February 11, 2008

PERU, IN — One of the least noticed, most important roles within planning the Carl Spackler Open Championship returns in 2008. All golf bags can be stored in the Rock Hollow cart barn starting Wednesday evening after the practice round through Saturday's play.

"This is the most underrated planning we do for the tournament," says Matt Davis, Vice President of Contests and Bag Storage. "This eliminates probably 90 minutes of bag handling throughout the week and eliminates 25 percent of the vehicles required to transport golfers."

The efficiencies of bag storage was first realized in 2002 at the Colonial Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. It did not return for two years due to golf club policies. It returned in Barnesville, PA with very powerful results. It has been included every since.

"It is one of those things that can stop tournament venue negotiations," says Davis. "Minor bag handling by 60+ golfers causes more inefficiencies than most realize."

The bag storage along with daily pairing sheets will coordinate the starters, golfers, rangers and bag staff to ensure 30 golf carts can be loaded with a "valet-type" experience.

The tournament participants will be instructed to park golf carts in the cart barn. Participants will grab personal belongings such as wallets, jewelry, etc. and return the next day to recart.

The 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins its practice round on June 4. As of today, there are 60 players signed to play in the 8th major championship. Rock Hollow Golf Club is expected to crown another champion in just 114 days.