January 9, 2004

EBENSBURG, PA — The Spackler Business Office has been extremely busy the last few weeks, with many players sending their commitments just before the January 2, 2004 deadline. Tour regular and Manager of the Tournament Scoring, Brian M. Long, known by many as Ruthie, was no exception as he sent in the registration request form just in time.

"Yeah, I just made it", says Long. "I was in another world, thinking about how I can make an impact this year without bringing my personal beer into the course pros office.

As one can see after playing with Ruthie, he possesses a John Daly-like backswing; just look at how the club is far beyond parallel at the top. Due to his severely bent left arm, and slight reverse pivot, however, Ruthie doesn?t get much power from his swing like Daly does. Also, since the clubface is wide open at the top, I?d guess that he has a tendency to slice. I?ll tell you what, this is the toughest project I?ve ever had, but we?ll fix it. Now then ?uh-oh?that?s Tiger on my priority cell phone, gotta go. Sorry, kid. Tell you what, why don?t you try to hit left-handed instead? ?Bye." Then, the teleconference was over. Crazy just shook his head and said: "Make up your mind. Are you a righty or a lefty?"

Brian Long is the 16th player to sign for the 2004 Carl Spackler Open.  The Open begins in 160 days.  An optional practice round is available for all players on Wednesday beginning at noon.  An optional softball game is also planned for group enjoyment.