January 7, 2024

MARSHALL, MI — The Carl Spackler Open, heralded as the premier amateur golf tournament in the United States, swung into action on January 1 with its Roster Acceptance process. The Captains Club added registered golfers listed in Phase 1 of the Roster Worksheet, assembling the lineup for the eagerly anticipated 23rd annual event set to take place in Marshall, Michigan.

Change Chairman of the Captains Club, Greg Long, shared insights into the ongoing roster-building efforts, stating, "We are slowly building our roster for Marshall. Unpaid registered golfers listed as 'pending' on the website have until the 21st of January to pay their $200 deposit. Golfers without a paid deposit will be 'unregistered' at the end of January."

On January 1, forty-three registrants were granted a pending roster spot, with approximately half already having paid, automatically securing their status as official participants. However, unpaid participants will face unregistration from the prestigious tournament.

Rick Dosky, Chief Financial Officer of the Captains Club, emphasized the financial commitment required, stating, "The Carl Spackler Open requires $200 deposits. Deposits for accepted participants are non-refundable and non-transferrable starting 5 months prior to each event."

Phase 1 encompasses a diverse array of categories including Captains Club, volunteers, special exemptions, special award winners, favorite playing partners, past champions, highest contribution grades, and highest attendance grades. The Roster Worksheet, a vital document listing past participants, guides the order in which event rosters are constructed, and is made available during the registration process and on the tournament's website.

Captains Club member Greg Garrett highlighted the flexibility for latecomers, stating, "Unregistered participants who missed the Phase 1 deadline are accepted at the beginning of Phase 2 if registered by January 31. The same is true if registered before Phase 3."

Throughout January 2024, Phase 1 unfolds, encompassing three key administrative actions: adding registrants as pending participants, processing received payments, and unregistering unpaid participants by month-end.

"Pending participants with unpaid deposits are identified on the participants' webpage," clarified Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "Fortunately, the vast majority of registrants paid upon registration, eliminating the need for extensive calendar management."

With the 2024 Carl Spackler Open slated to grace the Michigan greens in approximately 5 months, organizers anticipate the participation of 64 to 80 golfers in this much-awaited 23rd edition of its event. The journey towards the tournament's commencement continues as the first set of participant options is set to emerge during Phase 2 in February, promising another thrilling chapter in the legacy of this esteemed golfing event.