October 3, 2010

BINGHAMTON, NY — The Captains Club announced today that Conklin Players Club, which was considered for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 has been pushed back for hosting the Carl Spackler Open Championship. 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 runner for hosting the 11th major championship.

"We had availability, bus service, solid course layout with incredible conditions, and hotel within 1 mile of top-of-the-line entertainment," said Chris Philipsen, Vice President of Tournament Scoring. "The decision to push back Binghamton was largely based on the opporunities in Barnesville, PA and overall fees."

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 very solid and made for a difficult decision," says Philipsen. "I think Conklin Players Club will eventually land on the Spackler calendar, but not until at least 2012."

Conklin Players Club in New York joins Riverfront Golf Club in Virginia and Old Silo Golf Club in Kentucky as potential future event sites.

The event organizers have now shifted their focus to Mountain Valley, the required golf trip fee, and opening registration. The deadline for registration will be January 31, 2011.

The 2011 Carl Spackler Open will be held at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville, PA. There are 70 to 90 participants expected for the 11th annual event. The practice round will held on June 9, 2011. The travel day will be Monday, June 13, 2011.