September 1, 2005

DUBLIN, OH — Jason Watson, Vice President of Awards, was available on Wednesday to deliver the monthly Captains Club press release.  With the 2006 venue announcement on everyone's mind, Watson provided information on venue and some other very important items.

"This is going to a shorter conference than in the past," says Watson.  "I am a busy man and only few questions will be answered today.

Beginning in 2006, the tournament office will have new non-negotiable procedures.

First, non-refundable deposits will be accepted in November and December if players have a photograph online.  Payments received in January must be mailed with full tournament fee and then will be accepted in groups divisible by 4 or 8 depending on venue.

Secondly, cancellations in May/June will increase the percentage of player loss by 3 percent per day in addition to 100% loss of inital deposit.

Lastly, the full tourney fee will be required on January 3, 2007 for players that have a balance on May 1, 2006.

These items are again non-negotiable and everyone will be given a choice that started last week.

We have tenatively scheduled a venue announcement for late this month.  Probably in the last few days before October.  We are still reviewing our possiblities in Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, and New York.

The brand new strategic direction for venue has added the possibility of a centralized location.  The possibilities will be located 100 miles from the central point being Grantsville, MD.  Southern PA, northern WV, or western MD.  Those future venue possibilities could eliminate or postpone a tournament rotation.  The region hosts 69 public 18 hole golf courses over 6,000 yards.  We expect to nominate a venue for Captains Club vote every year between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh.

Our next steps are finalizing nominated venues, voting, and releasing that information.  Then budgeting season begins in very early October and remains until Halloween.  Then the online invitation will be created in early November and posted on November 15.  Deadline for tournament registration will end promptly on January 3.

That is it for us.  Does anyone have any quick questions?"

A reporter asked, "So where do you think in 2006?"  Watson took off his hat, fanned his arms out and smirked.  "I have no idea," says Watson. "We do not have all the information to make an intelligent decision for the group.  I have visited Old Silo, Legacy, Oglebay, and all are outstanding.  There are others.  We are still finalizing our new strategy and possible centralized location."

"Any other questions," asked Watson.  Another reporter asked, "What is driving the venues for nomination?"  Watson replied, "The distance from hotel to entertainment is number one.  Then distance from hotel to course.  Then golf course condition.  Then golf course layout.  The accommodations should be close together as one facility cannot handle 84-100 field members.

That is about it.  I have to run.  See you next month with our venue announcement."