September 15, 2008

AMHERST, VA — Poplar Grove Golf Club, the final design of golf legend Sam Snead, has joined a very shortened list for the 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship. The announcement followed the removal of Links at Hiawatha Landing in Binghamton, NY.

Sam Sneed teaming up with Ed Carton, formerly of the Tom Fazio design group, provided his final design that reflects a culmination of a lifetime in championship golf.

Carved through native Virginia forest, the layout features rolling terrain, natural streams and lakes, and sweeping mountain views. Five sets of tees provide challenges for all levels of golfers to enjoy, while finely maintained bent grass greens, tees, and fairways will ensure superior playing conditions for everyone. Indeed the legendary vision of Sam Snead will establish Poplar Grove as a contemporary classic.

Poplar Grove was nationally recognized as "#8 Best New Upscale Public Facility" by Golf Digest in 2005 and is home to several championship tournaments. With magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is the good location for major championship.

The beautiful golf course is also recognized as the 13th best course in the state of Virginia, which includes both private and public courses surrounding Washington DC, Richmond, and Norfolk.

"The course is incredibly beautiful," says Greg Garrett, Vice President of the Online Scoring. "You really stop in your tracks and take in views on many holes."

Poplar Grove is located in the Appalachian Mountains and Amherst, VA. The event would administrate non-golf activities 15 minutes south in Lynchburg, VA. "We have several lodging and entertainment opportunities in Lynchburg," says Garrett. "We continue to work with vendors to provide the best opportunity for our 9th major."

Poplar Grove replaces Links at Hiawatha Landing on the venue list. Hiawatha Landing was removed due to availability and higher pricing.