June 1, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The Golden Jacket is widely known a timeless symbol and representation of excellence in golf.  As the years have gone by, the Golden Jacket became the most coveted award in golf history.  Forget about the Green Jacket from the Masters, the Plaid Jacket from the Colonial, the Claret Jug from the British Open, or the Wanamaker Trophy from the PGA Championship.  The new standard of tradition is the Golden Jacket.  Just ask the past Carl Spackler Open Champions what it means to them.

"When I won the inaugural tournament, I thought the trophy was cool, the jackpot was nice, but what I really wanted to do was to put the Golden Jacket on and wear it for a night out on the town.  How many times can you do that?  So I said to myself, what the hell, I?m gonna wear it all night.  They wouldn?t let me wear it at work the following week, though.  Bastards," remarked Greg Long, Chairman and 2001 Carl Spackler Open Champion.

"Yeah, there?s definitely nothing like having the Golden Jacket for an entire year.  I loved holding the trophy and winning the jackpot, but the Golden Jacket was my favorite.  My positive thought that carried me through every difficult situation that entire tournament was imagining putting on the Golden Jacket at the awards ceremony.  Let me tell you something, there is nothing like the feeling of wearing the Golden Jacket completely naked for 365 nights," exclaimed Mike Trojanowski, Field Entertainment Vice President and 2002 Carl Spackler Open Champion.

"It was exciting, no doubt about it.  I will definitely enjoy all the awards that I won, except for maybe the Dooty Award, but I will never forget the time that Mike Trojanowski helped me put the Golden Jacket on at the awards banquet.  I cry every time I think about that moment," sobbed Tom Fowble, Spackler News Network Manager and 2003 Carl Spackler Open Champion.

There it is, exposed for the entire sport of golf to see.  It is not for the money, the fame, the trophy, the endorsements, nor even the title of Past Carl Spackler Open Champion that these legends take their clubs and compete for the most prestigious event ever known.  The winners of this grand tournament play For the Glory of the Golden Jacket.