October 23, 2011

LOS ANGELES, CA — With registration scheduled to be opened in the next few weeks and Mountain Valley and 2012 venue scouting in the history books, the Captains Club is looking forward at reality and expecting an attendance drop for the 2012 Carl Spackler Open.

"There are never guarantees, but we are expecting a disappointing 15 percent drop in attendance for 2012," says senior member and Californian Tim Davis. "The Captains Club and I are expecting a minimum of 72 players and most likely 76 returning players in the field before topping off with a handful of 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 at Mountain Valley in 2005. The Spackler leveled off for 2 years before increasing to 72 golfers in 2008 and 88 golfers in 2009. The first significant drop in attendance occured in 2010 when 51 golfers traveled to southern Texas. The event bounced back sharply with 95 golfers joining the event at Mountain Valley.

"The Captains Club has confirmed that both of our vendors (hotel and golf course) are prepared to service 100 golfers," says Davis. "I do not expect a number so high, but everyone is prepared for the unexpected."

The entry to the last Carl Spackler Open in Pennsylvania was $415 per player, which included bus transportation and practice round. The 2012 tournament is expected to be higher regardless of venue choice.

The projected drop in attendance is expected in large part from the large rookie class in 2011. "Half of all golfers who attend Spackler do not return," says senior member Jean Dore. "You cannot argue with numbers that stretch over 10 years. There were a record high 27 rookies at Mountain Valley and this year's event will require 13 new rookies just to backfill the drop of 13 rookies from 2011 who will most likely not return.

In addition, there are at least 12 other golfers including myself who are rumored to be 'doubtful' for 2012."

Bob Morris, Bill Bateson, Mark Palmer, Erik Shirreffs, Rob Fustich, and Glenn Hoffert are rumored to return.

"I am planning to return," says senior member Tim Davis. "I will be working with pool boys to achieve the best water conditions and format for the 2nd belly flop contest."

The 12-year old event with 195 golfers has lost half of its participants due to death, health, disgust, and lack of interest. The event website has experienced 195 memberships over 11 years with roughly half making the trip to Barnesville, PA.

"There are 2 rookies rumored to join the tournament during this year's registration period," said Tim Davis. "This kind of number is extremely low for this time of year. It will be shocking to see an increase in attendance."

The 2012 Carl Spackler Open venue location will be announced prior to Halloween. The Captains Club is doing last minute evaluations and placing the final touches on the 2012 choice of venue.