February 25, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship is the fastest growing tournament in the world, according to the independent accounting firm Andersen Consulting. The Spackler Open, held at the well manicured Mountain Valley this year, is only in its fifth year of existence, but already boasts a 42% increase in qualified participants from last year.

There are 68 players traveling to the Barnesville, PA location, up from 48 the year before, 32 in 2003 and 18 in its second year, reflecting huge increases from the each year. The tournament is averaging nearly 15 additional commitments per year. By using this average as the model, it?s possible the tournament could easily see growth over 100 players by 2007.

If Carl Spackler was excited with the news, he certainly wasn?t about to let anyone know. "I?m pleased with the results as they meet my high expectations. I knew that this tournament would be popular because it's fun, cheap and everyone sees that. We have made some progress, but that shouldn?t lull anyone into a false sense of security, because we?ve got a long way to go, baby. I simply will not tolerate any complacency around here, and I?ve made that message loud and clear, even to players like Matt Davis. Everyone should be concerned about the growth and the importance to our national tournament."

There appears to be a strong commitment from 24 particular players as they have returned at least twice from their rookie year.

The Carl Spackler Open will envade the Pottsville area in early June 2005. As players continue to prepare to win the Golden Jacket, the Captains Club is working to ensure this year's major championship will be the best yet.