April 7, 2011

BARNESVILLE, PA — The 2011 Skills Challenge Contest returns for its 10th straight year with a traditional flavor. Brian Flanagan returns as the reigning champ after a beer-throwing golfer-jumping hole-in-one in South Padre Island, Texas.

The group contest will be held on Sunday after after a clubhouse dinner. The group will proceed to the 150 yard marker on the 1st hole of the Valley course.

This years group contest is a 80+ golfer contest where each participant will be given two swings at a flagstick. Each swing will be executed on the 'count-of-three' and with four guys executing their swing at the same time.

"That changes everything," says senior member Mark Wray. "I have trouble getting comfortable in a peaceful situation."

Although surprising, the contest is expected to see between 20 and 30 balls hit the green.

The worst skilled golfers will hit first to prevent Brian Flanagan from stealing away the excitement with another hole-in-one. The closest ball to the pin will take home the 2011 Skills Challenge Trophy.

"I am considering Skills Challenge retirement," says Brian Flanagan. "I am pretty sure there is nothing else to prove. Getting out on top is what makes legends."

The 2-time winner of the Skills Challenge Contest, Greg Garrett, also returns to the Skills Challenge Contest. "The game is easier than most people realize," says Garrett. "Learning to relax is critical to become an professional short game player."

Greg became a legend in 2006 when he claimed, "There is no break on the green if you putt the ball hard enough."

Pat Boland returns as the 2005 Skills Challenge Contest winner from Mountain Valley.

Flanagan returns with trophy in arm. He scored a hole-in-one from 137 yards over a pond in South Padre Island, TX. Past winners include Greg Garrett (2009), Mike Pugh (2008), Jason Ridgeway (2007), Jeff Miller (2006), Pat Boland (2005), and Greg Garrett (2004).

The group contest is expected to take 60 minutes. The clubhouse deck party will begin at 6:00PM.