December 7, 2023

MARSHALL, MI — In the wake of a record-breaking 2022, where the Carl Spackler Open saw unprecedented success and demand, the Captain's Club has decided to revolutionize the tournament's structure to better accommodate the surge in interest while enhancing the overall experience for participants.

With participation demand in Illinois surpassing 100 golfers and nationwide tee time availability dwindling, the Captain's Club adopted a proactive strategy for its 22nd edition. The new approach aimed to address the growing demand and streamline the roster-building process for rosters of 40, 60, and 92 golfers. The changes were meticulously discussed in 2022 with long-term intentions, ensuring the continued success of the tournament.

The Basics of the New Process: The Captain's Club, in a unanimous vote, has opted to maintain the Carl Spackler Open as a handicapped golf tournament with a significant emphasis on camaraderie. Unlike previous editions that relied on a first-come, first-served basis or attendance seniority, the future rosters will be intentionally crafted from a pool of friends dedicated to improving the handicapped golf tournament and the overall Spackler experience. Rosters will be constructed based on familiar contributions until maximum tee time availability is reached or the registration deadline arrives.

Deposits and Financial Policies: Continuing its commitment to financial transparency, the Carl Spackler Open will still collect $200 deposits. Notably, these funds will remain 100% fully refundable for individuals not accepted as participants. However, deposits for accepted participants become nonrefundable and non-transferrable starting five months prior to each event. The registration process and the website notebook will provide detailed information on the unchanged policy regarding credit eligibility.

Instructions for Maximum Convenience & Simplicity: For those seeking maximum convenience, the process remains straightforward. Participants are encouraged to register on the website as soon as the registration period opens, pay the $200 deposit (consider paying the full event fee for added ease), and monitor the website to ensure funds are correctly posted to the current or last attended event. A full 100% refund guarantee is assured for registrants not accepted due to roster size.

Phase Overview: Breaking away from the traditional first-come, first-served model, the Carl Spackler Open will now adopt a phased approach for roster building. The process will unfold in three phases, utilizing a prioritized Roster Worksheet until maximum tee time availability is reached or the final registration deadline arrives. The Roster Worksheet, a comprehensive list of past participants, will be available during the registration process and published in the website notebook, guiding the order in which each event roster is constructed.

As the golfing community eagerly anticipates the 2024 Carl Spackler Open, these groundbreaking changes promise to not only accommodate the surging interest in the tournament but also foster an environment of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines this prestigious event. Participants are encouraged to embrace these changes for a seamless and enhanced Spackler experience.