September 19, 2010

BARNESVILLE, PA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship is headed back to Mountain Valley in 2011, three Captains Club officials said Saturday, giving the course the distinction of the only facility to host the national event twice.

The three officials with knowledge of the plans spoke on Saturday about the decision. The event had been reviewing their options for months before deciding on Mountain Valley in Barnesville, PA.

"Today, with much excitement, we have selected Mountain Valley Golf Course to host the 2011 Carl Spackler Open," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "Once again, we are excited about our unique opportunities, return growth of the tournament, and god willing exceeding expectations.

"We are very comfortable with opportunities in Barnesville and Hazleton," added Jeremy Myers. "Everything collectively made for an easy decision."

The golf course hosted the Carl Spackler Open back in 2005. Rick Dosky won the tournament with then rookie Mike Herron wearing the Carl Spackler Outfit.

Mountain Valley has since been expanded to 36 holes of picturesque golf, carved into the unique setting of Broad Mountain, which overlooks scenic Locust Valley. The clubhouse, which is the largest in tournament history, will facilitate many activities.

“I would like to congratulate and thank Mountain Valley for their partnership in bringing Carl Spackler Open to Barnesville in 2011,” said Long. “The history of this golf course and surrounding area are well documented. We have always considered Mountain Valley a showcase for love and respect for the game of golf, as well as partying with a passion."

The event itinerary will be similar to southern Texas. The 2011 Carl Spackler Open will host its practice round on Thursday, June 9 and final round on Sunday, June 12. The event travel day is Monday, June 13.

"The decision to return the event to a past location and calendar change comes with an explanation," said Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "I would like to take a moment and provide some explanation for this year's event.

Mountain Valley expanded to 36 holes in 2010, which provides availability for a second large outing on June 10. The brand new holes are beautiful and unplayed by almost everyone associated with the event. The availability for two large outings at the same time was a large hurdle for Mountain Valley to host our event again.

The NASCAR Pocono event is no longer a conflict with lodging in Hazleton. The hotel selection is a massive upgrade (from 2005) for nearly the same price. There will be expanded breakfast too, which was not included in 2005.

There are 56 active members who did not participate in the 2005 Carl Spackler Open. In addition, half the Texas participants have never been to Mountain Valley.

Mountain Valley has expanded their 4-hour weekly deck parties, which are now held on both Friday and Sunday nights.

Lastly, the budget provides the best value in 11 years. The budget is expected to include practice round, 3-days of coach bus service, and  other growth opportunities.

Does anyone have a question?"

Scott Miller asked, "What about the Yuengling Brewery Tour?" Long replied, "The bus and tour are reserved with deposits. The day is Friday, June 10 with bus transportation, taste tests, and tour costing $1.00 per golfer. Just remember that under no circumstances can a participant have shoes that expose any part of their foot. Those individuals are forbidden to enter our nations oldest brewery for safety reasons."

Harold Anderson asked, "Why is the travel day Monday, June 13 instead of the traditional Sunday, June 12?" Long replied, "To accommodate the Sunday night deck party, which Mountain Valley employees favor over Friday's party. It also lowers airfare with Sunday being the most expensive day of week to travel. The Awards Presentation will be held at 10:30PM on Sunday with bus service returning to the hotel at 12:00AM."

Trent Cooper asked, "Are we going back to Maroon's Sports Bar in Pottsville?" Long replied, "There is nothing scheduled in Pottsville except the brewery tour. Shenanigans is located in Hazleton and provides a great night out. The two 4-hour deck parties, brewery tour, and 4-man Scramble are expected to consume the vast majority of reasonable waking hours outside actual tournament golf."

Jason Ridgeway asked, "What is the golf course like these days? Which 18 holes? What yardage are we playing?" Long replied, "There are 9 new holes and 1 renovated hole at Mountain Valley. I think 5 or 6 of those new holes are in my personal Top 10 at Mountain Valley. The conditions are basically the same although several members of the Carl Spackler Open think the greens are better. The course is tighter as the trees have grown in. I would expect the tightest golf course in our history. We will most likely play both courses and yardage will be adjusted to 6,450."

The 2011 Carl Spackler Open will open registration prior to November 15. The postmarked deadline for registration is January 31, 2011. There are 70 to 90 participants expected for the 11th event.