March 31, 2002

COLUMBUS, OH — Spackler rookies are like snowmen. Remember the line in the animated Christmas classic Frosty the Snowman when an agitated policeman has a brush with Frosty and says something like, "Ah, when these snowmen come to life, they don't know nuttin'!" After a double take, he says, "Snowman? Come to life?" Then he swallows his whistle.

Ah, these Spackler rookies come to Williamsburg, they don't know nuttin'. Mike Watkeys will play in his first Spackler in a few weeks at the age of 40.  Mike Watkeys doesn't know nuttin, but he has some items to consider.

Some of Mike Watkey's first impressions going into the 2002 Spackler Open:

On the par-5 second hole: "I don't think I'll even hit driver. There's that bunker on the right with a big lip. I'll probably hit 3-wood, take the bunker out of play."

On the par-4 11th hole, where he will probably ignore the pros game plan of intentionally aiming right of the green and hit a 4-iron to four feet for a birdie: "Your first time there, you've got to at least aim for the green."

On the field: I really like my chances even with this type of prestigious field.  I expect half the field to lose it by Friday afternoon.  I plan to make a run on Saturday.

On the course: I really like the location and the Captains Club seems to have found a wonderful place for a tournament of this magnitude.  The best part will be lap dance in the Golden Jacket.

The Carl Spackler Open is scheduled to begin in just 18 days.  The field of 18 players is anticipating a competitive tournament and loads of fun.  The tournament is scheduled to be played in Williamsburg, VA at The Colonial Golf Club.