July 9, 2007

WHARNCLIFFE, WV — The Carl Spackler Open announced today it has added Twisted Gun Golf Course to its 2011-2013 research and negotation list. The incredibly unique facility is currently recognized by Golf Digest as the 40th Best Bargain in America.

"People keep telling me how good it is," says Greg Long of the Tom Fazio and Mark Nicewonder designed course. "I cannot believe what I am reading in the blogs. It sounds like a gold mine waiting for people to play it."

Twisted Gun, which is located in Wharncliffe (the middle of nowhere), opened to the public in August 2002. Due to the steep terrain of the surrounding area, the 7,015-yard, links-style course is the only 18-hole facility in a three-county region. Being two miles up a mountain, winds often kick up to create major havoc.

The miles leading up to the former Low Gap mountaintop mining site in Mingo County used to consist of a curvy, muddy road and a coal truck or two. Golfers can now make the uphill drive to the parking lot where they see a stark contrast -- rolling green terrain, meadows, rock walls and wetlands.

"It’s a miracle … not that they built a course but the quality of course they built," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "It should speak for itself during my visit in August. It appears to be well-maintained, accessible to the public, and rates are incredibly low. Value wise, it’s the greatest ever and well worth the drive and consideration for 2011-2013."

Visitors right away see wide fairways and the picturesque 9th and 18th holes, which come together in one massive, boomerang-shaped green fronted by a 2-acre lake with a fountain. Elevation changes are noticed only on the elevated tee on the 11th hole and the gradual rise to the 17th green.

"The whole thing sounded impossible to consider a few years ago," says Long of the remote venue. "I tried to ignore the great value in the middle of nowhere, but I am pulled back in by someone saying 'unbelievable', 'must play', 'breathtaking', or 'you have got to be kidding me'. It is now time to put the rumors to rest with a visit in August."

Long continued, "Remember the beautiful views from the green of Oak 9 at Mountain Valley? Not even close according to the blogs. You are literally on top of the highest mountain around with a 360 degree view of incredible valleys and Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. This, and the fact it is a converted stripmine, make you want to investigate. But oddly, Twisted Gun is not a vertical course. It is built on two pretty flat levels on top the mountain, and has only the 1st two holes on the second half with much vertical change, as you drop to the lower level. The most unique thing about the facility is its location or the fact there are zero trees on the property including newly planted trees."

The 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship is scheduled for play on June 5. There are 26 golfers with written commitments to the 8th major championship.