April 17, 2012

PICKERINGTON, OH — The man with the most powerful swing in Carl Spackler Open history called it quits at Mountain Valley despite a petition. The 11-year participant will officially retire from the tournament tees in mid-May 2012.

"This is it!", exclaimed Garrett with a very large smile. "It is time to move up a tee, get rid of half my clubs, and buy five more wedges."

Greg Garrett, who can punish the golf ball 320 yards down the middle and also three holes to the right or left, will turn 50 in a matter of weeks.

"This is crazy," says Pat Boland, who started an unsuccessful petition at Mountain Valley; a petition to amend the yardage played by Greg Garrett until he was 60.

Garrett, a.k.a. Double G, could very well play from 6,000 yards at Conklin Players Club. "He could retire the driver if not for Par 5's," says a troubled Mark Vacca. "This kinda change in yardage is huge. I would have to practice differently."

The Carl Spackler Open allows golfers 50 years and older to move up a tee. The 3rd hole of the Mountain course at Mountain Valley caused the rule change back in June 2005. The hole required a 175-yard carry from the tee.

This year will be different to remain consistent with senior yardages of the past. Seniors will play the white tee or 6,128 yards.

There are five par 4 holes at Conklin Players Club stretching 330 to 340 yards from the senior tees.

Jim Campbell presently holds the best finish in Spackler history from the senior tees. The Pennsylvanian finished in 4th place at Mountain Valley back in June 2005. Wayne Rutter finished in 5th position twice. Texas in 2010 & Indiana in 2008. Tom Henkel also finished in 5th place in 2008.

Greg Garrett is a +19.59 stroke handicap after posting 116 holes during a Texas golf vacation. He shoots between 92 and 105 depending on course difficulty and what he eats for breakfast. He is presently expected to receive 1 point for triple-bogey, 2 points for double-bogey, 3 points for bogey, and 4 points for par.

"Are you serious," said Chris Philipsen? "He is getting points for triple-bogey and playing from the senior tees. Double G already has one arm in a Golden Jacket."

The 2012 Carl Spackler Open begins with its practice round on June 6. There are between 62 and 64 golfers expected to participate. The 54-hole golf tournament will be played at Conklin Players Club in Conklin, NY. Live Scoring will be available as early as June 7.