September 5, 2010

ST. LOUIS, MO — With registration scheduled to be opened in the next few weeks and the Texas dropping attendance to 51 golfers, the Captains Club is expecting a considerable attendance rebound for the 2011 Carl Spackler Open Championship.

"There are never guarantees, but we are expecting 50 to 60 percent returned growth for 2011," says senior member Matt Boland. "Tim Davis and I are expecting a minimum of 70 players and most likely 75 returning players in the field before topping off with several unknown rookies."

The tournament started in 2001 with 9 players. It doubled in 2002 with 18 players and nearly doubled again in 2003 with 32 players. The event grew to 48 in 2004 before jumping to 68 players in 2005. The Spackler leveled off for 3 years before increasing to 72 golfers in 2008 and 88 golfers in 2009. Last April was the first significant drop in the total attendance with just 51 inspired golfers heading to southern Texas.

"The Captains Club have confirmed that both of all our vendors are prepared to see 100 golfers," says Boland. "I do not expect a number so high, but everyone is prepared for the unexpected."

The entry to the last Carl Spackler Open in Texas was $399 per player, which included ground transportation and practice round. The 2011 tournament is expected to be in the same ball park.

The projected 2011 growth is expected to be many returning members that skipped Texas and new rookies. The website 'Rumor Mill' suggests 67 golfers with a 'probable' status or better. There are another 28 participants who are questionable.

"I am planning to return," says senior member Tim Davis, who traveled to New Zealand last April. "I will be working with pool boys to achieve the best water conditions and format for the 2nd annual belly flop."

Chris Milam, John McAninch, Pat McElroy, Rob Harvey, Jay Glover, Jack Schone, and Ron Saxe are some of the players who have verbally committed to returning. Bill Bateson and Mark Wray have expressed doubtful returns.

The 11 year old event has lost half of its participants due to death, health, disgust, and lack of interest. The event website has experienced 175 memberships over 11 years with less than half making the trip to Lynchburg, VA.

There are 6 rookies rumored to join the tournament during this year's registration period.

The 2011 Carl Spackler Open is scheduled for June 9-12. The practice round will be held on Thursday with Round 3 being played on Sunday. The tournament venue has not yet been decided, however Binghamton, NY and Barnesville, PA are clear leaders.