June 9, 2010

HAZLETON, PA — The 2010 Virtual Tournament is heating up this summer with hundreds of scorecards being posted throughout the Memorial Day holiday. Most of the players are feeling empty this week as they struggle without golf during the traditional Carl Spackler Open tournament week. However, there are some guys who have filled up their calendars.

A small group of nine members will travel to Hazleton, PA tomorrow to participate in a 72-hole golf trip spanning 72 hours starting Friday morning. The guys will play the 2005 Carl Spackler Open venue (Mountain Valley), Blue Ridge Trail, and Jack Frost National.

"Mountain Valley opened their final nine holes last month," says 8-year member and participant Brian Long. "Mountain Valley has expanded into two eighteen hole courses called 'Mountain' and 'Valley'. The plan is to play both courses on Friday prior to spending 3 to 4 hours with Pork at the legendary deck party, which has expanded its duration. The party starts at 5:00PM with the band starting at 6:00PM."

The weather report for Friday is a very comfortable and mostly sunny 77 degrees. "This is exactly what I need right now," says 9-year member Greg Garrett. "I also need to test drive the motor home this weekend before my summer vacation to Colorado."

Grady Walters, Glenn Hoffert, Bobby Owens, Mike Gibson, Jon Marti, Greg Long, and Kyle Marti are other participants who get a first glimpse of the expanded Mountain Valley.

"I have heard quite a bit about Mountain Valley," says 3-year member Mike Gibson. "I am very much looking forward to the weekend and Slick's Power Box."

The group will proceed to Blue Ridge Trail on Saturday morning for an additional 18 holes. "The facility is 25 minutes north of Hazleton," says 8-year member Kyle Marti. "They expanded their facility into 27 holes a few years back and heard plenty of good things. The course should play similar to Mountain Valley as it is carved out of forest."

Jack Frost National is on the schedule for Sunday morning at 8:00AM. "Golf Week suggests one of the best new courses in America last year," says 2-year member Bobby Owens. "These brand new courses tend to be in great condition and very fun to play. I can hardly wait."

The group from Pennylvania, Virginia, and Ohio will be responsible for entering 31 scorecards. Greg Garrett will be looking to make a move from 26th position in the 2010 Virtual Tournament. Greg Long hopes to hold his 6th position.