October 22, 2004

POTTSVILLE, PA — The #1 tournament in amateur golf, Carl Spackler Open, has selected Mountain Valley to host the 2005 Open Championship.  Mountain Valley is located 8 miles northeast of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

The Captains Club made the public announcement on Thursday night at their weekly press conference.  "Today, with excitement, we have selected Mountain Valley Golf Course to host the 2005 Carl Spackler Open," said Don Creighton.  "We are excited about our unique opportunities for Mountain Valley, the city of Pottsville, and the steady growth of the tournament."

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.  Mountain Valley is ranked 7th in America for Best Value by Readers of Golf Digest.  It is also ranked 8th in the state of Pennsylvania by Golf Digest Readers.

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.

"Without a doubt, the best golf course in Carl Spackler history," said Jay Dilks after his round at Mountain Valley.  "Even the cold, foggy, and rainy weather could not hide the incredible experience.  The character of each hole has you running to the next."

Brian Long noticed the value and conditioning during his round.  "The price to play is stealing," says member Brian Long. "After playing the course, I really felt like I owed them something.  As far as conditioning, I think employees are out there at night replacing divots.  The fairways looked unplayed for months."

Kyle Marti commented on the yardage and skill required.  "The course layout is simple.  The tips play roughly 6,500 yards.  There are dense woods down the right and heavy woods down the left. If you stray, you pay."

"The greatest importance for golf course is conditioning and character," says Greg Long.  "Everyone wants a course that is playable and fascinating in Round 3.  We have met that goal with flying colors with Mountain Valley."  Long continued, "There is a difference between traditional golf in the woods and Mountain Valley.  This facility is in a deep forest from start to finish.  The very short yardage and elevation changes enhance the completely different experience."

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 selected to represent the state of Pennsylvania in the 10 year rotation.  It beats out Olde Homestead near Allentown, Iron Valley near Hershey, and Golden Oaks near Reading.  Mountain Valley follows Tanglewood Park in North Carolina, Thunder Hill in Ohio, Colonial in Virginia, and Tiger's Eye in South Carolina.

Invitations for the 2005 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, 2005.