April 25, 2005

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Trent Cooper of Virginia Beach 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 as the first alternate for the annual 54-hole tournament and replace Jim Zavinski to make a field of 68 players.

With a mullet-style haircut, the "Coop" has earned nothing over this spring except 9th in the On Tour Championship. However, Cooper has been nominated for the best iron-play in the field of 68 players. "Trent is not your average player," says Troj. "If he can keep the ball in play off the tee, Trent can position himself for birdie on most holes."

The Spackler business office has been busy of late with last minute changes as players send in final payments.  "The pairings release is probably jeopardized with these changes," says Kevin Long, Jr..  "It is all worth it though.  Trent will be a good addition to the group."

Trojanowski commented further, "I am excited to be around such a player as Trent; he has a great deal of talent and excitement for the game of golf. I suspect he will have a successful career at Open Championship."

When Cooper was reached for comment, he didn?t spare the trash. "I'm just as excited about my rookie year. I played Tanglewood Park last week to get accustomed to Spackler tournament golf.  I think I should be considered the front runner to win this thing," says Cooper. "In the cool mountains, my mullet will give me that extra coat of hair to keep me warm. Something the field of players will miss.  I really can?t wait until June."

The 2005 Carl Spackler Open begins play in 44 days.  Groups funds are due in 5 days.