August 14, 2006

WHARNCLIFFE, WV — Twisted Gun Golf Course in southwestern West Virginia has been placed on the "slim chance" list of potential 2007 venues by the Captains Club.

The course is links-style constructed two miles up on top a mountain, where winds often kick up to create havoc. It was designed by architect Mark Nicewonder and opened for play in April 2003. The course is generally open and treeless, with wide, rolling fairways oriented to take advantage of the prevailing winds. The large, undulating greens are challenging but fair. There are two lakes coming into play on four holes.

Twisted Gun plays from 5,155 to 7,015-yards and there are four sets of tees per hole to accommodate all skill levels.

"People keep writing about how good it is," said Chairman of the Captains Club, Greg Long. "They cannot believe it and always note it exceeded expections. You would think it is a gold mine waiting for people to play."

Reminders of the region’s heritage are everywhere, from the faint hum of coal trucks at the working operations far below the No. 2 green to the flakes of coal in the bunkers. A brown Norfolk Southern rail car sits to the left of the No. 5 green. Along the 14th tee, there’s a red caboose. Players have unobstructed views of West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.

Visitors right away see wide fairways and the picturesque 9th and 18th , which come together in one massive, boomerang-shaped green fronted by a 2-acre lake with a fountain.

The town of Logan, WV would host the lodging and entertainment at record-low pricing. "We probably would be given a key to the town," says Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "Maybe even a parade in our honor of Carl."

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship venue announcement is scheduled for early-October.