September 10, 2015

PITTSBORO, NC — The #1 tournament in amateur golf brought aboard one of the best kept secrets in public golf on Friday. The Fred Couples designed course, Chapel Ridge, was added to the 2016 venue list. The wonderful golf facility is located just northwest of downtown Pittsboro, NC.

"This place is a future Carl Spackler Open venue just waiting to happen," says Captains Club member Jeremy Myers. "Everything about this place screams Spackler."

Chapel Ridge Golf Club combines the course design talents of Bob Moore and the player design skills of Fred Couples. The rolling hills land has been molded into a championship course reminiscent of the old traditional courses found in the United States.

"Where do you start with this kind of setup," says a very satisfied Jeremy Myers after his round in April 2011. "There are 14 or 15 signature-style holes out there. The facility is manicured wonderfully and far from boredom."

Myers joined Greg Long, Chris Milam, and Mark Palmer in April 2011 for a scouting trip. The group played 90 holes over four days with Chapel Ridge clearly setting itself apart. Member Jim Graham returned for a condition update in 2014 and was very impressed.

"Buses would pass the Carolina Brewery on the way to the course everyday," says Myers. "The brewery is probably 4 minutes from the golf course and yes... they have tours."

The setup includes hotels and entertainment from Apex, NC or Burlington, NC. The single disappointment is its rural location and distance to lodging.

"The starting hole at Chapel Ridge rivals the greatness of Rock Hollow," says Chairman of the Captains Club Greg Long. "The course delivers pleasure early and often. It is not Poplar Grove in Amherst, VA, however it does have 'this is a great hole' whispers at least 14 times."

Long added, "The setting surrounding the practice facility is probably the best ever experienced anywhere. The clubhouse is a rectanglar building with a large backside patio with rocking chairs. You step off the patio onto a very large flat range. The large putting green is adjacent. One of the best practice facilities ever designed.

You flip the nines and clearly have the best finishing hole in Carl Spackler Open history. The 9th from the tee and as a fan at the green is pretty awesome."

The venue was considered strong prior to visit, but still surprised Jim Graham. "Chapel Ridge is a top notch opportunity," says Graham. "This is a true hidden gem. It is one amazing place."

Chapel Ridge Golf Club has been added to the 2016 venue list. It will join Mountain Valley Golf Course as possible golf courses to host the 2016 Carl Spackler Open.