September 24, 2012

JASPER, IN — The Captains Club announced today that Sultan's Run Golf Club, which was part of the 2013 venue list, has been moved back to 2014-2016 Carl Spackler Open venue lists. The wonderful golf course is located 75 minutes northwest of Louisville, KY. The facility was identified in 2011 and was considered a very strong contender for the 13th major championship.

"Sultan's Run is a solid venue opportunity," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The initial bid in respects to greens fees was very strong. However, the golf course bid included $800 for range balls and $1,600 for golf bag storage. We have decided not to eliminate Sultan's Run entirely, but push it back on the future venue calendar."

Sultan's Run joins Chapel Ridge (North Carolina) as realistic future sites to host the annual event.

Designed by Tim Liddy (same as Rock Hollow Golf Club in Peru, IN), an understudy of world-renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, Sultan's Run was described as a killer scenic layout, by Golf Digest in the publication's Places to Play Guide.

"This course is as good as the Grande in Michigan," says senior member Chad Long. "It is no Poplar Grove, but it for sure a hidden gem."

Sultan's Run is ever present elevation changes combined with tee shots that must carry across ravines and water that comes into play on at least 11 holes make it a considerable challenge. It is also one of the most beautiful courses in the region, if not the state. The greens roll very true and extremely fast.

The venue option is located 2 miles from downtown Jasper, IN and 7 minutes from the Jasper Inn & Conference Center. "The lodging option is similar to a HoliDome Holiday Inn," says Captains Club member Brian Long. "There is a very large sports bar, game room, pizza joint, and indoor pool inside."

The decision to eliminate Sultan's Run opens the door to the Carl Spackler Open being held again in the Appalachian Mountains. The 2013 Carl Spackler Open will be held May 15-18 in Maryland at Wisp at Deep Creek Lake Resort or June 6-9 in West Virginia at Raven at Snowshoe Resort. There are 48 to 64 participants expected for the 13th annual event. A decision on venue will be announced prior to Halloween.