My buddies and I are working on a local “architects” golf tour in central -ish VA. We have access to Tillinghast (Belmont in Richmond) Ross (Lakeside Park also RVA), Stranz at New Kent. What are other “name architect” designed courses within a couple of hours of RVA? Or courses not to miss that may be farther out?
Thanks for the help!
Doak has riverfront in suffolk
Couple William Flynn’s here in Roanoke Area as well
Pete Dye has the river course in blacksburg
Davis love redid birdwood
If Ellis maples isn’t on your list he should be
a bit more Dan Maples throughout the state than Ellis, but he ain’t bad either
Donald Ross, ever heard of him? - The Woods (Hampton) Sewell’s Point (Norfolk)
Charles Banks (MacRaynor disciple) - Cavalier (Virginia Beach)
Don’t forget about the ever-so-popular Lester George/Rees Jones (and family)/Tom Fazio courses throughout the state!
We have an RTJ out here at the lake but last time I checked it was in such bad shape I’d rather put my dick in a vice than play there
Also shoutout Russell Breeden who is not famous but designed about 90% of my rounds these days.
For unique architectural works, there’s Poplar Grove over in Lynchburg that Ed Carton made with Sam Snead shortly before his death. I haven’t played it, but it’s on my list of courses in the state to see.
Also, if DL3 becomes a mainstay GCA name then Birdwood could be on the list.
10/10 should play once. The bunker reno, and new clubhouse jacked rates up way past the old days of $65 a few years ago, so that sucks, but yeah, as far as layouts go its top in the state for me for sure.
I was kidding about the Jones’ and Lester and Fazio. Don’t get me wrong - I’ve enjoyed many a round on courses designed by each of those respective groups, but didn’t seem like the kind of list @Zeke was trying to compile
except for the 3rd hole which might be the worst hole in golf…definitely an honorable mention at the least
career like +14 on that hole and I think I’ve played it 5-6 times
have played it probably 10-15 times and still haven’t figured out the best strategy so just assuming there isn’t one
Bad take. Great hole with great shots
Royal New Kent is kinda good, kinda sucks.
Interesting course, front 9 is awesome. Back 9 sucks. Especially every hole with $200k tract homes on it.
Loved the challenge of playing the right shot. The fact the pro shop doesn’t have a yardage book is highway robbery for their bottom line.
Worth playing once, but not necessarily a special trip.
The 9s should be reversed.
But otherwise
Listen, I love PG. One of my favorite VA courses. But number 3 just offends all my sensibilities and I’m always glad when it’s over.
Thanks! Would appreciate that. Still scouting out places to live but have made initial inquiries at a few spots, most have sent back friendly emails.
if by great hole you mean zero reward and a shit ton of risk, yes. You love Pete Dye too?
I am playing Stonewall on Saturday morning. Absolutely pumped for it. Was in real good shape last year, so it’s probably playing super firm and fast right now.
It’s pretty incredible the difference in course conditions right now compared to the past few years. The ground is hard everywhere. It’s been a slop-fest for way too long now. We deserve this now.
