( at c)
Member Clubs
The waterfall hole is just one of the many unique elements that makes Meadow Farms so charming.
icksburg, where Lewis said he’ s comfortable and well cared for, but in no condition to continue playing golf.
In 2014, Betty and Jay Meadows sold the golf course to a family that also had played an integral role in getting it built. It’ s now owned by Ken Dotson, a long-time friend and Locust Grove, neighbor of the Meadows family, who actually helped clear some of the land and build the cart paths before the course opened almost 25 years ago.
“ We never thought one day that we’ d own the golf course,” said Dotson, who runs his family’ s excavating company and, after some initial reluctance, decided to take the plunge into the golf business. His son, Josh, an accountant by training, is now Meadows Farms’ general manager. And Shirley Lewis still comes in every day to help run the front counter and perform various other clubhouse duties.
When Bill Meadows’ health took a turn for the worse, his golf course, which had been groomed and impeccably landscaped since its inception, became somewhat neglected. The number of yearly rounds dropped significantly before the Dotsons took over. And under the Dotsons’ stewardship, those trends have turned around nicely and the course remains open yearround— weather permitting, as always.
All the cart paths have been repaved. Bulkheads around greens have been replaced. Three miles of new board fencing have been installed around the property. There are newly planted Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens. Several cottages are now available for rent on the property so that out-of-town groups can spend the night, play the course, and then head down the road to other local or regional golf destinations. And the price, as Bill Meadows always insisted, remains reasonable: $ 53 for a round on the weekend, $ 43 during the week and $ 5 off for seniors.
“ We’ re trying to make it a destination golf course,” said Dotson.“ Farmer built something very special here and we want to keep it that way. This is definitely not your average golf course.”
A Private Destination Golf Club
Legendary design. Pure Virginia hosP itaL i t y.
Welcome to Ballyhack.
Its land and location, visionary design, and authentic hospitality make Ballyhack one of the greatest national golf clubs of our time. Minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Ballyhack’ s award-winning Lester George-designed golf course evokes“ an almost spiritual experience” among the rolling hills of the Roanoke Valley. Its 11,500 square foot clubhouse, member cottages, and signature levels of service leave nothing to be desired for members, guests and residents.
if goLfing stirs your souL, we inVite you to join us at BaLLyhack.( 540) 427-1395 | www. ballyhackgolfclub. com
America’ s Second 100 Greatest Golf Courses, No. 183
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything.
No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not an offer where registration is required prior to any offer being made. Void where prohibited by law. Ballyhack Golf Club | 3609 Pitzer Road | Roanoke, VA 24014.
12 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M ARCH / A PRIL 2017 vsga. org