July 6, 2011

CONKLIN, NY — In the heart of the southern tier of New York is one of America's most spectacular golf courses. Conklin Players Club in Conklin, NY is a stunning 18-hole championship golf course featuring incredible views of the valley below.

Conklin Players Club was added to the Carl Spackler Open venue list for the past 4 years. The Golf Digest 4 1/2 star course is located just 10 miles north of the Pennsylvania border and 2 hours north of Mountain Valley on Interstate 81.

The owners of the golf course, local hotels, and nearby nightly entertainment submitted their bids last week to host the 2012 Carl Spackler Open.

"Binghamton, New York has been ranked very high for years," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The mom/pop golf course, Conklin Players Club, is considered one of the strongest venue options to ever hold a Carl Spackler Open. There are several of us happy with the bid, but not excited enough to stop looking for the best fit."

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 16th green and 17th tee. The design comes through with a course that looks tough and top flight, but does not often beat up the average player.

"Absolutely incredible golf course," says Dave Osborne. "This one is either my all-time best or a close second."

"It is really nice," says Greg Garrett of Conklin Players Club. "Prepare for an amazing treat. There is a reason why the New York Giants football team travels to Conklin each year for their outing."

"Tree lined with a few water hazards, but wide fairways and playable rough," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "Well placed shots can really shave some strokes off your score. A good short game will also keep your scores low. The long hitter will love the front nine. The accurate hitters will love the back nine. The hackers will love the views."

The course combines the use of water, dramatic elevation changes and 'tender loving care' to provide some fantastic holes and some awesome vistas to go along with it. The course plays up and down the side of a hill. That, in combination with a series of small ponds and a 10-acre lake make for some outstanding golf.

Long added, "Water, with the exception of par 3's at Hole 10 and Hole 13, are positioned the same way. It is in play on half the holes, but not all the hazards are a serious threat. Ponds are also responsible for two of the toughest par 4's."

A recent traveler to Conklin Players Club suggests, "It is an absolutely fantastic track that sits on the side of a mountain. This course is the most underrated place in New York State. The fairways and greens are absolutely perfect as they do a wonderful job manicuring the course. While I have definitely played harder courses, you will never play a more enjoyable one. The visuals are incredible and the course requires a 'thinking man's' approach where you often have to put away your driver."

The upstairs restaurant provides seats for golfers to watch play on three different holes, including signature hole, a par 3 across water to an island green.

Conklin Players Club is located 15 minutes southeast of Johnson City, NY. "We are very pleased with hotels and entertainment in Johnson City," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "There are some logistical items to complete, but 95 percent of venue scouting and preparations are complete.

The 'Blind Tiger Pub' is located 1/2 mile west of the choice lodging in Johnson City, NY. The indoor and outdoor restaurant and pub regularly hosts live music on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Pubs in the state of New York are required to close by 1:00AM on Wednesday and Thursday, but remain open til 3:00AM on Friday and Saturday.

The tournament business office believes a Binghamton venue could increase the required trip fee. "The closer the tournament gets to New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington... the harder to find rates that appear traditional," says Greg Long. "We plan to scout America and find the best value, but also would love to visit New York state."

The Captains Club continues to create a list of possible venues for the 2012 Major Championship. The Captains Club has been busy this spring and summer scouting future venue options. The team already scouted two courses in North Carolina, two courses in Ohio, and will scout four golf courses in southern  Canada this weekend. There are additional plans to visit the state of Kentucky this summer or fall. An announcement on 2012 venue is scheduled to be released prior to November 1, 2011.