April 30, 2012

CONKLIN, NY — Course design and management's equivalent of a public links amateur golfer playing himself into contention in the U.S. Open is cause for celebration at the Conklin Players Club. Built and run by the Brown and Rickard families, the Conklin Players Club has been appreciated by players on the New York-Pennsylvania border since it opened in 1991. The course started without an experienced architect and it continues without a professional.

The formula is hardly typical of golf courses that wind up regarded as among the best in national rankings. But, that is just where the Conklin Players Club found itself as one of the best public courses in America at an affordable price.

"A pro here could give lessons or could work the pro shop to sell clubs, but what do we need that for," owner Theresa Rickard said. "We do not know a lot about golf. We are still learning. But people who come to play our golf course say they notice that it is well manicured and in good condition."

It is the golf course itself that lifts Conklin above the pack. It has been that way since Rick and Marty Brown, Theresa Rickard's brothers, and Rick Rickard, Theresa's husband, first showed off the course they built. From Day One, the design left players shocked that such a course could be created without an experienced designer.

Now, the impressions are made by how well the course is maintained under the supervision of Rick Brown, who remains as superintendent. 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 course is located a mile from the Pennsylvania border, 10 minutes south of Binghamton. It is about 45 miles from Scranton, Pa. and 70 miles from Syracuse. Nearly half of the course's play comes from Pennsylvania golfers.

"It is my favorite course ever," says Captains Club member Dave Osborne. "It has everything including conditioning that is very noticable."

The course goes up, down, left, right, through the woods, over water, across creeks, and more. It has short holes, long holes, island holes, and bunkering only where golfers hit the ball.

The 2012 Carl Spackler Open will be held June 6-9 in Conkin and Binghamton. There are between 62 and 64 golfers expected to participate in the 12th annual event. Golfers from Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Norfolk, VA, and Fort Myers, FL are expected to attend.