September 15, 2009

DALLAS, TX — With a little more than 45 days before the venue announcement, the September Media Day was completed. There were many points to discuss including the 2010 venue, tournament fee, red zone violations, and inflation.

Jason Watson from the Captains Club led the press conference inside the regional Spackler News Network media center near Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas.

"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."

Watson pointed to a guy in the media center chewing gum. "Can you ask everyone else outside to come in," said Watson. The reporter replied, "Sounds like your meeting has been boycotted. It is just Jim and I today."

Watson replied, "Sorry. 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 and hope everyone gets a transcript of this press conference."

Watson continued, "Let's talk about the tournament fee. We fully expect the tournament fee to be accommodating as in years past, however including bus service fees inside a the tournament fee could surprise many participants. The club has not finalized a 2010 budget and will begin to do so in early November, but I am pretty safe saying everyone can expect somewhere around $400."

"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 or December to 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 September relaxing and enjoying the start of the football season. Pat Boland, Greg Long, and I have plans to visit South Padre Island Golf Club on October 25 and 26.

The financial details surrounding greens fees and lodging have surprised everyone involved. The negotiated rates would be the lowest since 2005. We are headed down there to see if the facilities are the 'real deal'. I would suggest Texas leads as the 2010 venue, but Slick is hesitant because the prices are so low.

We expect to make a date and venue announcement on November 1. Then communicate a tournament fee on November 8 and open registration starting on November 15. Southern New York, Erie, PA, and the southern tip of Texas are presently on the 2010 venue ballot."

The 2010 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled at an undisclosed location. An estimated 60-80 golfers are scheduled to attend the 10th major championship dependng on location.

"Does anyone have any questions," asked Jason Watson? "I have time for a few questions." A reporter asked, "Are you guys serious about Texas?" Watson replied, "Very. The almanac suggests we should not even see a small cloud all week plus a comfortable 80 degrees. The golf course is on the Gulf of Mexico, lodging is the best ever, and tournament fee would be the lowest in 5 years."

Another reporter asked, "Why are the dates being shifted?" Watson replied, "We are moving the Texas trip to April for one simple reason. To achieve 80-degree temperatures instead of 100-degree temperatures. There were zero participants who indicated a problem with the April date within the 2009 participant options."

Watson told reporters he would take one more question. The other reporter stood up and asked, "Do you think southern Texas is too far for participants to travel?" Watson thought for a second and responded, "This is our 10th event. A once-in-a-decade decision on southern Texas would force Warren and Colmbus participants into a first-ever airline ticket. We have lowered our expectations for attendance by 33 percent."

"I am done for this month," added Watson as he stood up to leave the media center. "I will see you guys next month with any updates."