August 8, 2010

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — With a little more than 90 days left before the venue announcement, the August Media Day was completed. There were many points to discuss including the 2011 venue, golf trip fee, attendance projections, and red zone violations.

Kevin Long, Jr. from the Captains Club led the press conference inside the regional Spackler News Network media center near downtown Norfolk.

"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."

Long pointed to a guy in the media center chewing gum. "Can you ask everyone else outside to come in," said Long with a disgusted look on his face. The reporter replied, "Sounds like there is little interest in your announcement. It is just Jim and I today."

A confused Long replied, "OK. Our members are sometimes driven by non-golf related activities and hope everyone gets a transcript of this press conference.

Let's talk about the golf trip fee. We fully expect the required fee to be as accommodating as in years past, however include the practice round and bus service. The club has not finalized a 2011 budget and will begin to do so after the venue announcement, but I am pretty safe saying everyone can expect somewhere around $400.

Our tournament marketing campaign and event registration 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 August completing their fiscal year-end taxes and enjoying the start of the football season. There are no scouting trips planned.

We expect to make a venue announcement prior to November 1. Then communicate a fee on November 8 and open registration starting on November 15. New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are present options for 2011 venue.

The Rumor Mill has been active this summer with 64 members of the Carl Spackler Open suggesting probable attendance or better. There are nearly 30 guys who have indicated possibly or questionable. Slick tells me the initial stages of the 2011 budget is based on 80 golfers.

I have time for a few questions. Does anyone have any?

One of the two reporters asked, "What did you think about Texas?" Long replied, "Good. There are always things that we would do differently, but believe South Padre Island is a venue that we could visit again. The fees were the lowest in 10 years along with great service, unique climate, and plenty of fun."

Another reporter asked, "Do you have any favorites for 2011 in respects to location?" Long replied, "I think that everyone knows that Pottsville is one of my favorite places on earth. To see Dick Yuengling again would be something special. To answer your question, I think the event will most likely end up within 1/2 mile of Interstate 81. Probably Conklin or Mountain Valley."

Long told the two reporters he would take one more question. The other reporter stood up and asked, "I see senior members Bill Bateson and Mark Wray have verbally committed to skipping the 2011 Open. What do you know about this?"

Long replied, "Bateson is not a happy camper. The rumor is that he could be in a wedding on June 10. He will most likely not be attending. The wedding will also stamp a permanent wedding anniversary on the traditional Spackler event date, which virtually prevents the groom from ever attending until the event date is changed.

Mark Wray is also doubtful for 2011. He has made long-term plans to attend the Carl Spackler Open in even numbered years.

I am done for this month," added Long as he stood up to leave the media center. "The Captains Club will be back next month with updates."