February 1, 2010

LAGUNA VISTA, TX — A phobia of snakes, ophidiophobia, is one that can affect anyone anywhere in the world, regardless of whether snakes live in their vicinity. In common with all of these kinds of phobias, this fear can be unwittingly learned by someone in a variety of ways.

The Captains Club does not claim to understand the psychology behind snake phobia, but has developed and introduced a "Snake Fear Index (SFI)" for the 2010 Carl Spackler Open Championship.

"We are taking the opportunity to release the Snake Fear Index for the participants surrounding the 2010 Carl Spackler Open," said Captains Club member Jay Dilks. "We will be referring to the Index as SFI moving forward."

[Dilks turns on the projector.]

"We are providing a fear scale for all forms of snake at South Padre Island Golf Club in Laguna Vista, TX.

1 = engage. the ability to hold a snake and possibly kiss it.

2 = calm. the ability to focus on your swing within 10 feet of a snake.

3 = civil. the ability to just swing a club within 10 feet of a snake.

4 = awe. the ability to call other golfers over to view the snake.

5 = discomfort. asking for drop when a ball is within 10 feet of a snake.

6 = distress. the inability to stay calm while viewing a snake.

7 = panic. a sudden reverse movement when seeing a snake.

8 = petrify. the inability to focus on golf when off the fairway.

9 = terror. the inability to stay calm when off the fairway.

10 = paralysis. the inability to walk anywhere near sawgrass or a bush.

The first number on the scale is the ability to engage all forms of snake in the same manner as Tom McCauley engages Indiana snapping turtles. The last number on the scale is paralysis or the inability to move your legs.

Are there any questions about SFI?"

Mark Palmer of Charlotte, NC asked, "You live in Oil City, PA. Why are you talking about snakes instead of a Texan like Jason Watson?"

Dilks replied, "I have been told that learning about snakes and holding them is the best way to cure ophidiophobia. I purchased a zoo membership last August and now volunteering in local pet stores."

Jon Munksgard of Warren, PA asked, "You have done a good job terrifying me. My SFI is a 9. How many golf balls do I need?"

Dilks answered, "Members who have a SFI of 1 or 2 need one ball for the first tee this April. Guys who have a SFI of 9 or 10 should bring four dozen balls to Texas.

The participants who can engage snakes will find 250 balls in clear view during their first 9 holes. You can collect them between shots and sell hundreds to the rest of the tournament field."

Munksgard replied, "Really?"

Dilks replies, "Yes. I expect hundreds to be laying in clear view."

Mark Wray asked, "I am not a pussy, but what kind of venomous snakes are in southern Texas?"

Dilks replied, "There are 14 kinds of venomous with 116 different kinds of snake in Texas. Let's face it, many if not most people have some anxiety about snakes and with good cause. Snakes are wild reptiles that will bite and defend themselves if threatened. For the welfare of both humans and snakes, it is best to leave them alone and to avoid contact. The last thing you want to do is hold one up to your face and talk to it. This even includes turtle boy Tom McCauley."

Jeff Tatum asked, "What else do you know about snakes in Texas?"

Dilks replied, "There is at least one species of venomous snake found in every state except Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii. Each year, approximately 7,000 Americans are bitten by venomous snakes and approximately 14 will die (2 from Texas) as a result of their bites. The low mortality rate is based on prompt emergency medical treatment and anti-venom availability in areas with large populations of venomous snake such as Texas.

There are two types of venomous snake in Texas. First, pit vipers are the most common type of venomous snakes in Texas and include the copperhead, cottonmouth and rattlesnake. The second type of venomous snake found in Texas is the coral snake.

The coral snake has red, yellow, and black bands encircling the body. It is the most elusive of the four venomous snake types and is seldom seen. Coral snakes account for approximately 30 of 7,000 snake bites a year. There are actually no recorded deaths related to coral snake bites in the state of Texas, but then again Tom McCauley has never been to Texas.

The copperhead is the most likely to strike first with the least amount of provocation. North Carolina averages more copperhead bites than anywhere in America. Copperheads have chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter colored body. These snakes are found in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands and are rare in dry areas. In the spring they can be found along streams and rivers, as well as in weed-covered vacant lots.

The western cottonmouth is the only subspecies of cottonmouth in Texas. This heavy-bodied snake, which averages about 3-1/2 feet in length, is found over the eastern half of the state in swamps and sluggish waterways, coastal marshes, rivers, ponds and streams. Following flooding in southeast Texas last fall, a Houston man was surprised when a cottonmouth fell on his feet from under the dashboard of his truck.

Lastly is those rattlesnakes, which comprise about half the venomous snakes in Texas. The ten species and subspecies vary in size from the 18-inch western pigmy rattler to the western diamondback, which can reach seven feet in length. All have triangular-shaped heads, elliptical pupils and rattles, which are interlocking horny segments that vibrate against each other. When threatened or startled, the rattlesnake coils and vibrates the rattle at the tip of its tail, emitting a loud, rhythmic buzz."

Scott Miller of Parkersburg, WV asked, "Do you have any recommended golfing behavior while visiting Texas?"

Dilks replies, "The majority of bites result from people taking unnecessary or foolish risks with venomous snakes. Very similar to Tom McCauley in 2008. The golf course proactively removes all spotted snakes regardless of threat. The chances of hearing about a poisonous snake near the golf course is very slim.

Understanding what snakes look for in suitable habitat can help you know when to be wary. Snakes like tall grass, dead laying wood, rock, or debris piles where they can hide and prey on rodents. Take care along creek banks and underbrush. Snakes do not prey on humans and they will not chase you. Snakes usually retreat or escape if given the opportunity. The danger comes when they are either surprised or cornered.

The clubhouse instructs golfers to call 911 immediately if bitten by a snake. Texas emergency workers are fully prepared to treat snake bites.

Any other questions?"

Jeremy Myers asked, "Jay. What is your SFI?"

Dilks replied, "I was a 9, but now a 4 or 5."

[There are no more questions. Dilks shuts off the projector and leaves the press room.]

The 2010 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled to begin with Round 1 on April 16. The optional 4-man Scramble has been moved to Friday afternoon after Round 1. There are 40 to 60 participants expected for the 10th annual birthday party.