December 23, 2011

BINGHAMTON, NY — The 2012 Carl Spackler Open has a date, a location, and a fee. The vast majority of the details are complete. Registration opened in mid-November with checks arriving quickly and rumors surfacing daily.

"The budget for this event was set at 80 golfers," says Chief Financial Officer Rick Dosky. "The club continues to expect 70 to 90 golfers to head to Binghamton, but who exactly will show up is a truck load of rumor."

There are 8 golfers who have signed to participate in the annual golf event. There are plenty of rumors to go around with 45 additional members indicating 'probable' or better as their chances for actual participation.

"Check is in the mail," wrote Bob Jastrzebski last week referring to a single check for himself and son. "Looking forward to an easier golf course this year."

"My friend is a moron and screwing me over," says senior member Justin Gorby. "The whole thing makes me want to vomit. I have a wedding invitation for June 9 and making the right decision is necessary. [pause] I will see everyone at Conklin Players Club."

Dan Obendorfer plans to be a father in March. "My baby will not prevent my attendance, but larger issues are being circulated in our family circle. I am not a happy with a member of my extended family right now. His planning sucks."

Other rumors include the return of 3 members who skipped the 2011 event. (Bill Bateson, Mark Palmer, and Glenn Hoffert.)

"The largest surprise to date is the recent commitment from Scott Zavinski," says Captains Club member Jeremy Myers. "This might even cause Joe Butkus to return."

Rookies Nicholas Warholic, Corey Carter, and Mac Gorby have registered for their first major. There are another 5 rookies considering the event.

"80", says Captains Club member Greg Long referring to his target attendance number. "The chances of 90 golfers is becoming more doubtful by the day. My conservative estimate was 80 from the start. I will stick with 80. Tis the season for 'I'm in', 'I'm coming' and 'check is in the mail'. I probably hear this 60 times in October and November. I would imagine 5 checks from this batch of people will arrive before the Super Bowl."

Bill Harwell is questionable. "I do not know if I am attending this year," says Harwell. "I have to ask my wife first. If she gives me the 'go ahead', then I can ask Kreer if I can go. I am coming to Binghamton with two green lights." Harwell is one of a very few golfers who is guaranteed to score more points in 2012. His dismal rookie event had much to be desired.

Mark Vacca and Matt Mogel registered for the event with 'home field advantage'. The pair will have just a 2-hour commute to Binghamton.

Matt Pritchard is questionable. "I have things to work out," says Pritchard of his 9th straight event. "It is amazing that I have been doing this for many many years, put it on my calendar 5 years in advance, and then struggle with my schedule. [pause] These are the days where I realize I am losing control of my own desires."

Jean Dore of Virginia Beach registered for the event in December as 99 percent, however is expected to skip the event with Trent Cooper. "I just do not see him attending," says Kevin Long, Jr. "I have been surprised before, but think Dore and Cooper are staying home this year. Heck... I am even questionable for 2012."

Tim Davis of Los Angeles is another registration placing attendance at 99 percent. "Looking forward to the trip," says Davis.

"I do not believe him," says Chairman of the Captains Club, Greg Long. "I hope he makes the trip, but think is just another golfer who will end up skipping the event."

The 2012 Carl Spackler Open will be held between June 6 and 9. The deadline for registration is January 31.