December 20, 2004

POTTSVILLE, PA — Tom McCauley, the 2004 Closest to the Pin Award Winner has signed a national letter of intent to return and play golf at 2005 Carl Spackler Open, announced today by the Captain?s Club. Tom's return ensures the state of Indiana will be represented for five straight years.

Last year, McCauley finished 40th at the 2004 Open Championship, but once again started outstanding before falling apart down the stretch.  "A truly frustrated player and drinker", said Jay Dilks of the Captain?s Club. Tom started the tournament with 29 points on the front nine and 4th place.  He proceeded to fall 31 spots in 27 holes.  Dilks continued, "He works very hard for his accomplishments, which includes the standard for the Carl Spackler Outfit. It is a shame he cannot close the deal."  Tom's victory at the annual Closest to the Pin Contest came immediately after Thursday's stellar round.

In addition to McCauley dropping a quick 31 spots in 2004, Tom fell 14 spots from 6th place in the final round of 2003 and enough in the final round of 2002 to wear the Carl Spackler Outfit.  With a small field of 9 players in 2001, McCauley led the tournament after round 1.  He fell a spot each day of the tournament taking 3rd place in Myrtle Beach.  According to Spackler statistics, McCauley sits on spot above Mike Watkeys for the worst player in Carl Spackler History.

McCauley, a native of Warren, PA, is currently On Tour in Sellarsburg, IN. Individually, McCauley is a national selection this season while being named the Warren Times Observer "Golf Made Easy" Instructor of the year even after the debacle in Williamsburg in 2002.

McCauley signed his letter of intent and also enclosed a note for the field. "I plan to get focused early. That means starting strong and finishing strong.  I am not about to drive 10 hours to Pottsville and have fun. This is for the Golden Jacket and a very large purse. I going to keep my head and bring the trophy and jacket back to Louisville."

The Carl Spackler Open mailed it's invitations 33 days ago. Signings are expected at a record pace over the next two weeks.  Deadline for entry is January 3, 2005.