For the first time in its 15-year history, the Canon Cup returns to one of its former venues for a second run. Caves Valley Golf Club first played host to the Canon Cup in 1997, when the East prevailed for the fifth year in a row.

The tables have been turned this time around, as the West looks to extend its three-match winning streak.

But while the tide of competition, along with the 40 junior competitors, has changed, the AJGA is glad to be in familiar surroundings at Caves Valley Golf Club.

The story of Caves Valley Golf Club begins in 1988.

At that time, a group of prominent business and civic leaders shared a vision for a world class golf facility to be built in the finest traditions of America’s great golf clubs.

They envisioned a total golfing facility that would serve local pride, establish a regional presence for economic development opportunities and attract a diverse national and international membership. The vision became a reality when the founders came upon 962 acres of pristine countryside tucked away in the rolling hills of Baltimore County’s famous estate and hunt country.

Designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio, Caves Valley Golf Club opened its gates in 1991. Caves Valley was designed to capture the excitement and character of the magnificent land forms of one of the most beautiful parcels of property possible.

It has proven to be a perfect fit for Canon Cup.

“We look for truly special courses to host Canon Cup,” explains AJGAExecutive Director Stephen Hamblin. “Caves Valley is an awe-inspiring course that provided an ideal setting in 1997 and definitely will do so again. The players, their families and spectators will have a wonderful experience here.”

Measuring 7,165 yards from the back tees, Caves Valley is a par-71 layout that includes a variety of holes, from the elevated ridge line at the clubhouse to the gently rolling front nine with large lake areas on holes three and four, to the tree-lined “strong” holes of the back nine.

Caves Valley has played host to several national events, including the 2002 U.S. Senior Open and 1995 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship.

The gracious style of the original home built in 1936 by a prominent New York family has been maintained as the foundation of the clubhouse with enhancements to ensure the comfort and convenience of the members and guests.

Taking a brief tour around Caves Valley, the par-4 first hole sets the tone for the whole course. As with the other 17 holes, there are no tricks — keep the ball straight on this hole and birdie is within reach.

The 471-yard, par-4 sixth hole is a majestic golf hole lined by tall oaks, poplars and ash trees. Cut right through the forest, the tee shot demands a long and straight drive in order to reach the green in two shots.

No. 8 is a 202-yard par 3 that looks like the easiest of the four at Caves Valley. No water to speak of. No marshland jungle to cross. But in every tournament, this hole registers the highest average score of all the par 3s.

The back nine is shorter but equally demanding due to the dense forest that covers much of the final nine holes.

The 365-yard 10th is another of Caves Valley’s short par 4s and requires much more golf strategy than suggested at first glance. An iron off the tee will give the player plenty of room to fire at the flag with a full wedge or 9-iron from a flat lie.

The 13th hole, measuring 585 yards, is a grand par 5 that cuts through a stand of tall hardwoods. The fairway rolls up and down and then up again to a long plateau green.

The 18th is a 460-yard, par 4 where once again position off the tee is of utmost importance. Any drive that strays even slightly to the right rough can be blocked out from the green, which is tucked on a shelf behind a slight dogleg to the right.

It will be a challenging finishing hole for those matches that go the distance. And, undoubtedly, players in every match will surely agree that it is good to be back at Caves Valley.