February 21, 2002

WILLIAMSBURG, VA — The Carl Spackler Open being a major championship, and The Colonial Golf Club being such a special place, it's understandable when golfers of every size and shape step onto the grounds and become frozen in their own footsteps.  And if that is not enough, a tournament that honors the great Hevy Jo and Jeff Cowan.

So much history. So much at stake. The Open Championship is scheduled for April 18 in Williamsburg, VA.  The field of 18 players has been on vacation since late October and are excited to get back on the golf courses.  Chris Lashley and Don Cook from North Carolina are already focused on April's major championship.

Along with several world-caliber players like Lashley and Cook from North Carolina,  Chris Goss must overcome them in April if he is to win the coveted golden jacket. And for them, it will be no easy task.  Virginia is Gossy's home state, and the tournament really means a great deal to him. Gossy is one of nine rookies for 2002.

"I do not expect to sleep very good that week," Gossy said. "I've gotten literally physically ill a couple times at home because I know I'm playing in some big events. It's still very, very hard to control your emotions playing out there. I want to win this tournament just like any other tournament, but I want to win this one very badly."

Greg Garrett from Ohio is also another player in the field seeking not just the golden jacket, but the purse.  "It always comes down to who makes putts. And if you can get in with somebody playing well... it will really be easy to perform well and have a shot at the cash."