May 25, 2013

SNOWSHOE, WV — Raven Golf Club will host the 2013 Carl Spackler Open. Kevin Long, Jr. announced today on behalf of the Captains Club the event will host its second cornhole tournament. This time however, the activity will be held outside right behind Fiddlehead In downtown Snowshoe, WV. The announcement comes less than 3 weeks before the event.

"I am pleased with this year's event setup," says Kevin Long, Jr. "Snowshoe Resort will do a wonderful job of handling most of our event, however Fiddlehead will provide food and beverage services along with lighted backyard for our second team cornhole tournament. Mr. Jason Ridgeway and I are putting the final touches on June 8th's mini-event."

The Fiddlehead, located 1/4 mile from The Inn, will host some live music, $2 Yuengling's & Pabst Blue Ribbon draft beers, and leave the kitchen open til 11:00pm on Saturday. The distance to hotel ensures everyone can walk back to the hotel if desired.

"We are not ready to release the details yet, but we are putting together teams of two players," says Long. "Teams will be put together randomly with minor exceptions."

The 4-year West Virginia Cornhole State Champion JT Thomas has registered for the event. The scratch cornhole player has also won State Championships in Ohio and Indiana. He has a 3rd place finish in Nebraska.

"It is a simple game," says Thomas. "You just throw three bags in a hole." Thomas was asked if he has any recommendations for beginners. He replied, "Sure. Watch and repeat the simple techniques you see out there during the tournament. Try to get closer to the corn. I always take my large cornbag pillow to tournaments. and sleep with it for good luck."

This year's cornhole tournament follows a tradition of non-golf competitons offered at the Carl Spackler Open. The event hosted its first cornhole tournament in Brooklyn, MI back in 2007. A bowling tournament followed in Peru, IN. The group attended a minor league baseball game in 2009 plus held its first ever belly smacker contest. The Spackler held its first ever "Carl-olympics" on beach of South Padre Island back in 2010. It took a Yuengling Brewery Tour in 2011.

The 2013 Carl Spackler Open  will be held June 6-9 at Snowshoe Resort in Snowshoe, WV. There are 66 golfers expected to participate in the 13th annual birthday party.