Originally opened in 2005 , Poplar Grove has the distinction of being one of the few courses designed by Sam Snead , who partnered with Ed Carton — the architect who laid out the extraordinary Spring Creek Golf Club in Zion Crossroads — and together they created a true gem at Poplar Grove . Snead did little design work over his illustrious golf career and Poplar Grove was the last course he ever worked on .

The second hole at Poplar Grove is an exceptional par 4 , and indeed , it was

Snead ’ s favorite design on the course . A fine driving hole — strategically framed by large trees , one of the huge lakes , and a perfectly positioned fairway bunker — the second demands a strong , accurate drive to set up the approach , which is equally as challenging as the tee shot .

The approach shot is played to a deep , narrow green that is protected by both sand and water . As demonstrated by the inset photo , the green contains a number of strategic slopes and undulations ; this movement in the putting surface creates a wide variety of hole locations — some very difficult ( especially the back right pin ) and others far easier — that ensure the second hole at Poplar Grove provides an interesting challenge every time you play it . Par is always a great score on this excellent hole .

Following a $ 1.7 million dollar project in 2019 that included a total renovation of the bunkers , a major clearing of trees that afforded even more spectacular views

Slammer : 429 yards

Blue : 406 yards

White : 379 yards

YARDAGES

Gold : 357 yards

Red : 240 yards

of the course , as well as a complete restoration of the magnificent 1773 Manor House , Poplar Grove hosted the 2020 VSGA Four-Ball Championship as well as the Southern Chapter Championship of the Middle Atlantic PGA . Poplar Grove recently announced it will host a 2025 NCAA Men ' s Golf Regional .

JON HOOD