History of The River COURSE
The River Course, originally designed by Ault, Clark and Associates, was built in 1999. The Virginia Tech Foundation acquired the course in 2002. Bordered by 2.5 miles of the scenic and historic New River, the well-designed course had significant potential with eight holes directly affected by the river's presence. Panoramic views are the norm and the passing of an occasional train enhances the beauty of the surroundings. Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates developed an overall site plan for a new clubhouse and maintenance facility along with improvements to the range and practice facility. In 2003, the driving range/practice facility was rebuilt through the generosity of long-time Virginia Tech golf supporters, Buddy and Doris Nevaisor.
Simultaneously, Tech alumnus and philanthropist Bill and wife Alice Goodwin asked their friend, Pete Dye, to consider revamping The River Course into a world-class course. After visiting, Dye outlined his ideas with a revised plan for the course. Construction began in 2003 with a formal dedication and renaming on June 5, 2006, to Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech.
Recognized for life-long service to the golfing industry, Pete Dye created this design of perfect balance. The par 3s face north, south, east and west. The remaining 14 holes require a mixture of shots as seven holes play left-to-right and seven holes play right-to-left. The par 5s on each side head in opposite directions, as do the two longest par 4s. This combination of distance and direction, set among primitive rock faces and gentle rolling rapids, presents both a friendly and challenging experience.
The course offers five sets of tees ranging from the championship at 7,665 yards to the forward at 5,142 yards. Multiple tee placements make each hole a challenge for the best players, yet playable and enjoyable for the average golfer. Immaculate bentgrass tees, fairways and greens, strategically-placed Dye trademark pot bunkers and breathtaking river vistas from all 18 holes highlight this par 72 links design.
During the golf course dedication, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger announced a $2 million commitment from the Williams-Berry Charitable Trust in support of the construction of a new clubhouse. Harry ('55) and Patsy Williams were supporters of Virginia Tech athletics and academics and were involved in the university community. The Williams-Berry gift stimulated fundraising efforts for the clubhouse and accelerated the design and planning process. Ideas and concepts became specific plans, and the ground was broken in May 2008 for the $5.5 million project.
Golf operations moved to the clubhouse in early May of 2010 and the Harry S. and Patsy B. Williams Clubhouse was officially dedicated on October 28, 2010.
MODERN DAY CONNECTIONS
The course is a semi-private, daily fee facility open to the public. It also serves as the home of Virginia Tech's golf team. Individual and family memberships are available in addition to a variety of amenities and options for corporate and group outings. With access to this top-ranked course as well as a state-of-the-art Turf Care Center and Virginia Tech Golf Team Complex, the golf team is provided with one of the finisest golfing facilities in the United States.
Come experience our championship design amidst nature's elegance which offers a one of a kind, to "Dye" for golfing experience.