November 20, 2008

AMHERST, VA — Poplar Grove Golf Club, the final design of golf legend Sam Snead, was  chosen to host the 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship. On behalf of the Captains Club, Greg Long, Greg Garrett, and Kevin Long, continued to provide the detail surrounding the tournament course.

Greg Long continued through the tournament course with the second hole, "Spring House", which is a 406-yard Par 4. "One of the most beautiful or most scary holes at Poplar Grove depending on your driver accuracy," said Greg Long. "You must hit the driver and a Gumby snap-hook is big trouble. A power fade started over the water will take lots of confidence. Pushing things right of the fairway is your bailout."

Participants will see water, fairway and more water. "Hit the driver and cross your fingers," says Greg Garrett. "You need a minimum of 230 yards and preferrably 250. Grip it and rip it. The downhill shot should give you the 10 extra yards needed to guarantee par."

The green is oval shaped pointing similar to 12:30 on a clock. The green is 32 yards or 96 feet deep. The left greenside bunker is your friend as it keeps your ball out of the water.

"I was really scared by the length and wind coming across the water," says Kevin Long, Jr. "Relax. Remember this hole has no water if you keep the ball right."

There are two long sand traps; one left greenside bunker and one between the water and fairway near the tee landing area.

"The second hole, Spring House, should be the signature hole," says Greg Garrett. "The Spring House is directly behind the green. It is the first piece of Poplar Grove property participants will see on Wednesday."

SCORE SUMMARY: Slick played the 2nd hole even through two days. Double G played +4 through two days. Winger played +1 through one day. The USGA handicap suggests the 3rd hardest hole, however the Captains Club suggests the 6th easiest hole with 5 rounds +1.0 strokes over par.

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will begin its annual practice round on Wednesday, June 10. Official tournament registration ends in 70 days.