November 4, 2023

COLUMBUS, OH — The Carl Spackler Open, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the nation, has announced an increase in deposits for participants, marking the third time in its 24-year history that deposit fees have been adjusted. The non-refundable deposit has increased to $200.

Deposits were initially set at $120 when the event was founded in 2002. It was later increased to $150 in 2019. Now, prospective participants are required to submit a $200 deposit.

The Carl Spackler Open, known for its unique approach to roster establishment, uses these deposits as a means to foster a stronger commitment from its participants. Throughout its history, the tournament has maintained a strict policy that every participant must submit a deposit, and this rule has been consistently upheld.

All deposits are fully refundable for individuals who are not accepted as participants, ensuring that no one incurs financial loss simply by expressing interest in joining the tournament. However, once an applicant is accepted as a participant, the deposit becomes non-refundable and non-transferrable, a policy that goes into effect five months before the event date.

The tournament's website and registration process outline the cancellation policy in detail, ensuring that all participants are aware of the rules regarding credit eligibility.

Key Deposit Details:

Non-refundable and Non-transferrable: The $200 deposits are collected to create a roster of committed participants. It is essential that golfers do not submit deposits unless they are fully committed to attending the event.

Registration Requirement: Deposits alone do not register golfers; they must complete the registration process to be added to the roster.

Cancellation Policy: Deposits for accepted participants become non-refundable and non-transferrable five months before the event.

Pending Roster Spots: Participants granted a pending roster spot have until the 21st of their designated month to make their deposit official. Unpaid pending participants at the end of the month will be unregistered.

Cancellation Committee: The Captain's Club, an integral part of the tournament, evaluates cancellations and may refund participants with uncontrollable special circumstances. Approximately 15% of deposits from over 130 cancellations have been returned over the tournament's 20+ years.

Cancellation Credits: Cancellations will receive a credit of $100 towards the next Carl Spackler Open after submitting another full, non-refundable, and non-transferable deposit of $200. Credit Expiry: Cancellation credits become non-refundable and non-transferrable after 365 days. Funded Participant Options: Any funds spent on participant options such as replays, apparel, etc., become non-refundable one month prior to the event.

Charitable Donations: Deposits from cancellations are donated to charities.

Progressive Event Fee Loss: Cancellations one month before the event lead to increasing event fee losses, with a 3 percent increase per day starting 30 days before the practice round.

The Carl Spackler Open continues to maintain its commitment to building a strong roster of dedicated participants while also contributing to charitable causes through its deposit and cancellation policies. Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to consider these guidelines carefully before committing to the tournament, knowing that their participation not only adds to the event's prestige but also supports worthwhile charitable endeavors.