February 27, 2026

DUNNELLON, FL — Amidst the greens and fairways of the upcoming 25th 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 April 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 dates back to 2001, when Greg Long captured the inaugural title at the Carl Spackler Championship. Early champions such as Mike Trojanowski and Tom Fowble helped establish the prestige of the event, while later winners—including Steve Hoden, Rick Dosky, and Shawn Long—continued to build a rich and competitive legacy.

Hoden secured his Golden Jacket in 2004 after finishing the back nine at Tanglewood Park with three birdies. One year later, Rick Dosky surged to victory at Mountain Valley, firmly etching his name into tournament history. In 2006, Shawn Long delivered a surprising performance in Raleigh, posting four bogeys, three pars, and a birdie to total 67 points in the final round.

Brian Flanagan dominated the Michigan tournament in 2007, while Harold Anderson joined Trojanowski as a New York native to claim a Golden Jacket in 2008 after birdieing four holes in the opening round. Chad Long brought Ohio its fifth jacket with a win at Poplar Grove in 2009, followed by a stunning victory from Jeremy Myers at the 2010 Carl Spackler Open in South Padre Island, Texas. Jay Dilks showcased steady play at Mountain Valley in 2011 to earn his championship.

Andy Hanks captured the 2012 title behind two eagles in the second round. The Hench brothers claimed victories in 2013 and 2015, with Gerald Long winning in 2014. Marty Whalen earned his jacket in 2016, Kess McKennon prevailed at Mountain Valley in 2017, and Chris Price claimed the title in 2018. Ken Sumner punctuated the 2019 tournament with a hole-in-one during Round 3 to secure his win.

As the event reached its 20th anniversary in New Mexico, Pat Boland emerged victorious in the desert. Chad Cronauer followed by topping a 96-player field in Illinois, while Greg Holder claimed the 2023 championship in Chocowinity, North Carolina. Shane Owens coasted to victory in Marshall, Michigan, and Bobby Leitz most recently captured the 24th Carl Spackler Open in Streetsboro in 2025.

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 2026 Carl Spackler Open at Juliette Falls Golf Club, with its challenging course layout and anticipated participation of 76 golfers, the allure of the Golden Jacket continues to shine brightly, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines this esteemed tournament.