June 8, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The air of anticipation going into the 2004 Carl Spackler Open is at an all-time high.  The tempting purse, trophy, and Golden Jacket has everyone licking their chops.  This would be the major championship that has marquee names like Pokey, Hevy Jo, Slick, Troj, and Randy shoot it out down the stretch with a modified NOOG point system.  Not to mention, with 48 players coming from 9 different states, this Open figures to be recognized as a National Tournament.

"I'm still trying to grasp the excitement around this year?s Open," said a dazed Jay Dilks.  "I just can?t wait to make the drive with Troj."  Dilksy and Mike Trojonowski will be reunited again on Friday, as they will be paired to play the Tanglewood Park masterpiece during Round 2 play.  "Winning the Open is the focal point," said Dilksy, who has been hitting balls in preparation for this week.  "There is nothing else on my mind and working today is a complete waste of company money."

Greg Long was brought in for predictions.  The question was immediately asked regarding picks to win and lose.  "My job is to level the field", says a confident Long.  "If scorecards are accurate, we have one hell of a level tournament."  He continued with a smile, "If I had any predictions, this event would not be what it has become.  I do have one item to share.  Pat McElroy, Mike Trojanowski, Chad Long, and Mike Watkeys have not picked up a club since June 2003.  That cannot be good."  

The second question shifted gears slightly.  A reporter asked about the winning score.  Greg replied, "That is a very interesting question.  Our past winners won with 26, 33, and 37 points per round respectively.  I really believe the winning score has increased slightly as the field continues to grow from 9 to 18 to 36.  This year has a record 48 players and the total points should increase.  The golf course should be the easiest test in Spackler History.  With that, I would like to label 43 points per round or 129 points as the winning score."  Long continued, "If scorecards are accurate, the four players teeing last on Saturday will have the most enjoyable round of their lives.  This is a very strong statement and fact based on the NOOG system."

The complete opposite goes with the first group off the tee on Saturday.  "The 4 players teeing first will be so frustrated, there is no telling the amount of alcohol to be consumed", says Slick.  "I think the over/under on club throwing should be at least 18 total clubs.  This NOOG system will not determine the worst golfer, but the worst three rounds of golf against real time handicaps.  That is true hacking."

Matt Davis is no rookie to tournament events.  Even though Davis has placed 4th twice in the Blueberry two-man and placed 2nd at the 2003 Open, it was clear that the 2004 Carl Spackler Open is the one in which patience and experience mean the most.  Pokey also arrives Wednesday as the 2004 Honoree.  "We believed it was important to honor Pokey for all he has achieved over the years," said CEO Jamie Myers.

The first prize is $329, but Matt Davis said he has other reasons for wanting to win.  "I want to finally kick Slick's ass and I think he is leaving the door wide open since he became a father," said Pokey after shooting a career low 77 last weekend at Fort Cherry.  "I am definitely at the top of my game and excited about that."  Slick shot a dismal 98 last weekend.  Pokey finished his trash talking with, "This is my year and Slick's ass is mine.  He is riding with me and I plan to kick his ass."  Pokey, Gumby, Slick, and Hevy Joseph are paired for the annual optional Wednesday practice round.

T. McCauley (ie. T.) has been taking his preparation for the Open Championship very seriously this past year.  "I have been hitting balls whenever I can lately to prepare," said T..  When a reporter asked him about his chances to win the Open, he remarked, "Look?s like a very talented field this year.  Mineweaser, Fowble, Pritchard.  What kind of appearance fee does Certo want?  I even saw that Fustich finally signed a letter of intent.  I?m just hoping that all this hard work will give me a good chance to bring the trophy back to my beloved fans at Covered Bridge and the city of Louisville."

The 4th tournament also brings rookie Jason Ridgeway who is expected to shoot at least a pair of 72's and Joe Caridi who registers with a record +43 USGA Handicap Index.  "Wow!", said Jim Campbell.  "Look's like I can play at this thing after all."

Perhaps the one with the most explaining to do is Kevin Long (i.e. Hevy Jo), who after signing late in the beginning of February could contend for the beloved Golden Jacket.  "I have been playing a lot of golf this month," says Hevy Jo.  "The problem is that I have been playing in scramble tournaments."  The confident Hevy asked the unthinkable at his press conference on Saturday.  "I'm hitting the ball pretty well.  Still cannot putt, but wanted to ask if I should put in some false scores to help show what I think I'm shooting much better."  Hevy Joseph is not only hiding his skills or lack of skills, but is also hiding behind his email account.

Mike Trojanowski, who lost the 2001 Open, won the 2002 Open, and placed 2nd to last in 2003 has not posted a scorecard since June 2003.  "I have been looking for my clubs for three weeks," says Troj.  He played horrible last year nearly losing to Munksgard who shot 98 on the back nine in 2003.  Troj indicated that even the slightest letdown in a Carl Spackler Open, with its ankle-deep rough, numerous bunkers and brutally fast greens, can spell disaster.  "Thank god it?s not stroke play."

It didn?t take long for the media to find Jackson Heights own Jason "Randy" Watson.  He was asked if there was any added pressure on him now that he was considered the best player in the tournament.  "What about Flanagan, Crile, or Pokey?" Randy replied, doing his best to dodge the question.  Randy, the best player in Spackler History, grew up in Jackson Heights.  "Pokey.  That drunk sucks," a reporter mumbled.  "Better rephrase the question," Randy said with a big smile, not about ready to proclaim himself royalty as far as this Open Championship or get Pokey started.  "As for the courses", Randy added.  "The tougher the better.  It weeds out the guys who can't play around the greens.  That's important for a champion."

FAST FACTS FOR THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

DATE: June 10, 2004 - June 12, 2004 PURSE: $329 dollars -- 1st Place

WINNER:  The beloved Golden Jacket and 2004 Championship Trophy SECOND: Callaway Golf Shirt THIRD: Callaway Golf Shirt

TOURNAMENT HONOREE: Matt Davis from Pittsburgh, PA. Presenting Awards and Honoree Tee Off

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Tom Fowble, 112 Points DEFENDING CARL SPACKLER: Jon Munksgard, 37 Points

FORMAT: 48 contestants play 54 holes, using the NOOG point system, accumulating points. The field will be reduced to one winner and one loser after round three.  A daily Spackler tournament Leaderboard will be updated.