August 20, 2013

KODAK, TN — As you drive deeper into the east Tennessee countryside, down into the lush French Broad River valley, you begin to replay particularly disturbing scenes from the movie Deliverance in your mind's eye and swear you hear the plaintive strains of banjo music drifting through the trees. Then suddenly you see the sign pointing you toward River Islands Golf Club. It is not actually in the middle of nowhere like the Raven at Snowshoe, but it feels a bit isolated.

The Carl Spackler Open announced yesterday afternoon the addition of River Islands Golf Club to the 2014-2016 venue lists. In conjunction with the addition of River Islands, the Captains Club announced it has  dismissed Seviervile Golf Club from the same list due to overall price.

"We are impressed with both Sevierville and River Islands," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "River Islands sounds a like a better opportunity and moving our efforts in that direction. We believe in the venue so much that we have added it to a 3-year list just in case 2014 does not work out. We are expecting a strong quote, unique course, and super overall event."

The Arthur Hills track is ranked as third-best public course in the state and a 20-minute drive from Knoxville, TN and University of Tennessee.

What makes River Islands so memorable is its remarkably ambitious routing, which takes you out down into a river valley, onto two islands in the middle of the river, and back up out of the valley. Then, after a snack at the turn shack, you turn around and head back down into the valley, back onto the islands, and finally up to the clubhouse.

River Islands was an instant favorite is both a favorite of state and national golfers. The Zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens are generally in fantastic condition. "i do not think there's a weak hole in the entire layout, to be honest," says Long. "The only potential issue is the 9th hole does not return to the clubhouse and located on the other side of the river."

"It's certainly a premier course at a great price that Spackler has been waiting for," said Long of the golf course. "The city of Knoxville and surrounding area will provide ample lodging and entertainment options. We plan to revisit the area once a financial agreement can be made with both lodging and golf course."

River Islands proves the Captains Club is leaving no stones unturned. The search continues throughout America in hopes of finding another great opportunity with focus on Kentucky, Carolinas, Ohio, and Tennessee. River Islands joins The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge (NC), Old Silo Golf Club (KY), and Shaker Run Golf Club (OH) as potential hosts for the 2014 Carl Spackler Open. There 60 to 80 golfers expected for the 14th annual event.