September 16, 2004

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Although still inside the Red Zone, the 2005 Carl Spackler Open is 266 days away.  The business office is putting together the final pieces to the puzzle that will result in the 5th annual amateur golf championship.

An announcement on city is expected in two weeks.  "We have a lot of work to do," says Donny Creighton.  "We have been scouting the proposed locations and just have to make sure history is taking place on sacred ground."

The Carl Spackler Open was first played in South Carolina during March 2001.  Since then, the Captains Club decided on a rotation of 10 to 12 years that moves around the eastern United States.  To make that kind of statement, the club reached out for a date that would be perfect.  They found the 2nd and 3rd weekends of June, which makes Spackler in the heavy golf season.  

They moved things just north to Virginia in April 2002.  "That was a landmark year," says Tom McCauley.  "We did not know whether it would come together.  Everything was perfect except my Spackler Outfit."

In 2003, the tournament then made a huge move north into Ohio.  Thunder Hill was awesome and June was a perfect home.  "The success of the tournament with heavy downpours demonstrates the demand for quality inexpensive entertainment," says Matt Davis.  "It truely is becoming the place to be."

This past summer saw a move back down to North Carolina for another successful year with 48 golfers in the field.  "There are two guarantees," says Rick Dosky.  "Expect a large increase in participants and do not expect your tournament to be in Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, or Ohio."

Sources close to the Captains Club indicate something in Pennsylvania or Kentucky.  Two great facilities are located in both areas of the country.