January 21, 2010

GALLOWAY, OH — The 2007 Carl Spackler Outfit recipient and the 2009 Crapper Award winner has chosen to sign and return to the major championship that has Mark Wray a household name. Wray is set to participate in Texas with nowhere else to go, but up after placing dead last in Michigan, 66th in Indiana, and 78th in Virginia.

"I am glad to be getting another shot at the Spackler Open," said Wray in a written statement. "I am looking forward to the challenge of going from worst to first. I need a little redemption after three horrible events and a humiliating performance in Michigan. I need to prove to the golf world that I can compete at the level required to place in the top half."

Mark, the +9.4 stroke handicap, opened the 2007 event with a stunningly sober 28-over 100 strokes. More stunning was the lack of club throwing in 2008 and 2009.

Wray finished both the Michigan and Indiana tournaments with zero birdies. "It really boils down to my inability to get anything going," said Wray. "We should be 'talking about practice' this March and April."

Wray carded his first event birdie at the 14th hole at Poplar Grove Golf Club. The very low stroke handicap went an impressive 139 holes without a birdie. "There are very few participates who can go years without a birdie," says Jason Watson, Vice President of Awards. "We need an award or something for such an accomplishment."

The 2009 Crapper Award winner signs as the 14th participant and will represent Ohio. The tournament field is expected to be 40 to 60 participants from 13 different states.