February 2, 2009

AMHERST, VA — One of the least noticed, most important roles within planning the Carl Spackler Open Championship returns in 2009. All golf bags can be stored in the Poplar Grove storage building or upstairs inside the Manor House Café (shown in photo as red structure) starting Wednesday evening after the practice round through Saturday's play.

"This is the most underrated planning we do for the tournament," says Matt Davis, Vice President of Bag Storage & Player Gifts. "This eliminates probably 90 minutes of bag handling throughout the week and eliminates 25 percent of the vehicles required to transport golfers."

The efficiencies of bag storage was first realized in 2002 at the Colonial Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. It did not return for two years due to golf club policies. It returned in Barnesville, PA with very powerful results. It has been included every since.

"It is one of those things that can stop tournament venue negotiations," says Davis. "Minor bag handling by 70+ golfers causes more inefficiencies than most realize."

The bag storage along with daily pairing sheets will coordinate the starters, golfers, rangers and bag staff to ensure 35+ golf carts can be loaded with a "valet-type" experience.

The tournament participants will be instructed to place their golf bags in their storage building or upstairs inside Poplar Grove's Manor House Cafe. The cafe built in 1773 still figures prominently in the property's present and future. Participants will be reminded to grab personal belongings such as wallets, jewelry, etc. before leaving the grounds.

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins its practice round on June 10. The tournament fee is $365 with participant options beginning March 1.