May 17, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — Jim English won the 2005 On Tour Championship in December and then won the Red Tee Lottery in February.  Now he has his mind set on his first major championship in June.

English, a Warren native, won the lottery back in February when he selected Oak #4.  The dogleg uphill Par 5 through dense forest plays 389 yards from the Red Tees.  It is the #2 handicap on the golf course from the tips.

Brian Long is one of four players to ever play the hole.  He says simply, "The tightest hole on the golf course.  Thunder Hill tight.  Teeing up from the Red is huge."

The hole turns right while going up the hill to a multi-level green surrounded by sand.  The dense forest on both sides will keep players honest even with the wedge.

"If you don't hit a slight slice, you will hit a tree," says Long.  "If you hit it straight and find the forest to the left, you may be searching for awhile."

From the red tee, the hole becomes particularly straight and elminates the fairway bunker on the left.  English plans to play driver and go for the green in two shots.  "We are playing NOOG points where aggressive play is rewarded," says English.  "I am playing the big dog for sure."

Don Creighton, Greg Long, and Patrick Marti also selected Oak #4 for Round 1 play.

All 68 players have selected a hole where they can play from the Red Tees during Round 1 play.  The computer will distribute each player a red tee for Round 2 play based on Leaderboard order and red tee advantage per hole.  Last place will receive the best advantage which is Maple #5.  Round 3 will be drafted by player.  Each player will select the hole they would like to play as they arrive to the 1st tee.  Only four players may select each hole before it is closed and made unavailable for draft.

The 2005 Carl Spackler Open begins in three weeks in Barnesville, PA.  Final preparations for the event are near completion.  The Captains Club prays for sunshine as the players pray for a chance on Saturday to win the Golden Jacket.