September 3, 2017

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — The Carl Spackler Open is 17 years old with the business office not only exploring its locale for 2018, but a date for its locale. The Captains Club added Legends Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC to the list of possible sites for the 2018 Carl Spackler Open.

"We are working on all the possibilites for 2018 at this moment," says Matt Pritchard, Vice-President of Awards and member of the Captains Club. "We do like what Legends has to offer and consider it a solid venue."

Legends Golf Resort offers three of the best championship golf courses available in the Myrtle Beach and surrounding area. Centrally located just off Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach, the Heathland and Moorland courses nestle within the Scottish-inspired Legends Golf Resort facility.

"The proposal includes play on both Heathland and Moorland courses," added Kevin Long. "The facility has a gigantic practice facility, condos on the property, and indoor/outdoor bar with swimming pool. It is quite a setup just 15 minites from Myrtle Beach International Airport."

The par 71 Heathland Course, designed by Tom Doak, is a return to the grand 'Old Country' traditions of the game. It has been distinctly molded in the image of the British Isles links courses, with holes reminiscent of familiar links like St. Andrews. Most of the holes are without high vegetation, providing  visual presentation. The challenge and difficulty of this course comes primarily from the unobstructed breeze that wafts constantly over the course, and the strategically placed bunkers and lush, deep rough that closely border all fairways. Many of the greenside bunkers are deep and require creative shots to make an escape.

Bobby Owens, Justin Gorby, and Long boys all played thr Moorland course this summer. It would be the most difficult golf course since Thunder Hill in 2003.

Considered one of the greatest challenges on the East Coast - a par 72 triumph - Moorland was designed by noted golf architect P. B. Dye. Large expanses of natural growth, sand, water and waste areas combine with extraordinary undulations and bulkheads to present a course reminiscent of the PGA West Stadium Course. This controversial course is definitely a 'target' golf course. Created in the Dye tradition, Moorland will cause golfers to rise to incredible heights on the sculpted terrain, sink to considerable depths in the bunkers, and constantly use every ounce of skill and luck in their possession.

"It is a very difficult test," said Justin Gorby. "A course like this would crown a true champion."

The 2018 Carl Spackler Open continues its search for an event location. Legends in Myrtle Beach joins The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge to possibilites for consideration. Registration is expected to open sometime in October or November.