October 15, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — With two weeks left before the venue announcement, the October Media Day was completed. There were many points to discuss including the 2014 venue, new trial date, and tournament fee.

Rick Dosky and Greg Long from the Captains Club led the press conference inside the Spackler News Network media center on the patio of the Republic Gastropub near Classin Curve in downtown Oklahoma City, OK.

"Thanks to everyone for attending today," said Greg Long. "First, I am very pleased to announce there are no public violations of the Red Zone as of today. Although, we could have some silent violators hiding out there, we have received no communications as of today."

Dosky pointed to a guy in the media center chewing gum. "Can you ask everyone else to come outside to the patio and sit," said Dosky. A local reporter replied, "Sounds like your meeting has been boycotted. It is just Jim and I today."

Dosky replied, "Sorry. I am very touchy these days with the Red Zone Alert still active for another month. Our members are sometimes driven by non-golf related activities and hope everyone gets a transcript of this press conference."

A reporter asked, "Why are you holding this press conference in Oklahoma?" Dosky replied, "We like the central location for our national event."

Greg Long jumped in and said, "First, let's talk about the event date. We are moving the date for the first time since 2010 and second time in 11 years. This is a trial move to play defense against high school graduations. High school graduations trump our event and we are looking at future attendance problems. Dosky and I alone have 7 years of high school graduations to attend. We will evaluate the long-term possibilities of this date change in June 2014. No date works for everyone, but high school graduations are already preventing attendance."

A reporter asked, "How about another weekend June or July?" Long replied, "There are numerous conflicts all over the calendar. A survey of wedding anniversaries and critical Captains Club date conflicts turned up May 14-18 as the best date. The date was chosen after 3 years of collecting calendar conflicts from 150 golfers. Again, it is a trial date and going to try it.

I am going to have Rick Dosky discuss the fees."

Dosky said, "We fully expect the tournament fee to be as accommodating as in years past, however 10 years of inflation is limiting our options. We are considering a hike in fees starting in 2015. The club has not yet finalized a 2014 budget, however expecting this year's fees to remain in the traditional window."

The last 5 events required fees of $397, $435, $415, $379, and $405.

"Our tournament registration will be online again this year. It will be everyone's responsibility to visit the website in November, December, or January to get the critical registration information. If you are in need of reminders, send a check to me today. Make it out to Carl Spackler Open, Inc. for $120 and remember it is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Remember the event has been moved up 30 days, which will demand more prompt payments.

The Captains Club will be spending the remainder of October doing more detailed planning and enjoying the football season.

We have physically scouted 6 event opportunities and reached out to 7 different venues in 4 different states for bids. We have received strong and pathetic bids from venues with availability.

We expect to make a fee and venue announcement on November 1. Then open registration soon afterwards. We have eliminated Pittsboro, NC, Sevierville, TN, Kodak, TN, Concord, OH, and Zanesville, OH. A decision on Old Silo in Mount Sterling, KY or Shaker Run in Lebanon, OH will be made in the next week or so."

"Does anyone have any questions," asked Greg Long? "I have time for a few questions." A reporter asked, "How is Texas?" Long replied, "Warm and dry. Our county, which is not Houston, had the highest increase of jobs of anywhere in the country between March 2012-2013. 2,200 jobs. I just wish there were Mexican restaurants and golf courses down here."

Another reporter asked, "Why are the dates being shifted?" Long replied, "As suggested earlier in the press conference. High school graduations are more important than the Carl Spackler Open. We are trying a different date to see if it works long-term."

Long told reporters he would take one more question. The other reporter stood up and asked, "Is Shaker Run or Old Silo a better course?" Long thought for a second and responded, "Both courses have been hurting financially. Both courses were recently purchased and have new ownership. Both courses have strong layouts. I can visualize the Carl Spackler Open at both venues in the next few years. Old Silo has rolling terrain, less trees, and tons of fescue like the British Open. Shaker Run is not Poplar Grove, but like Poplar Grove with beautyI and variety. I would probably say Shaker Run is little better, but not by much."

"I am done for this month," added Long as he and Dosky stood up to leave the media center. "I will keep everyone posted."

The 2014 Carl Spackler Open is scheduled at an undisclosed location. The practice round for the 14th event will be held on Wednesday, May 14 starting at 2:00PM EST. An estimated 60-80 golfers are scheduled to attend the 14th major championship.