January 3, 2003

GALENA, OH — Chad Long, from Westerville, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to play golf at the 2003 Carl Spackler Open in the summer of 2003, the Captains Club announced Thursday.

Long, the 3rd Long to sign, has been very competitive in the weekly golf league and now has added a 2nd driver to his golf bag.  Chad has added a King Cobra to his existing Olimar driver.

"We're extremely excited to sign Chad, he's a quality guy," CEO Jamie Myers said. "He's an extremely hard worker on the range.  He may be a little inexperienced in tournament play due to having two kids under the age of 2, but he's very coachable, is passionate about the game, and wants to compete at the next level.  As a recruiter for the Spackler Open, those are things you look for."

Long's strength lies in his wedge game from 100 yards and in, according to Myers, but he also can be long off the tee and is in somewhat good physical condition.

"He's very excited to compete this June," Myers said. "He's just everything you could ask for in a recruit.  He wants to make a commitment to the game and wants to work hard.  His work ethic is incredible - he gets up at 10:30 in the morning on weekends to work out.  He'll do whatever it takes."

Chad is the 5th rookie to sign for the 2003 Carl Spackler Open.  Round 1 begins in 159 days in Madison, Ohio.