September 18, 2008

CONKLIN, NY — The Captains Club announced today that Conklin Players Club, which was considered for 2008 and 2009, has been eliminated from the very short 2009 Carl Spackler Open venue list. The 4 1/2 star course is located just 4 miles north of the Pennsylvania border and 3 hours north of Mountain Valley. The facility was considered the front running contender for the 9th major championship.

"We have availability, top of the line entertainment, bus service, incredible golf conditions, wonderful design, and solid hotel with walking distance to top of the line entertainment," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The only problem is tournament fee. The surge in inflation and overall tournament fee soared to $427 per golfer in Binghamton. The $68 increase per golfer from Indiana is $4,896 higher before participant options. There are too many great opportunities for less."

Conklin Players Club has an outstanding hilly design and more importantly provided wonderful conditioning for several years. First impressions are excellent due to prestine conditions while mother nature provides a boost with scenic views, especially from the course's high point at the 15th green and 16th tee. The design comes through with a course that looks tough and top flight, but does not often beat up the average player.

"The venue option is incredibly strong," says Long. "However, there are hundreds of great venues for $427. We are targeting special values in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains near Interstate 81."

The elimination of Conklin Players Club has removed the city of Binghamton and state of New York from the venue list. Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville-PA, Riverfront Golf Club in Suffolk-VA, Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst-VA, and Packsaddle Ridge in Harrisonburg-VA are presently on the venue list.