July 10, 2017

BARNESVILLE, PA — The remaining stretch to the 2017 Carl Spackler Open is short. Only a few 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. Mark Wray, Jon Munksgard, and particularly the return of defending Mountain Valley champions Rick Dosky and Jay Dilks have all signed to participate.

"This course is really in trouble," exclaimed a zealous Mark Wray. "I feel like I am really going to bring this golf course to its knees. The extremely tight holes give me an edge that has me excited." Wray is one of several players that are sure to be leading the pack after round one. Although Wray has scored higher year after year, his long history has him easily ignored.

The 9-year participant is far and away the worst performing player in the field. "Everyone has no choice but to think my game sucks," says Wray. "I have nothing to lose because everyone is expecting me to lose. I am actually wondering if I can go home with a Golden Jacket. I need to obtain some respect this year."

Greg Garrett has warned the players for months and now warning the media of the very tough Valley course. "There is perceived tough and statistically tough," says Garrett. "Hit it straight or get lapped by the field."

Mountain Valley has frustrated dozens of golfers who are not prepared to shot place the ball in fairways.

"I am bringing a rookie who is bringing a rookie," said Jason Ridgeway from his garage In Ohio. "These guys, Bittner and Ward, have no way to practice in such tight quarters. All they can do is practice with blinders on."

Scott and Doug Long 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 rookie jitters will be represented on the Tournament Leaderboard by Friday night.

"I am not as concerned about winning the tournament," says Justin Gorby. "I am playing for fun and knowing this type of event is a privledge. A strong finish would be a dream."

The golf facility is rumored to have near perfect conditions and golfers will not be granted too many excuses for poor play.

"I am just looking to get an autograph from Jon Munksgard or Mike Lewis," said a local Diane Fawkner. "A picture with them would be a dream come true."

The statistics are numerous regarding the Carl Spackler Open, but Chad Long has his own take on this coming week. "The Carl Spackler Open has played a full 15+ years," said Long. "Ohio and Pennyslvania have captured a jacket from 2011 to 2015 until Marty Whalen won it last year for Michigan. I am expecting Ohio and Pennsylvania again."

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