January 16, 2015

KODAK, TN — The Captains Club continues to explore opportunities for the 2015 Carl Spackler Open. The event, which has been pushed back to June 25, has used this winter to scan America for the best possible facilities to host the 54-hole golf tournament.

The event organizers took a small step forward this morning with a decision to remove River Islands Golf Club from contention to host. The Captains Club did praise the Arthur Hills designed course for its suitability to host the Carl Spackler Open, but was clear it is no longer being considered for 2015.

"We have eliminated the River Islands Golf Club from hosting this year's Open due to other opportunities," says Brian Long, Vice President of Event Technology.  "We continue to move towards our event being held in Tennessee, but River Islands has lost the competition with Sevierville Golf Club. We are really happy with both Sevierville, Wisp, and Shaker Run opportunities."

River Islands is ranked 4 stars by Golf Digest and was leading the 2015 crop of courses due to unique holes in middle of a river and wonderful conditioning. Nightlife remains the hurdle.

The Captains Club continues to assess the event and its best options. Registration for the event is expected almost immediately after a host city is chosen. "We are certain of the June 25th date. The rest is still under assessment and negotiation."