November 17, 2008

FREDERICKTOWN, OH — The Captains Club secured another verbal commitment for the 2009 recruiting class Friday, when highly-rated 3-time member Mike Watkeys announced his return to the 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship this June.

"We will see," says CEO of the Captains Club, Jeremy Myers. "I was told he was signed sealed and delivered for Michigan. If he comes, I'll be the first one to make him a tequila sunrise."

Watkeys missed the event in 2005 and 2006. He signed for the 2007 event, but forgot to attend. It was the first instance in the history of American Golf Trips that someone paid and forgot to attend.

"I thought it was next week," said Watkeys during a telephone conversation at the Beach Bar in Brooklyn, MI.

Watkeys is a senior member with 2002-2004 attendance. He has reportedly not picked up a golf club since dawning the Carl Spackler Outfit in Winston-Salem, NC.

Watkeys made his decision public Friday, but planned his return a year ago. "I work in the finance department. I really wanted to return to the Spackler last year, but the very early June date conflicted with work. I am excited to be returning this year."

Watkeys lost the 2004 event after opening with a 66-over 136 at a very wide-open Tanglewood Park. The disaster included five 10's and 73 strokes on the back nine.

The 24-stroke handicap never recovered after the 11-point round and wore the Carl Spackler Outfit on Saturday night.

Watkeys won the inaugural Horses Ass Award in April 2002. He won the award after mixing a tequila sunrise at the Colonial's 9th hole. While pressing the gas petal to the floor and mixing the drink between two cups instead of driving with a hand on the wheel, he blindly smashed into a tree and flew through the windshield. He remained in the fetal position grabbing his shins for five minutes.

"Most of our members are considered 70 percent when they insist their are coming," says Captains Club member Jason Watson. "Most are considered 95 percent when a deposit is received. Watkeys is 70 percent when all his money is collected. He has verbally committed for now."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled for June 10-13 in Amherst, VA. There are 72 to 84 participants expected for the 9th event.