May 3, 2013

SNOWSHOE, WV — With just over 5 weeks left before Round 1, a press conference was called to discuss the golf tournament and status of preparations. The Chairman, Greg Long, led the press conference at the temporary Carl Spackler Open Media tent and stage in downtown Snowshoe, WV at the lovely Inn & Conference Center. He wore the Carl Spackler Outfit and was accompanied by Lacey Underall.

"Welcome to the 13th Carl Spackler Open. The event sure has selected a good venue this year. I am personally excited to return to the secluded and beautiful Snowshoe, WV.

We have a very different field of players going to the Raven Golf Club this year with just 42 returning golfers," said Long referring to returning golfers from June 2012.

"The number of cancellations this year is astonishing. Military deployments, work commitments, and health concerns lead the list of cancellations. We have never had a single event with 6 cancellations (over 12 years), but believe there are 12 cancellations this year.

There has been one change to the overall itinerary since first designed in September 2012. The replay round will be played on Friday after Round 1 due to a double booking on Saturday."

[Scott Miller interrupts.]

"What are you talking about? Can you elaborate on the double-booking," asked senior member Scott Miller?

Long shook his head and said, "Yes. We booked our event in September. Snowshoe Resort accidently double-booked Saturday (back in November) and had two contracts for two events. The Wendy's Amatuer Tour is scheduled. We have worked out a solution, but Saturday will have a really, really, really, really, really, really busy practice range. I am guessing there will be 130 to 140 golfer shotgun. We start on the front nine and they will have the back nine."

Jim English asked, "When did you find out?"

Long replied, "March 26. They called me to tell me we could not play golf on Saturday. The Wendy's Amateur Tour would trump us and we needed to move the event to another weekend."

English replied, "Your kidding?"

Long replied, "No. We had a signed contract too. [pause]

So imagine that you are on spring break with your kids and digging a snowmobile out of 4 feet of snow. Your wife texts you to tell you she officially accepted a new job in Houston, TX and family will be moving to Texas. Then 15 minutes later, Snowshoe calls to inform you that the Carl Spackler Open will not be played on Saturday, June 8, 2013. It was a pretty weird day.

The bottom line is the problem has been resolved. We are playing golf on June 8, but moving the replay round to Friday."

Marty Zabonik asked, "What should I expect to see at The Raven?"

Long replied, "I think the 4th hole drops further in elevation than the 18th hole at Conklin Players Club. The course is in dense forest similar to Mountain Valley Golf Course. There are cliffs and holes carved out of the side the mountain. I have never in my life seen four Par 5's better than the collection in West Virginia. The risk and reward is amazing. The entire course is beautiful."

Long added, "The 14th hole at Raven is probably the best Par 5 ever played. It is definitely Top 3. It is very unique and fun."

The golf course does not have a single colored hazard stake, which is a large adjustment. The 9th hole is great finishing hole and the actual hole has two greens. We will most likely flip the nines on Sunday."

Zabonik replied, "Good stuff. The pictures represent a nice golf course."

Long replied, "For some reason, my annual scouting trips consistently surface the best weather on the planet no matter the year. This great weather translates into great course pictures.

Bill Bateson asked, "What is up with nightly fun?"

Long replied, "Not sure. I will be working with several vendors including Fiddlehead and Snowshoe Resort. We are headed 45 minutes beyond the middle of nowhere. The location of this resort makes Mountain Valley seem like it is located in metro Pittsburgh."

Justin Gorby asked, "Are we going to get tee times and pairings soon?"

Long replied, "We still do not have a final roster with cancellations still occurring in May. Jason Watson withdrew today (May 3) and in the process of replacing him with a funded waiting list. I can almost guarantee the pairings will not be ready before Memorial Day Weekend. Rooming list has always been a 10-minute task, but only with a full attendance list."

Long finished by saying, "I will be back next month for another press conference. See you then."

The 2013 Carl Spackler Open will host its player meeting on Thursday evening after the practice round. Dinner WILL NOT be provided, however will be available through the clubhouse. Bag storage will be executed between the practice round and player meeting.