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