April 6, 2009

LYNCHBURG, VA — The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship has a field of 79 participants from Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. With funding due in the mail very soon, the withdrawal season starts today.

"Our latest information suggests an annual withdrawal rate of 7.6 percent," says CFO Rick Dosky. "This data encompasses the last 5 years and equates to 6 golfers with our current size. The choices to skip and excuses for withdrawal consists mostly of last-minute wedding plans, family vacation vetos, and conflicts with employment. It is pretty unfortunate."

The withdrawal season lasts two weeks through the collection deadline. Withdrawals generally start from the short list of non-respondents to the annual participant option process.

Craig Williams withdrew last Wednesday after other confirming plans the weekend of Spackler.

"The withdrawal season ripens as outstanding balances drop below $12,000," says CFO Rick Dosky. "The tournament never expects everyone to attend, however hope for a zero percent withdrawal rate each and every year. The average withdrawal rate of 7.6 percent soared in recent years. We take initial deposits to curb the withdraw rate, but often wonder what would happen without non-refundable deposits."

The event included a withdrawal rate of 4.2 percent in Indiana, 9.4 percent in Michigan, and 9.4 percent in 2006. The Mountain Valley tournament included a record-high withdrawal rate of 10.3 percent. The Tanglewood Park venue in 2004 and Rock Hollow last year both experienced a low 4.2 percent withdrawal rate. The first 3 tournaments in 2001-2003 experienced zero withdrawals.

"The current waiting list has 5 fully funded golfers," says Rick Dosky. "As a collective group, we will replace cancellations with received checks of $365.00. I am looking forward to posting checks this coming week. A very clean collection would move tournament planning into an early pairing and roommate release."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins play in 64 days. The Welcome Party at Big Lick Tropical Bar is scheduled after the annual practice round. The entertainment is located just 275 yards south of the hotel.