April 12, 2004

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Captain Comeback is ready to try for another one.  After several years of watching his game decline as he pursued more of life off the course, 2001 Tournament Honoree, Kevin Long, Jr. who turns 34 in July with his eye on the On Tour Championship.

For the first time since joining the tour in 2001, he'll be turning a new leaf and making an attempt for greatness.  He'll start his 4th season on the Spackler tour at Crowfield Golf and Country Club just outside Charleston, SC.

"I'm going to have fun this year," Hevy said. "I have been mentally away from competitive golf for a long time.  I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove."

For about 5 years now, Long says he's been more focused on getting out. He devoted more time to his family and less time to golf. One daughter and one son were born and he wanted to watch them grow up.

"I just became less competitive as time went on," he said. "I was a late father and you tend to view things a little differently."

"He's excited about playing again," Jay Dilks said. "He hasn't played in about four years in a consistent manner. It's a whole new world out there."

Hevy figures to be a hot commodity on the Spackler circuit where rookies and members are expected to win, something Hevy hasn't done in a long time.

Long said he hopes to play as many as 15 times, not too many that it keeps him away too long from the family. He'll start with a 36-hole event in South Carolina and evaluate his game from there.

The only thing certain is that Long wants to be competitive again.  Hopefully he can find the plane, focus on his putting, and bring the championship back to his fans in Virginia Beach.