August 25, 2008

COLUMBUS, OH — The 2003 Tournament Honoree, Pat McElroy, has confirmed he is probable for the 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship regardless of location says a report out of 'Kitchen Pass Magazine'. The monthly magazine reports on the probability of controversial Carl Spackler Open members.

The report was forwarded to the media late last week. McElroy last attended the Open Championship in June 2004 at Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem, NC.

"It is time to return," said McElroy in a telephone interview. "Although my wife's birthday skates around the tournament, I will be attending this coming year."

Other members have their doubts. "McElroy was probable last year," said Captains Club Chairman Greg Long. "What does 'I am coming' really mean?"

Long added, "The Spackler Business Office has converted 'I am coming' to 'probable' inside the Rumor Mill. There are many Captains Club members who think 'I am coming' is 'questionable' at best."

McElroy and Mike Watkeys are tied for the largest layoff by multi-year attendee in history of the tournament. Watkeys did sign in 2004 and 2005 and 2007, but decided against attendance months afterward.

"I will believe it when the money rolls into the Spackler kitty," said CEO Jeremy Myers. "McElroy should know better. He would eliminate a lot of controversy if his check was received by September 1."

The June tournament will again require a non-refundable $120 deposit due before January 28, 2009. Many golfers wait until Christmas season to submit their commitment.

McElroy last played in Cincinnati where he fired 26-over par during a 5-hole stretch to finish the front nine at The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills. The July 2006 round consisting of 119 strokes was indeed his worst round of his 5-year Spackler career.