August 23, 2015

BARNESVILLE, PA — The Carl Spackler Open has considered the possibility of returning to a previous venue for the second time ever in its 15-year history. The Captains Club announced today it is exploring the possibility of a return to the newly expanded 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. The 'red carpet treatment' has been offered once again, however availability for our preferred June 8-11 weekend is in question. Mountain Valley has two 144-man outings that will tee at 1:00pm on June 10."

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."

"We have eliminated the possibility of hosting our event at Mountain Valley over the June 8-11, 2016 weekend," says Greg Long. "We are exploring two other weekends before moving forward with another host course."

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

The proposed golf trip would be managed from Barnesville for its first time. The clubhouse has a very large deck that hosts large parties each week during the summer. The Friday party sees between 600 and 1,000 patrons.

Mountain Valley is 2 miles from their hotel. "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 Jeff Tatum after shooting disasterous rounds in 2011. "There is no way my game can flourish on these grounds."

Mountain Valley Golf Course in Pennsylvana opens as the first consideration for the 2016 Carl Spackler Open.  A venue announcement with date is expected prior to Halloween.