June 23, 2006

MOUNT STERLING, KY — Voted "17th 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 on Thursday. "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 ranked #2 best public golf course in the state of Kentucky by Golf Digest in May 2005. 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 that increase 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 for the ages." Greg Long proceeded to make a pretty 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. It is not easy to pick one."

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

There are many possible locations for the next tournament including West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and maybe a return to Ohio. Other venue proposals could produce even more possibilities.

A Captains Club decision on location will be published in mid-October. Invitations for the 2007 Carl Spackler Open will be mailed on November 15, 2006. Deadline for registration will be post marked by December 30, 2006.