February 18, 2005

DURHAM, NC — Planning your golf tournament calendar is exciting, when you sit down and think about it. Sure, there are many things ahead of you; learning the course, club selection, choosing the right clothes, revamping the swing, setting the goals and deciding what kind of strategy to use. But every once in a while, there are players who get blindsided by news that nobody likes to hear.

Brandon Hunter notified the business office and the Pokey Whipped Rehabilitation Program (PWRP) that he must withdraw from the 2005 event due to "Spackler's competitor".  Brandon's office secretary prepared a statement for the field of players.  "I regret that I must withdraw from a national event that was expected to give me tournament exposure and develop long-term personal relationships. I have tickets to the 2005 United States Open in Pinehurst.  With only two weeks vacation, Spackler is taking a backseat."

The Captains Club was stunned by the news from Brandon Hunter as comparing players like Brian Flanagan and Tiger Woods would certainly not result in such a drastic outcome. "I am personally saddened by the latest news coming from Hunter," says Jamie Myers. We were in hopes he would reconsider, but it looks like North Carolina will have only 4 players this year.  It is really unfortunate a small tournament like the US Open can be a priority."

With the withdraw, the Carl Spackler Open field has fallen from 68 players to 67 players. There is an active lead to replace Hunter. Only time with tell as the tournament begins in 110 days.