October 2, 2008

BARNESVILLE, PA — The Captains Club announced today they have eliminated Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville, PA. The decision to be removed from the nomination list comes just one week before the scheduled 2009 Carl Spackler Open venue announcement.

"Mountain Valley was an opportunity," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The communication from Mountain Valley ran into a brick wall. We are parting ways due to unknown availability and lacking communication."

Mountain Valley Golf Course is located on Interstate 81 and just 6 miles south of Hazleton, PA in the Appalachian Mountains. It 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 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will be held June 10-13 in the state of Virginia. The Captains Club moves forward towards Packsaddle Ridge Golf Course, Poplar Grove Golf Club, or Riverfront Golf Club as the selection for June. A venue announcement is expected prior to October 15.