July 23, 2007

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 have some 'show stopper' concerns with Old Silo and Mount Sterling," said Kevin Long, Jr. "The 5-minute walk to the hotel and outstanding course design are the top reasons for Old Silo. However, problems with negotiations, existing drought in Kentucky, and loss of course superintendent make me very uncomfortable."

The course was ranked #1 best public golf course in the state of Kentucky by Golf Digest in May 2007. 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 usually 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.

Sand bunkers are on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course. Multi-tiered greens and elevated tee boxes add to the natural beauty.

The 6,000 square foot clubhouse offers panoramic golf course views from its large balcony. The interior provides the perfect atmosphere to relax while enjoying your favorite drink from the bar.

"We are happy with Old Silo, but tournament excitement is on hold," says Tom McCauley, who lives 90 minutes west of the golf course. "Old Silo has lost its superintendent and the course conditions have suffered. An Old Silo in great shape was good enough without memorable evening entertainment in Mount Sterling, but right now the course has significant problems."

Greg Long was brought in to add to Tom's statement. "Old Silo has a wonderful layout with lots of unique character," said Long. "Nine signature holes in my opinion. The clubhouse balcony over the tricky 3-tier 18th green adds to already great experience as the tournament field watches each round complete."

Long then put on a frown and added, "With all the great character Old Silo provides, the #1 ranking has raised demand, price, and volume of play. The loss at course superintendent, recent drought, and increase of divots has lowered my grade of their conditions. It does not meet my high expectations. There are reasons for our visits and this one has paid dividends."

The Mount Sterling venue has not been eliminated, but has lost its "probable" status for the 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship.

"Our homework is complete in Mount Sterling and realize weather cannot be worse for Old Silo," says Long. "We plan to evaluate the proposal from hotel, course, and possible entertainment and make a decision in September. I would say our June venue is more wide open today than ever."

There are many possible locations for the next tournament including New York. Other venue proposals could produce even more possibilities.

A Captains Club decision on location will be published October 1. Invitations for the 2008 Carl Spackler Open will be available on November 15. Deadline for registration will be postmarked by December 28.