June 8, 2011

BARNESVILLE, PA — The remaining stretch to the 2011 Carl Spackler Open is short. Only a few hours are left for the tournament field 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. Mark Wray, Dave Lauerhass, and particularly the return of Randon Mineweaser have all signed to participate.

"This course is really in trouble," exclaimed a zealous Marty Zabonik. "I feel like I am really going to bring this golf course to its knees. The extremely tight holes give me an edge that has me excited." Zabonik is one of several players that are sure to be leading the pack after round one. Unfortuately, Zabonik's Carl Spackler Open history has him easily ignored.

Mark Wray is looking to rebound from his showings in Texas, Virginia, Indiana and Michigan. "Everyone has no choice but to think my game sucks," says Wray. "I have nothing to lose because everyone is expecting me to lose. I am actually wondering if I can go home with a Golden Jacket and Crapper. I need to obtain some respect this year."

Greg Garrett has warned the players for months and now warning the media of the very tough Valley course. "There is perceived tough and statistically tough," says Garrett. "Hit it straight or get lapped by the field."

"We are playing the 2012-2015 Spackler course this morning," said Chad Long referring to Saxe, Schone, and rookie Severs playing Boulder Creek just south of Cleveland. "We should be ready for a battle."

"I am bringing a rookie who is bringing a rookie," said Kevin Long, Jr. from his garage in Virginia Beach, VA. "These low handicappers probably need a formal hazing."

Bill and Al Dubois 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 winning the tournament," says Justin Gorby. "I am playing to lose, wear the outfit, and paint my face like a clown. I dream about the opportunity all the time. My fear is being forced to throw the golf tournament in the final round to wear the Carl Spackler Outfit because my game is much too solid."

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

"I am just looking to get an autograph from Jon Munksgard or Jim Campbell," said a local Diane Fawkner. "A picture with them would be a dream come true."

The statistics are numerous regarding the Carl Spackler Open, but Chad Long has his own take on this coming week. "The Carl Spackler Open has played a full 10 years," said Long. "Ohio has oddly took home a jacket in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009. That covers all odd numbered years. Plus 2006. I am expecting another win for Ohio in this odd numbered year."

Several stories are sure to surface as the tournament nears and players begin their migration to eastern Pennsylvania. 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?