March 9, 2009

BUENA VISTA, VA — The Carl Spackler Open was originally designed as a 3-day 72-hole golf tournament. It added a practice round, 4th day, in April 2002 and converted 18 tournament holes into a 18-hole optional 4-man scramble in June 2003. It has since slowly moved from a 3-day event to a 4-day event in 6 years. Is it time for optional 5th day?

The initial practice round in April 2002 experienced 50 percent attendance. It grew to 65 percent by June 2005, 78 percent by June 2007, and 93 percent at Rock Hollow.

In 2005, the Captains Club begun to see guys golfing the day before the practice round. It started in June 2005 and has been growing slowly each year.

The Tuesday golf courses of the past have been located in the direct route for the vast majority of the participants headed to the Carl Spackler Open.

The Captains Club has decided to take a first step to acquire interest for a optional 5th day of golf. This year presents a $59 golf package with a brand new municipal Vista Links in Buena Vista, VA.

The Vista Links is an 18-hole, Par-72 Public Golf Course located two miles southeast of Lexington, VA. This Rick Jacobson designed course is a links style course, but with feel of a mountain course; many elevation changes with panoramic views; and rock outcroppings. The course officially opened in August 2004.

"Golfers who do not fly, do not reside in Virginia, or do not reside in North Carolina will be driving past the Vista Golf Links sign and driveway," says Long. "It is a cheap opportunity nestled inside a stunning mountain range. The layout is super for a open links-style course."

The optional event would start at 3:00PM for an expected 4 to 12 golfers and cost approximately $30. A group rate could possibly lower that fee.

In addition to the Vista Golf Links comes another opportunity for Tuesday night, June 9. The host lodging, Quality Inn, is located 30 minutes south of Poplar Grove and 70 minutes from Buena Vista, VA. The hotel is offering rooms and breakfast for $29 (with tax) double-occupancy.

"The Tuesday golf package is $59," says Greg Long. "We have virtually eliminated price to acquire demand for Tuesday. It is a first step of many towards a 7-day golf trip in 2030."

The "Spackler" regarded as one of the Tour's most successful events and most popular among the players, tournament organizers say they hope the possible extension to 108 holes will give the Carl Spackler Open even more stature in the world of amateur golf.

"The extended kitchen passes have grown slowly, but steadily," says Don Creighton, Vice President of Player Transportation. "The current practice round has 90 percent participation. It is time to collect demand for a 5th day."

Creighton added, "We have been very pleased over the years at how our tournament has been received by the players and the fans. This is yet another step we are taking to further enhance the Carl Spackler Open Championship as one of the greatest golf tournaments in the world."

The tournament, which has been played in Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina, and Indiana since its inception, annually attracts the strongest fields in America.

Over the years, the tournament has been won by many of the greatest names in golf including Brian Flanagan, Rick Dosky, Mike Trojanowski, and defending champion Harold Anderson.

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will be held at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Amherst, VA. There are 70 to 74 participants expected for the Wednesday afternoon practice round.