NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Dave Ellis of Newport News has signed a national letter-of-intent to play golf at the 2006 Carl Spackler Open Championship, 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 Brad Simon to make a field of 60 players.

Ellis' handicap is still unknown, but he is expected to have a Kevy Long type scorecard that gives him 1 point for bogey. He also enters the tournament with a very strong iron play. "Ellis is not your average player from what I hear," says Troj. "If he can keep the ball in play off the tee, David can position himself for par on most holes. That can be gut wrenching for the rest of the field."

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

Trojanowski commented further, "I am excited to be around such a player as Ellis; 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. I hope he asks himself why? Why did not sign two years ago?"

When Ellis was reached for comment, he dumped some trash. "I'm just as excited about my rookie year. I play golf and now trying to get accustomed to Spackler tournament golf. I think I should be considered a strong contender in the tournament," says Ellis. "It takes a smart person to understand the swing plane, but an engineer to engineer it. Something the field of players wish they had in their stockings for Christmas. I really can't wait until June."

The 2006 Carl Spackler Open begins play in 29 days. The business office continues to look for replacements.