December 18, 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 5th hole, "On the Rocks", which is a 356-yard Par 4. "In my opinion, the signature hole at Poplar Grove," says Greg Long. "Driver is not necessary, but let the 'big dog' eat."

Participants will see a very tall hardwood and two fairways as wide as the 13th at Grande Golf Club. The right fairway is a little tighter and much higher in elevation than the left fairway.

"This is a really short hole, but the green is a '4-putt' waiting to happen," says Greg Long. "The right side of the fairway gives the player a full view of the second largest green at Poplar Grove. The left side is much lower than the green requiring an approach shot with only the flag in view.

The green is oval shaped pointing similar to 1:35 on a clock. The green is 44 yards or 132 feet deep. The green is split in half with the back approximately 3 feet higher than the lower front level. "The green is huge and with a very large tier," says Greg Garrett. "The green is very similar to the 13th green at the Grande Golf Club, but turn it 90 degrees."

Participants hitting driver should be inside 100 yards for their approach. There is a minimum of a 2-club difference between the front and back of the green. "Guys need to locate the pin before hitting their approach," says Kevin Long, Jr.. "Guys really want to start putting on the right tier."

There are seven sand traps up the left side starting 60 yards short of the green; the most of any hole at Poplar Grove. There are 3 or 4 sand traps not in play, but there for aesthetics.

"The 5th hole, On the Rocks, is a really fun hole," says Greg Garrett. "The tree, split fairway, bunkering, and large 'rocks' left and behind the green give the hole great aesthetics."

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

"Slick took a double-bogey after a 300-yard drive down the right fairway," says Kevin Long, Jr. "This green is very tough, but his short game is a disaster."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will begin its annual practice round on Wednesday, June 10. Official tournament registration continues with a postmarked deadline of January 28.