July 24, 2002

COLUMBUS, OH — The best amateur players in the world won't have to spend a fortune to play the 2003 Carl Spackler Open Championship.  They won't have to pay $140 to play the final two rounds, or $60 to play during the week. The conditions will be better than ever.  After all, this is the Carl Spackler Open.

"I'm very excited. I was hoping things would this easy," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club who spearheaded the move to bring the Carl Spackler Open to a public course into the Mid-Atlantic region.

Ah, that would bring back memories for many of the amateurs.   Rob Fustich grew up on a public golf course in Pennsylvania and I vividly remember the difference the first time he played a country club.   "The greens were smooth and he carried bags as a caddie," he said. "Those were the days."

The 2003 major championship is expected to make the June move to Ohio, Pennsylvania or even West Virginia.  Carl Spackler has been trucking around the Mid-Atlantic region in search of the perfect golf experience.  He understands the importance of a quality track and local entertainment.

The Captains Club has been given several tournament possibilities.  Some include extremely tough tests of amateur golf and others are just where a major championship should be held.  

Below is a list of courses by state.

The Reserve at Thunder Hill This extremely difficult course is located in Madison, Ohio, where one tee box sees the 150?s for a slope.  With 81 ponds and 74 bunkers, players will given the stringent test of golf.  This test of golfing pleasure includes cottages on the beach of Lake Erie.  Restaurants and bars within walking distance could prove to be the perfect.

Shaker Run Golf Club This very fun golf course will host the 2005 Amateur Championship and give the players a taste of greatness.  With plenty of wide fairways and water, the tournament would be a great success.  This northeast Cincinnati, Ohio location would include entertainment from nearby Kings Island Amusement Park.

Cedarbrook Golf Club This very challenging course will tease each player into shots they should not play.  The Gold course has length and tight fairways.  This 36-hole facility has the perfect clubhouse bar and lodging accommodations for the 2003 major.  Located just south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the golf course is perfect centralized to the field of players.  Nice accommodations are available across the street from the golf course.

Tom?s Run at Chestnut Ridge This secluded golf course is possibly the best track possible for a major championship.  20 minutes from Climax One Adult Club, the location could prove to be perfect.  Located just east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the golf course is ranked in Golf Digest is the place to play in Pennsylvania.  Limited restaurants in the area could hurt Tom?s chances of obtaining the 2003 Open Championship.  Again, nice accommodations are available across the street from the golf course.

Blackmoor Golf Club This experience is the best golf track for $28 in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Up and down the hills of eastern Ohio, this course is located 30 minutes west of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Strong layout will challenge the field for 72 holes.  Lodging could be the most difficult due to the price in Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  There is a report of gentlemen?s entertainment within 30 minutes of the golf course and 15 minutes from lodging.

Lakeview Resort This perfect experience just east of Morgantown, West Virginia is expected to be the best option available, but at a fairly high price.  With dinner at the clubhouse each day and condo on the golf course, players might forget that online GPS scoring is also available on the golf carts.  The resort is ranked as the 2nd best golf resort in the state.