November 17, 2003

COLUMBUS, OH — Shawn Long announced on Saturday that he will be a father and most likely will be remain home during the 4th annual Carl Spackler Open.  It appears that he impregnated his wife in the middle of the annual Red Zone Alert.  The baby is due one week after the major championship.

Shawn has little chance to win the On Tour Championship, although he could become the fifth player to average 55-over par, but remain inside the Top 25 on the annual leaderboard.

"I'd love to play, but a small mistake has been made", he said. "The Open is a very special tournament. But right now, the time that I will be spending with my family will ensure my marriage makes the 18 month mark.  My marriage is the most important thing to me, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Shawn is the third player to be affected by the dreaded Red Zone Alert.  Jeff Cowan is expecting twins in May.  Dosky is also expecting another baby in May.  Although, Dosky has still verbally committed to the Open Championship.

The Open Championship begins in 205 days in Winston-Salem, NC.  The field of potential players have been mailed an invitation and players are expected to sign over the next 45 days.