October 7, 2004

LEBANON, PA — Iron Valley Golf Club opened in 2000 and was destined to become the great public golf facility. Designed by the world renowned architect P.B. Dye, the course offers an unparalleled golf experience as well as a butt kicking.

Located just south of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Iron Valley Golf Club is a combination of natural terrain, massive elevation changes, and challenging layout.

The course and location was eliminated this week.  "The club has decided to remove Iron Valley from list of options for the 2005 Carl Spackler Open," said Matt Davis at the weekly press conference.  "We love the golf course, lodging arrangements are top notch, and location is perfect for the entire field of players.  The course similarity to Thunder Hill almost look's like both courses are related.  Unfortunately, the financial requirements for lodging are just too high.  With that, we have eliminated Iron Valley."

The course features turtle back greens, cliffs, island green, and traditional tree-lined fairways.

"This course is extreme," says Long. "I dropped a ball on the front of the green on #12 from shoulder high. My next shot would have been in the fairway from 45 yards." Long continued, "The cliff on Hole #10 drops about 600 feet, levels for 40 feet, and then drops probably another 1,000 feet. I would be surprised if people are not jumping off the cliff with a parachute."

Kyle Marti also played the wonderful course near Hershey Park. "I really like the design. The island green was a true island. No bunker, rough, or extra large green. You are either putting or in the water."

Iron Valley was on the short list for the 2005 Carl Spackler Open Championship. A decision on venue will be completed next week.