June 24, 2004

HOLLY SPRINGS, NC — The 2004 Carl Spackler Open is in the books.  Steve Hoden is a lot richer and Mike Watkeys is a lot more humble.  Both are looking forward to next year.  The Spackler Business Office still continues to gather information from Winston-Salem in preparation for next year's Open Championship.

One of the key components to the summer is determining a new location and golf course for the 2005 Carl Spackler Open.  "There are 50 weeks left," says the Chief Executive Officer Jamie Myers.  "Let me rephrase.  There are 50 weeks left for players.  Our office is always busy."

Letters of intent are scheduled for mail on November 15.  "That gives the club 5 months to organize 2005", says Greg Long.  "We need to gather a list of golf courses, obtain quotes, visit the top golf courses, find appropriate lodging requirements, put together a budget, and create/print/mail invitations."  The Captains Club has a list of golf courses and Long has contacted all of them.

The list of potential golf facilities include about 15 courses from Rochester-NY, Northwest Maryland, West Virginia, and eastern Pennsylvania.  "We have some really nice facilities," says Matt Davis.  "Rocky Gap Resort, Greystone Golf Club, Tom's Run at Chestnut Ridge Resort, and Ravenwood Golf Club to name a few.  We are excited about 2005 and have our hands full in order to make a step forward from 2004."

"Our deadline for golf course quotes will be August 1, 2004," says Greg Long.  "Labor Day Weekend is a key 3-day weekend and a couple weekends in August/September will be used to visit the top prospects.  We should have our annual Captains Club vote on September 30 and release our 2005 location shortly after."