May 7, 2012

CONKLIN, NY — Conklin Players Club is a special place with supreme conditioning. The Par 3's have always challenged the conditioning as the highlight of a round. The majority of the short holes are played within 90 minutes; Holes 7, 10, and 13.

The first of the Par 3's at Conklin is the 2nd hole. It is pretty straight forward except for the multi-tier green. The 164-yard hole has a ravine, apron, and two greenside bunkers.

"This is probably the easiest hole at Conklin," says Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "It should be a wedge from the 148-yard senior tee."

The 7th hole is a very interesting in many ways. A newer tee position that alters the look of the traditional hole plus another hole entirely was added in 2010.

From the original tee position (7A), which will still be used at times, the hole plays steadily downhill for 180 yards from the white tee and as far back as 249 from the tip of the back tee. One sand trap was positioned well short and left and another was closer to the green, guarding the right half.

A newer tee (7B) placed behind the 6th green sends the tee shot across a valley instead of straight down the hill and also forces a line of flight directly over the right trap from 173 yards.

The owners added a third tee (7C), which is a brand new hole over water. The hole has a treacherous putting surface.

"We rotate the tees at 7th hole," course general manager Theresa Rickard said. "Bringing the ravine in at 7B along with a new hole (7C) boosts the fun factor on the front side."

The two holes that get a lot of attention at Conklin Players Club are the short Par 3's on the back nine; Holes 10 and 13.

The 10th hole is a shot to an island green. The white tees are only 100 on the scorecard, but the tee markers are sometimes moved back closer to the 143-yard blue position. In front of the green is where the pond causes the most trouble, but overaggressive shots that carry through the green can also end up in the water. A path at the left back that walks you out to the green is the only area completely clear of water.

The 13th (picture shown) is 128 yards from the white tees and water has to be carried to reach the front edge of the green. The other Par 3 is simpler, but a 164-yard iron tee shot on the second hole of the day with sand on each side can provide an early test of accuracy.

The 2012 Carl Spackler Open will be played June 6-9. There are 64 golfers expected to participate in the 12th annual event. The Captains Club has finalized the itinerary including tee times, breakfast, and bus schedule. There are 30 days before the practice round.