Contents
MARCH/APRIL 2020
FEATURES
18
A New Identity
for Belmont
The historic Richmond course
is set for a major overhaul
ahead of a scheduled 2021
re-opening.
20
Aces and Fastballs
Two-time Cy Young Award
winner Justin Verlander, a
VSGA member, talks about
his love for the game.
26
The Rise of
Golfertainment
As venues like Topgolf and
Drive Shack grow in popularity,
courses search for ways to get
their patrons on the grass.
AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENTS
5 Remembering Pete Dye THE RULES
The venerable course designer left a lasting impact at
several Virginia courses.
14 Help!
What is advice, and who can give it?
GREAT HOLES
MEMBER CLUBS
10 N
ew Life at Elizabeth Manor
The Portsmouth venue is set for a late spring re-opening
after receiving a facelift.
NEXT UP
12 Paris Fieldings
The Tidewater-area junior golfer and Drive, Chip and Putt
veteran hopes to take a big step in her game this summer.
17 No. 18 at Kinloch Golf Club
A daunting par-5 finishing hole will challenge plenty
at the 2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.
THE MASTERS
34 Commonwealth Standouts
With Lanto Griffin set to make his Masters debut, take a look
back at the history of Virginians playing at Augusta National.
FIT FOR PLAY
36 Spring Training
Three strength workouts to help you prep for the season.
EQUIPMENT
38 Best in Show
Top picks from this year’s PGA Merchandise Show.
MY TURN
40 Larkin’s Ascent
A unique golf upbringing has molded the teaching style of
Virginia’s top instructor.
Virginia Golfer
Offi cial publication of the Virginia
State Golf Association as a service
to its more than 72,000 members.
MARCH | APRIL 2020
$2.95 vsga.org
Changeup
inside
HAPPY TRAILS:
EXPLORING
WACCAMAW’S
WONDERS
THE MASTERS:
RANKING VIRGINIA’S
PAST COMPETITORS
LASTING INFLUENCE:
REMEMBERING
ARCHITECT PETE DYE
2
Houston Astros pitcher and
VSGA member Justin Verlander
shares his passion for golf
ON THE COVER:
Justin Verlander competes in
the celebrity event at the LPGA’s
Diamond Resorts Tournament of
Champions in January. (AP Photo)
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0
vsga.org