September's Media Day
September 7, 2006
OIL CITY, PA — With less than a month before the venue announcement, the September Media Day was completed. There were many points to discuss including the 2007 venue announcement, tournament fee, red zone violations, point system and invitations.
Jay Dilks led the press conference inside the regional Spackler News Network media center.
"Thanks to everyone for attending today. First, I am very pleased to announce there are no public violations of the Red Zone as of today. Although, we could have some quiet violators, we have received public notifications in the past. That is very good news for a second straight year."
Dilks pointed to a guy in the media center chewing gum. "Is that Dentine," says a thought provoking Dilks? "Do you have any extra stick? I am very touchy these days with the Red Zone Alert still active for another two weeks. Our members are sometimes driven by non-golf related activities."
Dilks continued, "We fully expect the tournament fee to accommodating as in years past. We have not budgeted and will begin to do so in October, but I am pretty safe saying everyone can expect something around the past fees."
"Our tournament invitation will be online again this year and not mailed to your house. It will be everyone's responsiblity to visit the website in November and December and get the critical registration information. If you are in need of reminders, send a check to Dosky today. Make it out for $120 and remember it is non-refundable."
"We will be transitioning to an upgraded point system in January. This means the old system will be gone forever. We are looking forward to all the additional handicapping challenges it resolves as the tournament continues to move forward and grow.
Lastly, we have a week or so to tally up our venue proposals on 2007 venue. We expect an announcement on October 1. Kentucky and Michigan as of today. Always excited to work with the red hats and looking forward to signing day."
The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled for June 6-9 in an undisclosed location. An estimated 56-76 golfers are scheduled to attend the 7th major championship.
"Does anyone have any questions," asked Jay Dilks? "I have time for a few questions." A reporter asked, "Are we getting a new website?" Dilks replied, "I am not sure it is new. We are getting an upgraded website, but it will not be a dramatic change. The change is scheduled for early January after initial deposits arrive. I am told it will include computer server changes that allows us to retrieve information faster. I also hear the navigation will improve quite a bit."
Another reporter asked, "Why can't the red hats say $120 without non-refundable?" Dilks replied, "Because it is Spackler law and because 6 guys withdrew from last year's event. The 5 replacements included 11 changes in attendance and unnecessary administrative headaches. It is just something we want to communicate clearly and constantly. We don't want anyone to every hear or read the entry fee is $120 without using non-refundable. It is just a critical administration item."
Dilks told reporters he would take one more question. A reporter stood up and asked, "What is your preference for venue in June?" Dilks thought for a second and responded, "I am not about to give out that information. This is about 115 members and not about me. A slim list of venue proposals are being collected by our chairman. I would expect something very similar to the past, but very far from Raleigh."
"I am done for this month," said Dilks as he stood up to leave the media center. "I will see you guys next month with venue and maybe a tournament fee if we have a budget."