October 6, 2013

KODAK, TN — River Islands just east of Knoxville, TN was delayed this week from an opportunity that seemed ideal, but turned into misfortune. The Captains Club praised the Arthur Hills designed course for its suitability to host the Carl Spackler Open, but was no longer being considered for 2014.

"We have eliminated the River Islands Golf Club from hosting this year's Open due to other opportunities," says Brian Long, Vice President of Event Documents.  "We continue to be very excited about this future opportunity in Tennessee, but River Islands will have to wait. We are really happy with both Old Silo and Shaker Run opportunities."

River Islands is ranked 4 stars by Golf Digest and was leading the 2014 crop of courses due to unique layout in middle of wide river and wonderful conditioning. Hands-on lodging and nightlife scouting remain incomplete.

"Smokey Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, and University of Tennessee are other reasons we like the opportunity," says Captains Club Jay Dilks. "River Islands itself and nearby vendors are the only things standing in the way of hosting a future Carl Spackler Open."

The Captains Club will be deciding on a host city and golf course prior to Halloween. An event fee will be announced shortly afterwards. Event registration is expected to collect 64 to 80 golfers before the January 31 deadline. The 4-day golf event will have a new trial date; it will be held May 14-18, 2014 in an attempt to play defense against high school graduations.