GREAT Holes
No.13
INDEPENDENCE GOLF CLUB
MIDLOTHIAN, VA. | by BRUCE H. MATSON
INDEPENDENCE GOLF CLUB
A
t the end of May, the Virginia State
Golf Association moved its headquarters from Independence
Golf Club to a new home just
a few miles away in Salisbury.
After 15 years at Independence the VSGA leaves behind a golf course
consistently considered among the best public
layouts in Virginia.
This original Tom Fazio design recently
underwent a thorough renovation overseen
by Richmond-based architect Lester George.
focused on improving the pace of play,
Independence has removed or rebuilt each of
its bunkers, thinned trees and undergrowth,
and replaced its greens with exceptionally
smooth-rolling Champion-Bermuda grass.
The course’s new owners, Alan and Giff Breed
offered, “from a playing perspective, our makeover created more varied shot values to give
golfers a more enjoyable experience; the best
at any time in the course’s history.”
Having hosted the Delta Dental State
Open of Virginia for many years, the best
players in the Commonwealth are well aware
of the numerous great holes at Independence.
One of those that stands out for its excellent
“risk-reward” elements is the medium-length,
par-5 13th hole where, like the 13th at Augusta
National, two well-played shots often create
w w w. v s g a . o r g
realistic options for eagle or an easy birdie.
The player’s adventure on the 13th at
Independence begins with a tee shot that
should be kept left and long to avoid the lake,
which can demand a carry over water of more
than 250 yards, depending upon the tees
selected by the player. With bunkers reaching
into the fairway from the left, even a good
drive may be at risk of finishing in a sandy
hazard. This is classic “risk-reward.” To take
advantage of the scoring opportunity offered
(the “reward”), the aggressive player needs to
challenge the fairway bunkers to have a chance
at reaching the green in two (the “risk”).
Much like the first shot, the golfer seeking
to reach the putting surface on his or her
second shot must consider the bunkers short
and left of the green, but must avoid trouble
on the right as well. The “risk-reward” options
again confront the golfer. While a heroic shot
to the green, like a bold second at Augusta’s
famous par-5 13th hole, can set up a realistic
chance for eagle, the player must contend with
bunkers left and another hazard along the right
PAR 5
No. 13
YARDAGES
RED:
410 yards
GREEN:
440 yards
side, either of which can quickly turn an underpar opportunity to bogey or worse. The ability
to reach the dance floor and putt for eagle is
enticing, but the right-front side of the green
will direct even the slightly offline approach
down a modest hill towards—and potentially
in—Independence’s own Rae’s Creek. While
opportunity knocks and potential danger
exists, the thoughtful player can also use a
three-shot strategy that keeps the hole’s most
difficult hazards at a safe distance while still
offering a chance for birdie.
Now the official home for the University
of Richmond golf teams, Independence
looks forward to being a stage for exceptional
collegiate competitions and also anticipates
hosting other matches and tournaments,
including a professional tour event.
Author Bruce H. Matson is a writer and golf
historian from Richmond and serves on the
VSGA’s board of directors. He is a member of
Golfweek’s national rating panel for its
“America’s Best 100 Courses.”
SILVER:
470 yards
BLUE:
485 yards
BLACK:
520 yards
J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R
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