June 2, 2009

LYNCHBURG, VA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship has its own version of a Super Bowl media day. The Captains Club brings together all of its players who are competing, but this year it noticed a very electric group. A young group of very low handicaps.

"I remember the days when my game was desired," says Greg Long of Columbus, OH. "I am quickly sliding down the list and almost a 'B player'. A low 'A' level player is fine while having 4 kids under 5 1/4 years at home."

The event signed rookies Kelly Smith and Jack Schone in 2008. Smith (picture shown in top left corner) is now the 10th best golfer in this year's tournament field with a +9.4 stroke handicap. Schone (picture shown in the bottom row and third from the left) is the 4th best golfer with a +6.2 stroke handicap.

"I have not hit the ball well at the Open," Schone said. "I have hit a couple of good shots, but you need all the pieces and parts working. You cannot hit the ball well and not putt well, or vice versa. You have to have everything going together at the same time."

Rookie Brian Linley, a.k.a. Kwam J, from Detroit enters his first major championship with a +5.1 stroke handicap. The 3rd best golfer (picture shown in top row and third from the left) in the tournament field has entered consistent scores ranging from 4-over to 8-over par.

Rookie Bruce Saxe from Cleveland also enters his first major championship with a +8.6 stroke handicap. The 7th best golfer (picture shown bottom left corner) in the tournament field. "We will see how my handicap pans out after the beer starts flowing," said Bruce Saxe from his home in northern Ohio. "Preparations are still on track. Waiting on new Ping G5's to be shipped from Arizona. I also attending Guaranteed Golf School for te past four weeks and hitting the local pub at least every other day."

Rookie Bobby Owens, Jr. (picture shown at top right) from Columbus signed as the 5th best golfer with a +7.2 stroke handicap. Owens was found outside the Clover Valley clubhouse last weekend. He was asked about his take on his first major, his preparations, and whether 'the senior' would take the opportunity to play from the white tee next week. He basically ignored the request and headed to his car without comment.

Rookie Hudson McVay (picture shown at bottom right) also from Columbus signed as the 11th best golfer with a +9.9 stroke handicap. McVay opened the 2009 season with a very impressive 8-over 80 at the Golf Club of Dublin.

Hudson was asked how does it feels to be entering the Carl Spackler Open as an A player? He replied, "Obviously, the handicap system is flawed for this to be the case or need to drink more the night before I golf." Senior member Scott Miller suggested that everyone is drunk at Spackler, which makes McVay handicapped pretty well. Miller asked Hudson about his preparations for his first major. McVay replied, "Preparations are proceeding nicely. I have been sober enough to finish my rounds of golf this year. My jacket size is 46 regular."

Rookie Justin Gorby (picture shown in bottom row and second from the left)from southern Columbus enters his first major championship with a +8.9 stroke handicap. The 8th best golfer in the tournament field. "I have spent more time on the range this season then the last 2 years combined," said Gorby.

He added, "I keep hearing that about my skills and the expectations that come with those skills. I am entering my first year of the Spackler as an 'A player'. There will be a lot of extra pressure to show up and perform well, but I think that it is all part of what makes it exciting. I am sure I will be a little nervous on that first tee Thursday morning, but looking forward posting a good first round.

I am very focused on my tempo and working the driver a little more right to left. I know Poplar Grove will be a challenging course, but believe in my chances to win my first Open. As always, its going to come down to hitting fairways and putting."

Rookie Ron Saxe (picture shown in top row and second from the left) from Columbus signed as the 9th best golfer with a +9.3 stroke handicap. Ron was born in Peru, IN and traveled with circus as a boy. His clown fettish is expected to make more than a few participants uncomfortable.

Mike Davis, Jason Ridgeway, and Marty Zabonik are the only participants from 2001-2007 who have not fell on the sorted stroke handicap list by 11 spots since June 2008.

"This is really good news for our pace of play," says Marty Zabonik. "Maybe we can move a little quicker this year."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open will host 15 rookies this year. It will also host 3 players who are returning for the first time in 5 years.