July 21, 2008

BARNESVILLE, PA — A return to Mountain Valley? Possible.

The Carl Spackler Open Championship has considered the possibility of returning to a previous venue for the first time ever in its 9-year history. The Captains Club announced today it is exploring the possibility of a return to the 31-hole Mountain Valley golf course in Barnesville, PA.

"We have experienced very positive communications with Mountain Valley," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "Tee time availability and 'red carpet treatment' has been offered, but still exploring nearby Hazleton for lodging, entertainment, and shuttle service. Visiting the course for a condition update is also important."

Mountain Valley was opened in 1960. In 1997, Mountain Valley enlisted international course designer Ault, Clark & Associates to redesign the existing 18 holes and to add 9 holes. In 2007, Mountain Valley added four more holes east of Oak #3 (picture shown). These four new holes and first five holes of Oak are the new Oak nine.

This leaves old Oak #6, #7, #8, and #9 as practice holes until the remaining five holes are completed. These holes will be part of the new Hemlock nine and stretch the facility to 36 holes.

The facility presently consists of 31 holes of picturesque golf, carved into the unique setting of Broad Mountain, which overlooks scenic Locust Valley.

Breathtaking changes in altitude from tee to green will surprise and challenge golfers to rise to the top of their game. The construction was completed with the intention of softening the course to make it more fair for golfers of every level to appreciate. Grass and sand bunkers can be found on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course. Paved cart paths winding around the entire course allow for smooth travel between shots. Upscale shaped greens, tee boxes, streams, ponds, and other water hazards enhance the natural beauty and ensure that your playing time will be a memorable experience.

"The course is tight," says Jeremy Myers. "Rookies and members who have not played Mountain Valley better sharpen their accuracy. It is like playing the 12th hole at Rock Hollow 72 times."

Participants would experience the tightest fairways in history with deep rough and dense forest. "You need to be in good physical condition to play 54 tournament holes at Mountain Valley," says Myers. "Fortunately, Eric Sherriffs is releasing a work out video entitled, 'Are you kidding me?'"

Jason Ridgeway is hoping for good conditioned greens. "Those greens were the worst in our history," says Ridgeway. "They were not terrible, but did cost me lots of birdies and rewarded me a terrible finish."

Mountain Valley is located 50 feet from Interstate 81 in eastern Pennsylvania. It is 30 minutes northwest of America's Oldest Brewery.

The Pocono 500 released their 2009 schedule in very late-June. The NASCAR race will be held June 7, which opens the door for a Mountain Valley return starting June 10.

"The biggest unknowns right now are course conditions and pricing," says Long of the venue choice. "Exceeding participant expectations is going to be tough at Mountain Valley. It continues to be the primary concern for any return to Barnesville."

Scouting the four new holes for a condition update, Hazleton lodging, and entertainment is expected prior to October.