October 11, 2022

CHAMBERSBURG, PA — The Carl Spackler Open announced this afternoon the removal of Penn National Golf Club from the 2023 list of possibities. Penn National does not allow reservations until December. The Captains Club continues to explore the eastern United States in hopes of locating a golf course.

"We are impressed with Penn National and what it has to offer a large group," says Greg Long, Chairman of the Captains Club. "The golf course also owns substanital lodging opportunities, which would service our group well. Unfortunately things cannot be worked out."

The Founders Course opened in 1968 and was updated in 2006 with an extensive bunker and tee renovation. With trees lining most of the holes, Founders can be demanding off the tee but everything is there in front of you--nothing is blind or tricked-up--you know what you have to do, but can you pull it off? A 7-acre lake comes into play and makes things interesting on several holes on the front and back sides. As with all well-laid-out traditional courses, Edmund Ault turns up the heat at the end, saving the best and the toughest for the 5-hole stretch starting at the par-5 14th.

Iron Forge was designed by architect Bill Love and opened for play in 1997, almost 30 years after its sister course. The Iron Forge is visually stunning with 30-mile views of the surrounding farmland and mountains. It starts and plays toward the Michaux State Forest, in the foothills of South Mountain, and makes a single loop home, passing through a variety of terrain that offers exciting golf and breathtaking views.

In contrast to the Founders Course, Iron Forge is nearly treeless. It will let you grip it and rip it from the tee but the greens and surrounds place a premium on shots to the green and putting. There is also the the mysterious "Mountain Effect" that takes control from the 4th through 11th holes--your eyes will tell you one thing on the greens but just remember that speed and break are controlled by the Mountain.

Penn National Golf Club proves the Captains Club is leaving no stones unturned. The search continues throughout North America in hopes of finding another great opportunity. An announcement regarding date and location will be available prior to November.