May 19, 2008

PERU, IN — Bob Morris, the 3-year member from Chicago, played Rock Hollow Golf Club over the weekend. With just 16 days left before the 2008 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 Rock will be a great course for the Carl Spackler Open. I shot bogeys and triple bogeys."

Bob shot a 31-over 103 during his very early morning round.

Morris suggests the key to taming the 6,450 yard course is percise shot-making to the greens. "There is trouble out there, but around the greens is very penal," says Morris of the course. "The driver is the least important club at this year's Open."

Pat Boland accompanied Morris for early Red Tee Lottery notes. "A very good design," said Boland. "Risk and reward everywhere the eye can see. The final hole is a sweet finishing hole, as everyone will be able to watch the guys hit into/over the water."

Boland shot 22-over 94 during his round. He shot 10 strokes lower on the back nine.

"Very plush fairways and good roll on the greens," says Boland of the conditions. "This tournament boils down to approach shots. Tim Liddy has located amateur comfort zones and placed hazards."

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 Indiana. I would imagine 5 to 6 strokes will be saved after a practice round. Just hitting driver on every hole is not going to work out there."

The 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins on June 5 with the mandatory player meeting at 8:45AM EST.