May 12, 2014

MOUNT STERLING, KY — The remaining stretch to the 2014 Carl Spackler Open is short. Only a few available 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. Tom Peckham, Chris Milam, and particularly the return of Jay Glover have all signed to participate.

"This course is really in trouble," exclaimed a zealous Allan Hench. "I feel like I am really going to extend my can of whoop ass from last year. The true rolling greens is the kinda edge that has me excited." Hench and Mike Gibson are two of several players that could be leading the pack after round one. Unfortunately, Carl Spackler Open history has him easily ignored.

The reigning champion, Rob Hench, returns to see if lightening will strike twice. "Winning this tournament changed my life," said Hench from his home near Lexington, KY. "I can hardly believe it has been a year and certaintly never expected to become a household name. I have seen Rick Dosky and Jay Myers win this thing as hackers, but never considered rounds in the high 70's and low 80's would ever win this thing. It has been eye opening and a pleasure to be your champion."

Marty Zabonik is looking to rebound from his showings in Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania. "Everyone thinks my game is good," says Zabonik. "Heck, I even think that I am stellar. I am so fortunate to look so good out there regardless of Leaderboard position."

Dave Osborne quietly turned 50 last fall and fully is expected to play from the senior tees. "I am tickled to death to be playing forward."

Gerald Hench from Lexington, KY enters the golf tournament with home field advantage. Allan Hench, Rob Hench, Tom McCauley, Jason Watson, Pat Boland, Greg Long, and Greg Garrett are the players bringing Old Silo knowledge from a past visit.

Old Silo is one of the best courses in the state of Kentucky. It was ranked #1 best public golf course in the state of Kentucky by PGA.com in May 2012. This 18-hole championship design is situated on 209 acres of rolling bluegrass countryside. Old Silo features 9 holes that drop in elevation with 3 holes that increase in elevation.

Somerset Creek meanders through the property and dramatic views add to the aesthetic beauty of the golf course. "God built this creek like a snake," says Jason Watson, the Vice President of Awards. "It comes into play 8 times in 4 holes." The golf course features lush bent grass tees, fairways, greens and 98 white sand bunkers. The course offers four sets of tees, ranging from 5,509 yards to 6,977 yards, and is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels.

Tall fescue and sand bunkers are on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course. Multi-tiered greens and fabulous tee boxes, streams, ponds, and other water hazards add to the natural beauty.

The 6,000 square foot clubhouse offers panoramic golf course views from its balcony. The interior provides the perfect atmosphere to relax while enjoying your favorite drink from the bar.

James Graham and Bill Murray 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 jitters will be represented on the Tournament Leaderboard by Friday afternoon.

"I am not as concerned about winning the tournament," says rookie Kenneth Summner. "My fear is being forced to throw the golf tournament in the final round so that I do not get a hazing."

The winner of the 2014 Carl Spackler Open is expected to be ignore the fescue, very difficult greens, and remain focused. The tournament field of 67 golfers comes from 12 states and District of Columbia. Players will represent Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Florida.

"It is hard to believe Kentucky is hosting two majors in one year," says Mike Gibson. "Someone needs to pinch me." The PGA Championship will be played in Louisville, KY.

The golf tournament will be scored live for its second time in 14 years. "The website will populate golfer scorecards hole-by-hole and have a live Leaderboard that updates by the minute," says Captains Club member Brian Long. "We have confirmed 20 scorers and expecting to confirm another 6 prior to the Round 1."

The annual practice round will commence on May 14, 2014 at 2:00PM EST.

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