April 23, 2024

MARSHALL, MI — Amidst the greens and fairways of the upcoming 23rd Carl Spackler Open golf tournament, there's a piece of attire that holds a distinct allure: the Golden Jacket. While it may not grace the catwalks of fashion shows, this basic yet bold garment possesses a unique cachet of its own, reserved exclusively for registered players of the prestigious tournament.

As anticipation builds for the June tee-off, the mystique surrounding the Golden Jacket takes center stage. "Owning one is a significant achievement, steeped in tradition and prestige," remarks Matt Pritchard, Vice President of Awards for the Captains Club. "It's the symbolism behind it that truly makes it exceptional," adds Pritchard, an avid golfer who frequents the course as weather permits.

While some may view it as a fashion statement, with its distinctive gold hue, others recognize its deeper significance. "Fashion-wise, it might be a challenge to coordinate with a tie, but it has the power to turn heads," suggests Pritchard.

Member Mike Ellerbrock weighs in on the discussion, noting the universal desire among golfers to claim the coveted Golden Jacket. "Everyone aspires to own one," remarks Ellerbrock, speaking from a police car in Toledo, Ohio. "But it's not something I can just wear to work. To those outside golfing circles, it might seem flashy, but to us, it's a mark of achievement."

What some perceive as flashy, others see as a symbol of flair. The two-button, single-breasted, center vent design has garnered praise from unexpected quarters.

The tradition of awarding the Golden Jacket began in 2001 when Greg Long claimed victory in the Carl Spackler Championship. Subsequent winners, such as Mike Trojanowski and Tom Fowble, cemented their place in history with their triumphs on the course. Over the years, champions like Steve Hoden, Rick Dosky, and Shawn Long have added their names to the illustrious roster of Golden Jacket recipients, each leaving their mark on the tournament's legacy.

Steve Hoden finished the back nine of Tanglewood Park with 3 birdies and his jacket in 2004. The CFO Rick Dosky roared out of the gate to stamp his name into history at Mountain Valley in 2005. Shawn Long shocked the world in Raleigh with 4 bogeys, 3 pars and 1 birdie to score 67 points in the final round.

Brian Flanagan ran away with the Michigan tournament in 2007 to receive his prestigous jacket. Harold Anderson birdied four holes during Round 1 play to join Trojanowski in 2008 as New Yorkers who have captured a Golden Jacket.

Chad Long won Ohio its 5th jacket at Poplar Grove in 2009. Jeremy Myers stunned everyone by winning the 2010 Carl Spackler Open in South Padre Island, TX. Jay Dilks came to play golf at Mountain Valley in 2011, dominated the tournament field with consistency, and won his jacket.

Andy Hanks carded two eagles in Round 2 to win in 2012. The Hench brothers won in 2013 and 2015. Gerald Long won in 2014, Marty Whalen took home his jacket in 2016, Kess McKennon won in 2017 at Mountain Valley, Chris Price won in 2018, and Ken Sumner hit a hole in one during Round 3 to win the 2019 Carl Spackler Open.

The event turned 20 years old in New Mexico. Pat Boland outlasted the competition in the desert, Chad Cronauer beat a tournament field of 96 in Illinois, and Greg Holder won the 2023 event in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

The Captains Club, recognizing the significance of this symbol, invested in fitted logoed Golden Jackets for past and future winners, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive. As the event celebrates its milestone years and champions, the Captains Club remains committed to providing fitted jackets for winners well into the future.

When asked about the cost of crafting the Golden Jacket, CFO Rick Dosky remains tight-lipped, emphasizing that its true value lies beyond monetary measures. "It's not about the cost; it's about what it represents to those who wear it," he asserts.

As the stage is set for the 2024 Carl Spackler Open at the Medalist Golf Club, with its challenging course layout and anticipated participation of 84 golfers, the allure of the Golden Jacket continues to shine brightly, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines this esteemed tournament.