January 2, 2005

GLEN ALLEN, VA — Joe Butkus of Glen Allen, just north of Richmond, VA has signed a national letter-of-intent to play golf at the 2005 Carl Spackler Open, Mike Trojanowski of the Captains Club announced today. The rookie will join the field in June for the annual 54-hole tournament.

An eight-year golf veteran, Joey has earned nothing over this golfing career other than 31st place in the 2004 On Tour Championship. However, Joey Butkus has been nominated for the best "trash talker" in the field. "Joey is not your average player. He has not played 27 rounds of golf since Labor Day for nothing," said Mike Herron. "He really can talk a good game.  Especially if you cannot shoot in double-digits."

"Joey is a great golfer and a individual who will contribute to the success of the Spackler Open," said Trojanowski. "I am excited to be around such a player; he has the time; a great deal of talent and excitement for the game of golf. I suspect he will have a successful career at Open Championship."

When Joey was reached for comment, he didn?t spare the trash. "I'm just as excited about my rookie year. I think I'm still getting better and should be considered the front runner to win this thing. I can't wait to win my first major, I really can?t wait," he said. "On the right golf course, I still think I have the ability to dominate and take the Golden Jacket back to Glen Allen."

The registration deadline is Monday.  Players have two more days to enter this year's most prestigious amateur major championship.