March 24, 2011

BARNESVILLE, PA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship is a 54-hole amateur golf tournament with an annual field of players reaching 96 in its 11th year. There are 36 participants who have registered for a return to Mountain Valley.

"The Carl Spackler Open is returning to Mountain Valley," says a delighted Mike Davis. "At least that was my initial thought, however there are just 36 guys returning from 2005. That leaves 60 participants who did not participate in the 2005 Carl Spackler Open.

I am a Mountain Valley veteran, but its hard to believe the majority has never experienced Mountain Valley."

Some senior members who have never been to Mountain Valley include Chris Milam, Randon Mineweaser, Dave Nickles, Jeff Tatum, Allan Hench, Dave Osborne, Dave Lauerhass, Harold Anderson, Tim Davis, Matt Boland, and Mark Wray.

Mike Gibson, Bobby Owens, and Jon Marti first experienced Mountain Valley during the June 2010 scouting visit. These 3 participants along with Kyle Marti, Greg Garrett, Brian Long, and Greg Long are the only participants with 36 holes of course knowledge.

"The event feels different this year for me," added Davis. "I feel more knowledgable of the golf course and comfortable with the event."

The golf course has added 9 holes since June 2005, which provides a fresh look to almost everyone. The event lodging has moved 27 miles from Pottsville, PA to Hazleton, PA. Mountain Valley has created a second deck party on Sunday evenings since 2005.

The 2011 Carl Spackler Open will be held June 9-13 in Barnesville, PA. Mark Palmer will be participating on Thursday, June 9 before departing early Friday morning for a wedding in the state of Delaware.