October 25, 2001

COLUMBUS, OH — Tom Fowble is a father and plans to stay home with his new son instead of traveling to Williamsburg, VA next spring for the Carl Spackler Open Championship.

"Things are great. Mom and Joel are wonderful, and we hope to remain home for a few months," Fowble said.

Fowble's first son that he is aware of, Joel, was born back in August after OlaFowble?s record-high 138 at Granville Golf Club.  Fowble carried a cell phone with him that week as every week, and vowed to leave golf at anytime if his wife, Amy, had gone into labor or needed assistance.

Fowble has little chance to win the Summer Open, although he could become the first player to average 50-over par, but remain within the top five on a Carl Spackler Leaderboard.

"I'd love to play and it?s not about the kitchen passes," he said. "The Open is a very special tournament.  But right now, the time I'm spending with my family is the most important thing to me, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."