VIRGINIA TECH Golf Guide | 2018 Edition

34 Hokies’ World-Class Facility is Ranked in the Top 10 of Golfweek’s Best Campus Courses World-renowned architect Pete Dye describes the course renovations taking place in 2004 to the Tech golf team. Renowned golf architect Pete Dye began a renovation of The River Course of Virginia Tech in 2004. With the facility’s completion, the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech has become a beautiful reality. Opening in August 2005, the course was selected by Golf Digest as one of the Top 5 “Best Newly Remodeled Courses in America” for 2006. In August 2017, the course was selected 10th on the list of Golfweek’s Best Campus Courses, the highest ranking for any university in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Pete Dye River Course continues building its reputation as a championship destination and has already hosted several prestigious events, including the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf East Regional, the 2011 Virginias-Carolinas Women’s Team Matches and the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Junior Invitational. Because of the rave reviews the facility received following these events, it was also selected to host the 2016 VSGA Amateur Championship and the VSGA Junior Championship in 2018. “This world-class golf course, coupled with our magnificent clubhouse, is an exciting and challenging venue for the top golfers at all levels,” said Jay Hardwick, director of golf operations at Virginia Tech and head golf coach. It was included in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” for 2008-2009 as a coveted 4 1/2 Star Facility. This rating was the highest awarded in Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee and was also shared with The Homestead’s Cascades Course, The Meadows Course at the Greenbrier, Kingsmill’s River Course, and Pinehurst Resort Courses #4, 6, 7 & 8. “The River” was also named as one of the “100 Middle Atlantic Must-Play Courses for 2008.” In addition to the renovation, a turf care center was constructed, as well as the Virginia Tech Golf Team Complex, which houses an indoor teaching center that opens to the outside range and is equipped with the latest video swing analysis system. This facility also includes locker rooms, club repair room, players’ lounge, a recruit welcome area and team meeting room for the Virginia Tech golf team. A covered tee area, which is enclosed on three sides, is located at the back of the practice range and is equipped with fans, radiant heaters and lights. These improvements were made possible by support from Bill and Alice Goodwin of Richmond, Va. Mr. Goodwin, a Virginia Tech alumnus, is an avid golfer who wanted to provide the Virginia Tech golf team and the university community an opportunity to play on a world-caliber championship course. The gift covered all costs of design and construction. PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF