April 13, 2005

POTTSVILLE, PA — The 2005 Carl Spackler Open is less than 60 days away.  The field of players are expected to start arriving to the moderately-sized motel in the middle of nowhere on June 8.  The selected River Inn Motel is located just south of downtown Pottsville.

The Captains Club spent plenty of time and money to find the only lodging option for the selected venue during the very popular Pocono 500 Nascar Race.  The Captains Club repeatedly challenged themselves to find "low price group lodging with 32+ available double bed rooms during the most popular week of the entire year."  It was not easy, but they accomplished just that.

"We quickly eliminated every hotel on I-80 and in Hazleton area," says Kevin Long, Jr.  "Hotels kept acting like we were crazy to even ask for 30 rooms.  We migrated our search south to Pottsville where we found four establishments in or around Pottsville.  

The Quality Inn is located downtown Pottsville.  A very short 3 blocks to Yuengling and 6 blocks to Maroon's Sports Bar.  Unfortunately, it was quickly eliminated with only 6 rooms with double beds.

The Holiday Inn Express and Country Inn were located 4 miles outside Pottsville, but did not accept golf groups due to liability.  With almost extreme luck, the River Inn, located 2 miles south of downtown Pottsville had 31 double bed rooms, low price, and 31 rooms in one large building.

"I was a little worried when I pulled in," says Jay Dilks, Vice President of SNN.  "It was definitely a motel, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the actual rooms.  Very clean, comfortable, and not what I expected from the parking lot."  

Dilks continued reading his written statement.  "I can assure everyone this place is not the Village Inn and Conference Center.  It also is not Uncle Tom's Cottages up at Geneva-on-the-Lake.  It is definitely closer to last year's lodging, but we will take it because who the hell cares.  We are here to drink beer and play golf."

The motel surprisingly has a bar, restaurant, and conference center.  Each room comes with television, set of queen beds, and shower.

The 2005 Carl Spackler Open begins in 56 days.  As players begin to play golf in 2005, the Mountain Valley course begins to shape for the summer.