May 6, 2021

FARMINGTON, NM — The 2021 Carl Spackler Open will begin in a month in northern New Mexico. The 54-hole tournament will host 70 golfers and 12 rookies. The Captains Club introduced the addition of new tee markers for its 20th tournament.

"A committee was created to improve the event for our seniors," says Greg Garrett, Vice President of Scoring from the media tent in downtown Farmington. "That committee started by designing a new tee for seniors like me.”

The senior tee allows for a specific yardage to be targeted starting in 2021. "We have targeted 6,000 yards for our inaugural tournament," said Vice President of Yardage, Bill Bateson. "We now have 72 tee markers to set at each tournament course, but excited for our seniors."

Bateson and his team will also be tasked each event with ensuring an enjoyable distance over large hazards. Bill added, "We now have control of our yardages and improve the Spackler experience."

The senior tee was added after 2005. The specific hole that inspired the tee was the 3rd hole of Mountain at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville, PA. Golfers who were 50 years of age could move up one colored tee.

The rules surrounding the senior tee were updated after 2013. A handicap restriction was inserted that prohibited skilled golfers from moving up. Golfers were only eligible when a stroke handicap exceeded 15 strokes and were age 50 or older.

“We have once again improved our event," added Greg Garrett. "Although a senior must have at least a 15 stroke handicap to be eligible, the vast majority of our players are pushing 50 years old and this improvement should pay immediate dividends. Our largest concern is the tee marker itself. They are super cool and hope they don't get stolen from the host courses we play."

The 2021 Carl Spackler Open is scheduled for June 10 in Farmington, New Mexico. The host course, Pinon Hills, is a wonderful place that provides a true test of golf for our 70 players. The playing partner preferences end on May 5.