Around The Commonwealth
HAVE IDEAS ?
Have an interesting idea about a VSGA member , member club or golf in the commonwealth in general ? Contact Virginia Golfer editor Chris Lang at clang @ vsga . org or by phone at 804-378-2300 ext . 12 . We ’ d love to hear from you !
COLLEGE ROUNDUP
Erik Dulik ( Reston National GC ) was part of the University of Louisville squad that advanced to the NCAA Division I championship . He finished in a tie for 57th overall after shooting 73-69- 74-76 — 292 . … The University of Virginia ’ s Derek Bard , the 2015 U . S . Amateur runner-up who participated in the 2016 Masters and U . S . Open , tied for 17th after shooting 72-70-71-72 — 285 . … James Madison University ’ s Ryan Cole won his regional to advance to DI nationals as an individual but missed the cut . … Lauren Coughlin , a two-time VSGA Women ’ s Amateur champion , helped UVa reach match play at the Division I Women ’ s Championship . The Cavaliers lost to eventual national champ Washington in the quarterfinals .
LAUREN COUGHLIN
Member Clubs
Membership MORE THAN Just Golf
FARMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB in Charlottesville has hosted 16 VSGA championships , including three VSGA Amateur Championships . The classic Fred Findlay-design course is a favorite among the top amateur players in the commonwealth .
But golf is only part of the membership experience at a club . It ’ s a trend that can be seen across the state . The 19th hole , so to speak , is just as important as the green grass on the course . Clubs have made major financial commitments to improving the social experience at the golf course , whether it ’ s improving the bar and restaurant in the clubhouse or adding fun events to the schedule that will appeal to everyone in the family , not just those who play golf .
Farmington Country Club ’ s most popular event is its annual 4th of July celebration . In 2015 , more than 1,200 people attended the event . The 2016 event proved to be just as successful .
“ The success of Farmington ’ s 4th of July celebration is not based on one single event during the day ,” Farmington general manager Joe Krenn said . “ The entire club operates collectively to create a fun and dynamic experience for our members and their guests . It is the keynote event of the summer and the standard in which we set all club operations .”
A peek inside the day :
• A flag golf tournament kicks off the day ’ s festivities at 7 a . m . The format is an 18-hole stroke play event where players receive a stroke allocation , which is par plus their handicap . Upon reaching their stroke allocation , players place the flag that they received at registration in the ground . The player whose flag is the furthest along the course wins the tournament .
• There ’ s also a round-robin tennis tournament for those who prefer racquets to clubs .
• Farmington ’ s pool is open throughout the day with poolside service and complimentary refreshments like watermelon , chips , cookies , lemonade and keg beer .
• At 6 p . m ., Farmington ’ s Front Circle and North Lawn host various activities . The Front Circle turns into a kids zone that includes a petting zoo , pony rides , train rides , bounce houses and Farmington ’ s Food Truck . The North Lawn features live music and a picnic buffet .
• The day culminates with fireworks once darkness falls .
Farmington ’ s annual 4th of July celebration goes to show that VSGA clubs are providing their members with more than just top-notch golf .
Chris Lang is the editor of Virginia Golfer magazine .
vsga . org J ULY / A UGUST 2016 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 11