January 1, 2009

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 Garrett continued through the tournament course with the 7th hole, "David's Dare", which is a 156-yard Par 3. "The second best par 3," says Garrett. "I have no idea who David is, but for Spackler purposes... we will imply David Osborne's Dare."

Osborne's Dare will be a disaster for participants who cannot hit a slightly downhill 150 yards. The green is sitting up on a steep rectangluar table turned 38 degrees to the right. Participants can find the very front right portion of the green at 140 yards. The left back side is 170 yards.

"This hole is not scary like a true island green, but scores will resemble it," says Captains Club member Greg Long. "The tee and green are very elevated. Anything short, long, right, or left of the green is jail and most likely double or triple-bogey."

The stream from the previous hole crosses through the 7th hole at the bottom of the valley. The ravine is not in play unless you hit the ball less than 130 yards.

The green is oval shaped pointing 10:24 on a clock. The green is 35 yards or 105 feet deep. "The green depth is very desceptive," says Kevin Long, Jr.. "The green shape is probably 80 feet by 135 feet, but turned to the right." There is an apron in the front, but sloping upward to slow down a bounce.

There are four sand traps; all greenside; left, back right, and two stacked front right.

"The 7th hole, David's Dare, is a great par 3," says Greg Garrett. "The entire hole locked inside the stands of hardwoods. Another secluded, quiet, and beautiful hole."

SCORE SUMMARY: Slick played the 7th hole even through two days. Double G played +3 through two days. Winger played even through one day. The USGA handicap suggests the 2nd easiest hole, however the Captains Club suggests the 5th easiest hole with 5 rounds +0.6 strokes over par.

"Everyone hit the green through all five rounds except Garrett's single miss," says Kevin Long, Jr.. "He took at triple-bogey; all other scores were par. I think these statistics tell the story of David Osborne's Dare."

"I'll be hitting the 6 or 7-iron depending on weather and pin placement," says Dave Osborne. "I recommend everyone else club down."

The 2009 Carl Spackler Open Championship will begin to collect its annual participant options on March 1. Participant options will be selected for the entire month of March and conclude on March 31.