April 14, 2010

LAGUNA VISTA, TX — The remaining stretch to the 2010 Carl Spackler Open is short. Only a few hours are left for field members to get in their last rounds of practice and work out the kinks in their game. The stakes remain the same, a tournament purse and trophy are just the salad to the steak. The Golden Jacket is the prize everyone is seeking.

The field has several familiar faces that are sure to draw crowds of local fans out to the fairway edges to watch for missile-like balls rocketing towards their faces. Glenn Hoffert, Mark Wray, and particularly the return of Jon Munksgard have all signed to participate.

"This course is really in trouble," exclaimed a zealous Bobby Owens. "I feel like I am really going to extend my 3rd round from last year with a golf course ass kicking once again. The true rolling greens is the kinda edge that has me excited." Owens is one of several players that are sure to be leading the pack after round one. Unfortuately, Owens brief Carl Spackler Open history has him easily ignored.

Mark Wray, who carded his first-ever career birdie in 2009, is looking to rebound from his showings in Virginia, Indiana, and Michigan. "Everyone has no choice but to think my game sucks," says Wray. "This is my time to shine or taking home the Crapper again. I need to obtain some respect this year, but that is what I said last year."

Jason Watson has warned the players for months and now warning the media of the very tough wind. "There is perceived tough and statistically tough," says Watson. "The normal breeze out there is 20 mph. I would suspect a round just like we had in Peru, IN."

South Padre Island Golf Club was designed by Chris Cole. It is rumored to be in top condition for its first major championship. The design company, Landmark Properties, has designed Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, Kiawah Island, Riveria Country Club, and PGA West.

"I am bringing a rookie this year," said Scott Zavinski from his patio in Richmond, VA. "He probably needs a formal hazing. We should be able to get a game plan together on Wednesday night."

Joey Curtis, Lars Faus, and JT Thomas come to their first major championship with gold in their hearts and fear in their eyes of the outfits. Their ability or inability to manage the course, its hazards, and most importantly the rookie jitters will be represented on the Tournament Leaderboard by Friday night.

"I am not as concerned about losing the tournament," says rookie JT Thomas. "My golf game is way too solid and wind does not effect my worm burner. I think my corn hole practice this winter will translate to excellent putting and lots of points."

The golf facility is rumored to provide near perfect conditions and golfers will not be granted too many excuses for poor play.

"The greens will roll very fast," says Pat Boland of St. Louis. "A stimp of 10 or 10 1/2 is what I expect to see after playing there in October."

Kevin Long, Jr. suggested a new Webb Award winner is in the cards this year. "Cooper is in Vegas," said Long in a telephone interview. "I see Ridgeway, Boland, or Dosky taking over the reigns in 2010."

Several stories are sure to surface as the tournament nears and players begin their migration to Texas. Who will be the next Cinderella story? Who will be the next Horse's Ass? Who will be the next to create a moment that falls into Spackler lore?