COURSE HISTORY
James River
James River
The James River Course first opened on June 30, 1928 as the combination of two nines from separate golf courses designed by noted golf architect William Flynn. This masterful combination became a fine championship course hosting numerous tournaments including the 1955 and 1975 USGA Men's Amateur Championships. Harvey Ward became champion in 1955 and Fred Ridley in 1975. Carved among trees and hills with strategically placed bunkers and challenging greens, the course was renovated in 1992 by Rees Jones and restored in 2003 by Lester George. George converted the fourth hole into a dramatic par three featuring a much smaller putting surface and a creek that flows into a greenside lake. Otherwise, the original character of the course has been kept intact with only subtle strategic improvements. Golf Digest recognized the course as one of America's best newly remodeled courses of 2005 and among the best in the state for 2007–2008.
Tuckahoe Creek
Tuckahoe Creek
The Tuckahoe Creek Course was designed by Joseph Lee and opened on April 15, 1988. Once an old farmstead, this large parcel of land encompasses over 240 acres and was part of Thomas Jefferson's boyhood home when he resided at Tuckahoe Plantation. The maintenance building was once owned by John Wickham, a lawyer who defended Aaron Burr in his trial for treason. At one time the Old Gayton Coal Mine Railroad, which crossed the 2nd and 17th holes, delivered coal to barges waiting in the Kanawha Canal. Remnants of the old canal and railroad can still be found. The Tuckahoe Creek has 76 bunkers and seven lakes and a creek that affect play throughout the course. Accurate iron play and a smooth putting stroke are required to negotiate the large, undulating greens.
Westhampton
Westhampton
Westhampton is the oldest of our three golf courses, having opened on June 18, 1910. Originally designed by Herbert Barker, renowned golf course architect Donald Ross redesigned the layout in 1920. The third nine, known as the "Goat Course," was named for its hilly layout. The "Goat Course" was later replaced by what is now the practice range and first hole. Notable golfers such as Harry Vardon, Ted Ray, Bobby Jones and others have enjoyed this challenging layout. Westhampton possesses gently rolling fairways carved out of majestic pine and oak forests. The small, sloping greens can make putting difficult, especially from above the pin. Westhampton provides a challenge for the expert player and an enjoyable experience for golfers of any skill level. A dramatic renovation was completed by Lester George in 2005 that has restored many Donald Ross features as well as provided for improved playing conditions and an upgraded practice facility. Each fall the Westhampton Course is the host site for the Senior Open of Virginia.