April 19, 2001

WASHINGTON, DC — Glenn Hoffert(i.e. Jim)  has always taken long winter breaks.  But this year the prolific golfer has made an exception by launching his Spackler season at the end of April.

Pelting rain should greet him Friday just outside Bethelem, PA, where he lines up this week in the 2001 Carl Spackler Spring Open Championship.

"I can't remember the last time I played in this kind of weather," Jim said, speaking of a grim Friday weather forecast.  "I will just be happy to finish 18 holes."

Jim mentioned that he would play no more than seven or eight rounds before June 1st so this is huge.

"It was a good decision to wait until late-April," Jim said. "The level of the game at the Spring Open is really high, players are better prepared, and I just don?t have time to play inconsistent.  Waiting until late-April helps me maintain rhythm.  I think that I will do well."

As a surprise to the field, Hoffert registered this week and immediately made plans to play golf.

"Frankly I am not basing my spring or summer rounds around the 2002 Open," Jim said. "If I reach the level I feel I should, then I'll make the adjustments needed.  If not, I don't deserve to be there."