Virginia Golfer July / August 2015 | Page 13

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 11