September 8, 2008

OIL CITY, PA — With a little more than a month before the venue announcement, the September Media Day was completed. There were many points to discuss including the 2009 venue, tournament fee, red zone violations, and inflation.

Jay Dilks led the press conference inside the regional Spackler News Network media center in Oil City, PA.

"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 silent violators hiding out there, we have received no communications as of today."

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 month. Our members are sometimes driven by non-golf related activities."

Dilks continued, "We fully expect the tournament fee to be accommodating as in years past, however hiding bus service fees inside a stationary annual tournament fee plus inflation will be coming to an end. We have not budgeted and will begin to do so in October, but I am pretty safe saying everyone can expect another $25 or so."

"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, December, or January and get the critical registration information. If you are in need of reminders, send a check to Rick Dosky today. Make it out for $120 and remember it is non-refundable and non-transferrable."

The Captains Club will be spending the remainder of the month researching and negotiating with vendors for a 2009 venue. We expect a date announcement on October 1. Southern New York, Mountain Valley, and Packsaddle Ridge are presently on the ballot. We are also considering Riverfront Golf Club as a 2009 option. Always excited to work with the red hats and looking forward to signing day."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled at an undisclosed location. An estimated 64-80 golfers are scheduled to attend the 9th 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 has been scheduled and rescheduled and rescheduled. 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 are the deadline dates being shifted?" Dilks replied, "To accommodate the late-entries and tournament adminstration. It gives everyone 30 more days on the front end to commit and sign. It also gives the event preparations another two weeks on the back end. We are squeezing the itinerary."

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. A slim list of venue proposals are being evaluated by our chairman. I would expect something very similar very close to Interstate 81.

"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."