May 8, 2007

MOUNT STERLING, KY — Voted "2007's 26th Best Golf Course in America for under $50," Old Silo is all about breathtaking and surprising changes in altitude from tee to green. The course, located 30 minutes east of Lexington, Kentucky off I-64, continues to wait for its turn to host a Spackler Open through the national scouting process.

The Captains Club made the public statement regarding 2008 on Monday night. "We are in love with Old Silo," said Kevin Long, Jr. "The 5-iron walk to the hotel is just another reason it is an outstanding venue."

The course was recently ranked the best public golf course in the state of Kentucky by Golf Digest in their May 2007 issue. This 18-hole championship design is situated on 209 acres of rolling bluegrass countryside. Old Silo features 9 holes that drop in elevation with 3 holes increasing in elevation.

Somerset Creek meanders through the property and dramatic views add to the aesthetic beauty of the golf course. "God built this creek like a snake," says Jason Watson, the Vice President of Awards. "It comes into play 8 times in 4 holes." The golf course features lush bent grass tees, fairways, greens and 98 white sand bunkers. The course offers four sets of tees, ranging from 5,509 yards to 6,977 yards, and is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels.

Heather and sand bunkers are on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course. Brand new multi-tiered greens and fabulous tee boxes, streams, ponds, and other water hazards add to the natural beauty.

The 6,000 square foot clubhouse offers panoramic golf course views from its balcony. The interior provides the perfect atmosphere to relax while enjoying your favorite drink from the bar.

"We are very excited about Old Silo and our future," says Tom McCauley, who lives 90 minutes west of the golf course. "Old Silo is exactly what we need at Spackler. A championship style course to establish a champion." Greg Long loves the course and made his usually bold statement. "This is a wonderful layout," said Long. "In my opinion, holes #6, #7, #8, #12, #13, #15, #16, #17, and #18 should be considered signature holes. Old Silo is another great venue. The layout and conditions together match the Grande Golf Club as our best ever."

Marc Long has the course record with 178 strokes back in August 2004. "This was my first round of my life," said Marc Long. "I have easily taken 60 strokes off my game since. The course was awesome."

There are other leading candidates for the next tournament including courses in Rochester, Buffalo, and Binghamton, NY. There is always the possibility of Maryland or West Virginia, however values have been incredibly difficult to locate. Other venue proposals could produce even more possibilities.

A Captains Club decision on location will be published in mid-October. Additional research with field trips this summer will help provide next year's venue.