July 21, 2014

BARNESVILLE, PA — A return to Mountain Valley? Possible.

The Carl Spackler Open Championship has considered the possibility of returning to a previous venue for the second time ever in its 14-year history. The Captains Club announced today it is exploring the possibility of a return to the newly expanded 36-hole Mountain Valley in Barnesville, PA.

"We have experienced wonderful hospitality over the years from Mountain Valley," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The 36-hole facility has recently built a nearby hotel for events and expanded its nightly clubhouse bar hours. Tee time availability and 'red carpet treatment' has been offered once again. The complimentary shuttle service is also hard to ignore."

Mountain Valley was opened in 1960. In 1997, Mountain Valley enlisted international course designer Ault, Clark & Associates to redesign the existing 18 holes and to add 9 holes. In 2007, Mountain Valley added four more holes east of Oak #6 (picture shown of one hole). These four new holes, the nine holes of Maple, and five holes from the Oak nine are now the 'Mountain' course. In 2010, Mountain Valley added five new holes east of Oak #3. These five new holes, the nine holes of Pine, and four holes from the Oak nine are now the 'Valley' course.

The facility presently consists of 36 holes of picturesque golf, carved into the unique setting of Broad Mountain, which overlooks scenic Locust Valley.

Breathtaking changes in altitude from tee to green will surprise and challenge golfers to rise to the top of their game. The construction was completed with the intention of softening the course to make it more fair for golfers of every level to appreciate. Grass and sand bunkers can be found on nearly every hole to catch the wayward shots from entering the wooded areas surrounding the course. Paved cart paths winding around the entire course allow for smooth travel between shots. Upscale shaped greens, tee boxes, streams, ponds, and other water hazards enhance the natural beauty and ensure that your playing time will be a memorable experience.

"The course is tight," says Jeremy Myers. "Rookies and members who have not played Mountain Valley better sharpen their accuracy."

Participants would experience the tightest fairways in history with deep rough and dense forest. "You need to be in good physical condition to play 54 tournament holes at Mountain Valley," says Myers. "Fortunately, Eric Sherriffs is releasing a work out video entitled, 'Are you kidding me?'"

Mountain Valley is located 50 feet from Interstate 81 in eastern Pennsylvania. It is 30 minutes northwest of America's Oldest Brewery.

The NASCAR Pocono 500, which had affected hotel availability, will no longer be a problem with Mountain Valley's new hotel. "I personally made a trip to Mountain Valley," says Long of the venue option. "Mountain Valley is officially ready to host another national championship. It has never been so ready."

The proposed golf trip would be managed from Barnesville instead of the 2005 Pottsville or 2011 Hazleton location.

The clubhouse has a very large deck that hosts large parties each week during the summer. "The golf course started hosting a second deck party on Sunday evenings a few years back," says senior member Mike Gibson. "Sunday evening is more laid back and better than Friday evening. The Friday party sees between 600 and 1,000 patrons. They Sunday party sees around 350 people."

Mountain Valley is 17 interstate highway minutes south of Hazleton, PA. "We are amazed with the setup," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "There are some logistical items to review, but 90 percent of venue scouting and preparations are realized.

"Please do not bring Spackler here," said Glenn Hoffert after shooting a disasterous 36-over 108 on the Valley course in 2010. "There is no way my game can flourish on these grounds."

Mountain Valley Golf Course in Pennsylvana and the stellar Shaker Run Golf Club in Ohio are two possiblities for the 2015 Carl Spackler Open.  A venue announcement with date is expected prior to Halloween.