December 25, 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.

Kevin Long, Jr. continued through the tournament course with the 6th hole, "Stonewall", which is a 518-yard Par 5. The 6th hole is downhill dogleg right to a green pushed back in the forest. There is a ravine down the left side of the fairway from 272 yards. The ravine guards both the front and right side of the green.

"The 6th hole should be the signature hole at Poplar Grove," says Kevin Long, Jr. "The downhill tee shot, ravine, risk & reward opportunity, stonewall, and bunkering is outstanding; a perfect hole."

Golfers have the opportunity to sweep the corner (right bunker) with any drive carrying 245 yards. "There is risk and reward everywhere," says Kevin Long, Jr. "Cut the corner if you have the distance, however long tee shots left of the right bunker will end up in deep rough, left bunker, or in the ravine."

Balls hit over the right bunker will bounce downward into the fairway setting up approach shots inside 200 yards.

"Many will consider the 6th as the first let down hole at Poplar Grove," says Greg Garrett. "Until you cut the corner and see the rest of the hole. The hole from 250 yards resembles the 13th at Augusta National. The positioning of the creek and forest down the left side are near replicas."

The 6th hole is designed down in a small valley with balls running towards the beautiful ravine.

"This hole is similar to all the par 5's at Poplar Grove," says Greg Garrett. "Hit the risk/reward shot off the tee or hit the 200-yard club. Driver gets you little at Poplar Grove unless you want to risk a double-bogey."

The right rough is sloped considerably towards the fairway promoting balls to bounce towards the fairway. Anything hit left after the tee shot will not be playable.

The green is oval shaped and points similar to 12:00 on a clock. The front and right side of the green sits on top of a stonewall. The green is 33 yards or 99 feet deep and somewhat skinny. There is bunkering near the green, but difficult to find with a ball.

"I recommend boring golf again," says Greg Garrett. "Hit the 210-yard club unless you get zero points for bogey and can hit a 'cut'. "The driver is unnecessary off the tee for almost everyone."

There are five sand traps; one greenside, one short of the green, one at the outside of the corner of the fairway, and two bunkers on the corner of the dogleg.

"Hit a few yards past the 150-yard stick with your second shot," says Greg Long. "Do not get fancy with low-irons because this hole can be penal."

"I twice hit through the fairway off the tee," said Greg Long. "Stonewall is beautiful, but requires a 'cut' off the tee."

SCORE SUMMARY: Slick managed to play the 3rd hole even through two days. Double G played +2 through two days. Winger played +1 through one day. The USGA handicap suggests the hardest hole at Poplar Grove, however the Captains Club suggests the 5th easiest hole with 5 rounds +0.6 strokes over par.

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will begin its annual practice round on Wednesday, June 10. Official tournament registration must be postmarked by January 28.