October 6, 2005

CLAYTON, NC — The #1 tournament in amateur golf, Carl Spackler Open, has selected The Neuse to host the 2006 Open Championship. The Neuse is located 25 minutes south of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Captains Club made the public announcement on Tuesday night at their monthly press conference. "Today, with excitement, we have selected The Neuse to host the 2006 Carl Spackler Open," said Don Creighton. "Once again, we are excited about our unique opportunities, the city of Raleigh, steady growth of the tournament, and exceeding expectations."

Always known as a great golf value, the original John LaFoy-designed Neuse opened to rave reviews and has never missed a beat.  Just like Mountain Valley, The Neuse is ranked 4 1/2 stars and #1 best value in the state by Golf Digest.  The Neuse is also ranked right behind Pinehurst #2 and #4 with the best course conditions in the state.

The members of Spackler can expect to mix it up with rocks, rolls, twists and turns in search of their spot in the Spackler-lore.  The design will force thrilling roller coaster rides, peaceful setting along the banks of The Neuse River, and Jon Munksgard's first true opportunity to take one off a house.

"We fully expect the best golf course conditions in Carl Spackler history," said Greg Long. "Prepare for Tanglewood Park-like conditions.  The near perfect conditions should not take away from the super layout."

"It has the potential to top the Pottsville experience," says Kevin Long, Jr.  "Take that quote to the bank."

The lodging arrangements are also super and located in downtown Raleigh, NC.  Plenty of local establishments in walking distance made the Captains Club decision very easy.

The Neuse selection breaks the 10 year rotation of state-by-state. It beats out Kentucky and Michigan.  It follows Mountain Valley in Pennsylvania, Tanglewood Park in North Carolina, Thunder Hill in Ohio, Colonial in Virginia, and Tiger's Eye in South Carolina.

"The course sets up for both the hacker and the low-handicapper," says Jamie Myers.  "It is the kind of course that tells you to go to hell in manner that makes you look forward to the trip."

Myers added, "The entertainment venue is unprecedented.  Never an Open has seen these kinds of opportunities at its fingertips.  We are talking about all player activities outside of golf to be within three blocks of the hotel and I'm not talking city blocks."

Invitations for the 2006 Carl Spackler Open will be mailed on November 15, 2005. Although the cost for the Open is still unknown, the non-refundable deposit of $120 per participant is due before January 3, 2006.