June 11, 2008

PERU, IN — Trent Cooper celebrated his 2008 Webb and Golden Rod Awards on Saturday after another strong finish in both putting and overall points. The 38-year old senior member wore his traditional 'salmon' golf shirt to symbolize aggression and assertiveness.

Cooper finished in third position again this year with 178 points. He carded 2 birdies and 17 pars during his 54 holes. He entered his 4th straight tournament averaging 13 pars and 1 birdie over a 54 hole period.

"He really did not play great on paper," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club of Cooper. "He played good in a minor hurricane and putted better than almost everyone with 26 long-putt points. This was the difference between middle of the pack and top of the pack."

Cooper took 8th place in overall long-putt points over the 54 holes. He beat out Greg Garrett again for the Golden Rod Award.

"It has been nice showing off my game to everyone," says Cooper of his tournament. "My wife picked out a really nice 'corner' trophy case last month. It is quite large with lots of room for future years."

Cooper celebrated his victory behind the 18th green with Erin, one of Rock Hollow's finest beverage cart girls. "I would like to thank Erin for keeping me relaxed out there," says Cooper. "The heat, wind, and gitters of a major tournament grabbed me early, but Erin saved me all week with plenty of liquor confidence."

The 2008 Carl Spackler Open was played at Rock Hollow Golf Club in Peru, IN. The 11th best bargain in America proved to be quite a test for the 72 player field. The 18th hole finished the tournament as the most difficult hole. The 13th hole finished as the easiest.