August 5, 2004

HAZLETON, PA — Always known as "a great golf value," the original David Gordon-designed Mountain Valley opened in the early 1960's as a picturesque but challenging golf course.  The course, located 10 miles south of Hazleton, Pennsylvania is on the short list for 2005 venues.

In 1997, Mountain Valley enlisted international course designer Ault, Clark & Associates to redesign the existing 18 holes and to add 9 more.  The course now consists of 27 holes of picturesque golf, carved into the unique setting of Broad Mountain, which overlooks scenic Locust Valley.

With such great renovations, Golf Digest ranks Mountain Valley in the Top 8 for public facilities in the state of Pennsylvania.  Although, the exact ranking is unknown, it is the only course on that prestigious list under $70 per round.  This incredible layout and near perfect conditioning is being settled in the clubhouse for $25 per player during the week and $36 on the weekends.  "The price was like stealing," says Brian Long. "This facility includes cart at $36 per round.  After playing the course, I really felt like I owed them something."

Breathtaking changes in altitude from tee to green will surprise and challenge golfers to rise to the top of their game.  Grass and sand bunkers are on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course.  Brand new USGA greens and tee boxes, streams, ponds, and other water hazards have been added to enhance the natural beauty and ensure that your playing time will be a memorable experience.

Mountain Valley is without question on the short list to host the 2005 Carl Spackler Open Championship.  Other courses including Iron Valley, Olde Homestead, Raven, and Golden Oaks are being reviewed extensively.  A vote on venue is scheduled for late-September.