June 27, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — Greg Garrett took home the Golden Rod Award, given annually to the Best Putter in Spackler History.  Garrett?s Long Putt Ranking over four tournaments is 357.  Kyle Marti finished in second place this year with a 348 ranking, Brian Long in third with a 328, Greg Long in fourth with a 294, and Mike Trojanowski in fifth with a 290.  John Dick, Kevin Long, Jr., Jason Watson, Matt Davis and Mike Davis rounded out the top ten.

?I love using the flat stick; it?s my favorite club in the bag,? said Garrett.  ?For all you younger players and higher handicappers out there, make sure that when you have a putt 4 feet or less, hit it firm and eliminate the break.  I guarantee your putting will improve, and you?ll lower your scores,? he added.  Now that?s sound advice from a true professional.

?He?s really tough on the greens, I know I have my work cut out for me anytime we?re partnered together,? said John Dick.  ?I can?t count the number of times he?s taken Long Putt Points when I thought he?d never have a chance of making his putt,? added Dick.  

Kevin Long Jr. was asked about Garrett?s putting philosophy, and this is what he had to say: ?You know, I don?t think I?ve ever seen anyone hit the ball harder from 4 feet or less and still make a putt.  He definitely uses the backboard.?

The Long Putt Ranking is determined by the average number of career long putt points scored.  Each golf trip is given a set of points called a "pot".  Each trip gets 1.375 more points than the last.  For example, a trip is 2001 received 2.75 points.  The 2002 pot had 4.125 points, 2003 gets 5.5, and so on.  This ranking denotes the best long putter regardless of tournaments played.  It requires a player to attend at least three full Carl Spackler Open Championships.

For more Carl Spackler Open Championship Rankings, check out the website?s Tournament Info area, then click on the Rankings link.