September 1, 2004

BADEN, PA — Pennsylvanian Eugene Faiella is joining the best amateur association in America.

Spackler officials said Tuesday Faiella had registered, logged sufficient scorecards, and indicated he will play the 2004 On Tour Championship events required to insert himself into the prestigious year long tournament.

He will also make an strong attempt for the 2005 Carl Spackler Open.

Faiella, 32, won his first tournament in six years at a dart tournament in a local bar near Pittsburgh.  Little did he know a quest for a golf championship was less than a decade away.

Speaking from Baden, PA, Faiella said he had found new enthusiasm for the game.

"The Spackler is so important now, and I think dividing my time between family and Spackler can help me," he said.  Eugene hopes his new dedication will bring results.

"I am making a lot of changes in my life that are for the better and for the first time I have everything the way I want it," he said. "The people around me now I trust with my life."

"It's nice to be able to worry about golf and not all the other stuff. I am excited about my new found life with Carl."

Euguene completed four rounds of golf during July and August and holds 29th place.  He is coming off a 80-stroke effort at Blackhawk Golf Club on August 15.  Eugene is averaging 36 points per round.

The On Tour Championship is scheduled to end in 90 days.