February 23, 2009

AMHERST, VA — The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins in 106 days. The tournament field is set with a record-high 80 players from 13 different states including Massachusetts and Tennessee. The second phase of the tournament begins as most options are now available for review.

Participants wishing to customize their experience can view participant options by visiting the website and clicking on "Participant Options" within the "FUNDS & OPTIONS" drop down menu. Player selections can be made as early as March 1.

"We are collecting preferences and providing several options this year," says Captains Club member Matt Davis at the monthly Captains Club press conference. "The club finalized a few things this month and slipped them into the selector. We have one more option to finalize and publish this week. We will begin to accept selections this Sunday."

The Options Selector is expected to include 15 preferences and options. The process is optional and available for 31 days. The online process can be completed starting March 1 by clicking on a graphic off the homepage and signing into the website. Participants are reminded the process when done properly can take 15 to 20 minutes.

"The options are indeed optional," says Davis. "All players are encouraged to fill them out, however realize some guys may not have time."

Several options include additional funding and some are absolutely free. Other selections involve personal roommate/partner preferences along with a general collection of information to fully organize the group and establish demand for certain ideas.

This year's option selector will include availability for a possible 2010 trip to Laguna Vista, TX and collect one date conflict from a range of 2010-2011 dates.

The participant options will also include a $59 Tuesday golf package, Poplar Grove yardage book, apparel purchase, and umbrella purchase.

"Most of the options will become unavailable for selection or change after March 31," says Davis. "Balances are due to Dosky two weeks after the selection deadline." The participant balances page will display all payments, credits, and expenses when a golfer is signed into the website.

"To keep costs low each year, we ask locals to assist with ground transportation from airports," said Jeremy Myers, CEO of the Captains Club. "This means Virginia Beach residents and participants traveling early Wednesday morning. I would appreciate if everyone can provide transportation information within the option selector. This goes for guys with no room in their vehicle, guys who cannot assist with carpooling, and guys who cannot assist with ground transportation from the airport."

As a suggestion, golfers should proactively determine their departure time, grab their flight information, review the itinerary, talk to buddies, and ensure username and password is known.

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will be played at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst, VA. There is a Welcome Party scheduled for Wednesday night at Big Lick's Tropical Bar.