July 16, 2007

BUFFALO, NY — The Carl Spackler Open is into the "swing" of things this summer looking for the best opportunities for future Open Championships. Along comes Diamond Hawk Golf Course, as years of planning have finally paved the way for a sparking, state-of-the art, $10 million facility that opened last August.

"With the tight fairways, plenty of bunkers and such, your shot off the tee has to be a good one or else you're in real trouble right away," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "Then there are the greens - they are massive and spacious and that makes things a real adventure on the putt."

Last August marked the opening of the facility's back nine holes and practice facility. Diamond Hawk is opened its front nine holes, as well as a clubhouse restaurant and bar, in October, with the overall facility being completed this past spring.

Jim Furlong, who is the facility's general manager and director of golf, said the new course is "awesome" and available for the Carl Spackler Open starting June 5.

"This golf course is going to be in as good or better shape than any country club in the area," said Furlong, who is also a Professional Golfers Association expert. "We're going to offer country club conditions to the general public every day of the week. We're very pleased and excited about our new home. I think the facility is going to come out tremendous. Did I mention it's in great shape?"

Diamond Hawk Golf Course is located just 1/8 mile from a dozen hotels and 1/4 mile from Buffalo International Airport.

"It's certainly a premier course at a great price that Spackler has been waiting for," said Greg Long of the new course. "Buffalo has seen 5 or 6 upscale golf courses open in the past 3 years. I have been waiting for the demand for golf in Buffalo to drop a little so we can get some tee times. It only took 3 years and 6 new upscale courses to find a phenomenal place for a golf tournament."

Diamond Hawk was added to the 2008-2009 venue list this morning with Old Silo in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. A decision on venue is expected by October 1.