August 28, 2016

BARNESVILLE, PA — The Carl Spackler Open Championship is headed back to Mountain Valley in 2017, tournament officials said Sunday, once again giving the course the distinction of the only facility to host the national event multiple times.

"Today, with much excitement, we have selected Mountain Valley Golf Course to host the 2017 Carl Spackler Open," said Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "Once again, we are excited about our unique opportunities, growth of the tournament, and god willing exceeding expectations.

"We are very comfortable with newest opportunities in Barnesville," added Dave Osborne. "The new hotel and  tee time availability collectively made for an easy decision."

The golf course hosted the Carl Spackler Open back in 2005. Rick Dosky won the tournament with then rookie Mike Herron wearing the Carl Spackler Outfit. The event returned in 2011 holding its tournament on an expanded 36 hole facility where Jason Dilks won his first major.

Mountain Valley has 36 holes of picturesque golf, carved into the unique setting of Broad Mountain, which overlooks scenic Locust Valley. The clubhouse and banquet hall, which is the largest in tournament history, will facilitate many activities.

"I would like to congratulate and thank Mountain Valley for their partnership in bringing Carl Spackler Open to Barnesville in 2017," said Long. "The history of this golf course and surrounding area are well documented. We have always considered Mountain Valley a showcase for love and respect for the game of golf, as well as partying with a passion."

The 2017 Carl Spackler Open will host its practice round on Wednesday, July 12 and final round on Saturday, July 15. The event travel home day is Sunday, July 16.

"The decision to return the event to a past location and calendar change comes with an explanation," said Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "I would like to take a moment and provide some explanation for this year's event.

The event has been held the weekend before Fathers Day for 11 years, but has placed significant pressure on the Captains Club calendars. May is very wet with Mothers Day, Memorial Day, and Captains Club wedding anniversaries. June has even more calendar conflicts. We are embracing an opportunity to explore July on a trial basis.

Mountain Valley expanded to 36 holes in 2010 while adding a hotel in 2013. The facility added a pavilion in 2014, remodel clubhouse and pro shop in 2015, and banquet hall in 2016. A decision to close the clubhouse on Saturdays is another change in Barnesville.

There are 25 participants from 2016 who did not participate in the 2011 Carl Spackler Open.

Mountain Valley also expanded their Friday 4-hour weekly deck party, which is now open longer.

Lastly, the budget provides incredible  value. The budget is expected to include practice round, 3-days of tournament golf, party, gifts, prizes, expanded hotel rooms, and  other growth opportunities.

Does anyone have a question?"

Scott Miller asked, "What about the Yuengling Brewery Tour?" Long replied, "The tour is expected to occur," says Long. "The day of the tour is either Thursday or Friday, and includes taste tests. Just remember that under no circumstances can a participant have shoes that expose any part of their foot. Those individuals will be forbidden to enter our nations oldest brewery for safety reasons."

Bill Bateson asked, "Are we going back to Maroon's Sports Bar in Pottsville?" Long replied, "There is nothing scheduled in Pottsville except the brewery tour. Shenanigans is located in Hazleton and provides a great night out. The 4-hour deck party, brewery tour, 4-man Scramble, and other activities are expected to consume the vast majority of reasonable waking hours outside actual tournament golf."

Jason Ridgeway asked, "What is the golf course like these days?" Long replied, "The conditions are basically the same although the newest holes have matured. The course is tighter as the trees have grown in. I would expect the tightest golf course in our history. We will most likely play both courses and yardage will be adjusted to our traditional 6,450, which are the tips for many holes."

Jon Munksgard asked, "What about Pork?" Long smiled and replied, "I have a verbal commitment from Pork that he will indeed participate. He is aware our event is not free and requires 4+ scorecards to be posted."

The 2017 Carl Spackler Open has opened registration, which is the earliest in 17 years. The postmarked deadline for registration is February 28, 2017. There are 68 to 80 participants expected for 17th annual event.