September 2, 2026

PEORIA, IL — The highly anticipated national golf tournament, the Carl Spackler Open, continues to generate widespread excitement as the Captains Club evaluates top-tier public venues across the country. In a move that has captured the attention of amateur golf enthusiasts everywhere, WeaverRidge Golf Club in Peoria, Illinois, stands prominently as a premier venue consideration.

"WeaverRidge joins our elite venue list, offering an incredible championship test," noted the Captains Club leadership. "The layout makes brilliant use of the local topography, providing the kind of high-caliber public golf experience that our field looks forward to tackling."

Opened in 1997 and crafted by the acclaimed design team of Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, WeaverRidge is carved out of rolling hills and dramatic forested stream valleys formed thousands of years ago by retreating glacial action. Playing to an exact 7,000 yards from the back tees with a par of 72, the course utilizes five sets of tees to accommodate players of all skill levels while maintaining a stout USGA rating of 73.1 and a slope of 140.

The course is widely celebrated for its striking layout, particularly the unforgettable back nine. Holes feature severe elevation changes, wandering creeks, and sparkling lakes. Among its most iconic challenges is the 12th hole, a dramatic 228-yard par 3 where the tee box sits perched 120 feet above the putting surface. The closing 18th hole provides a breathtaking grand finale, requiring an elevated tee shot over Big Hollow Creek to a well-protected green.

Beyond the course itself, WeaverRidge features a sprawling clubhouse equipped to handle large player gatherings, complemented by expansive practice facilities including a full driving range and short-game area. For lodging, the possible selection of this venue would contain the exact same accommodations used in 2023 when the tournament was hosted nearby at Metamora Fields, ensuring a seamless and familiar experience for returning players.

As the Captains Club continues shaping its tournament schedules, WeaverRidge Golf Club remains a phenomenal centerpiece for competitive amateur play and camaraderie. Golf fans can anticipate further updates as the Carl Spackler Open maps out its next chapter.