This tournament boils down to six-foot putts. I think everyone will see 20 six-foot putts during tournament play. If you are 25 percent from six-feet, you are looking at 15 three-putts."

Boland considered the practice round very important. "This is a shot placement course," says Boland of the design. "Every golfer must think for 5 hours per day in Michigan. The tournament field must put the ball in the best place to attack the pin. Just hitting driver straight down the middle is a nightmare."

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins next Thursday with the mandatory player meeting at 7:45AM EST.