June 26, 2002

COLUMBUS, OH — So much for the theory that Carl Spackler Open is for long hitters only.  Among the contenders at last year's Open were short hitters such as Chris Goss, Mike Watkeys, Rick Dosky, Don Cook and Marty Zabonik. Of course, the thick, somewhat unplayable rough was an equalizer.  No matter how long you hit it, if you missed the fairway you were probably going to find the woods.

"I want to get into position to win the 2003 Carl Spackler Open," Zabonik said. "It'll play longer harder than ever, I'm sure.  It will be nice to get involved with such a major championship. I have been missing that.  Maybe this will start a streak of 40+ consecutive majors.

"I really went the last couple of years not playing well and not knowing why. I found a few things in my swing this year and it's been fun coming back. There were times this year when I felt like packing it in and taking a year off.  It's tough to balance your career with how hard you have to work at this game."

Marty Zabonik is looking forward to a great season of golf and the 2003 Carl Spackler Open.  The 2003 major championship has been rumored to play in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky or West Virginia during the month of June.  The tournament date should be announced soon.