May 14, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — With 27 days left before the Carl Spackler Open, key changes are still being made.  The 3-Putt Contest has been replaced by the Inaugural Skills Challenge.  "After consideration surround the Stroke and Dooty Awards, we decided to modify the contest and change the name appropriately," said member Kyle Marti.

The contest changes it's format to several rounds.  Round 1 will be putting from 40 feet and the second round will be a multiple choice quiz.  Round 3 will be chipping to inside 6 feet and Round 4 will be the quiz.  "We have three categories with the quiz", said Marti.  "We have USGA Golf Rules, General Golf, and Carl Spackler History as our categories."

The contest is scheduled for single elimination and permitted practice before-hand.  The Vice President of Golf Instruction was asked about percentages.  "I really don't expect half the field to 2-putt from 40 feet," said Tom McCauley.  "I can see maybe 20 guys remaining after Round 1."

The Skills Challenge was recently moved to Saturday afternoon after the tournament completes.  "This move is better for the Closest to the Pin Contest," said Chairman Greg Long.  "The range will be extremely busy on Saturday afternoon, where nearly scarce on Thursday night.  It really sounds like a perfect fit for Tanglewood Park."

The Skills Challenge is expected to reward the player with the best short game in conjunction with golf intelligence.  It is almost impossible to pick a favorite with a field of players like Lee Spruill, John Dick, Fred Bessette, Jim Campbell, Steve Hoden, and Mike Certo.