GreatHoles
No . 13 By
RIVER BEND CLUB GREAT FALLS
David Partridge
R
PAR 3
iver Bend Club in Great Falls is one of the truly premier , private clubs in the northern Virginia / D . C . area . Having hosted numerous state championships over the years including the 2020 VSGA Amateur Championship , River Bend and its loyal members have been long-time , passionate supporters of the VSGA .
In late July , River Bend will be the venue for the VSGA Women ’ s Amateur Championship that is certain to attract an outstanding field of golfers . Following 18 holes of qualifying , 16 players will advance to match play over two days to determine the winner . A superb test of golf that will copiously challenge the state ’ s finest players , River Bend is certain to crown a most worthy champion at this year ’ s Women ' s Amateur .
Originally opened in 1961 , River Bend was masterfully renovated in 2003 by renowned architect Keith Foster . Foster does not do original designs , but instead has made his considerable mark on the golf industry as a restoration and renovation specialist of golf ’ s “ Golden Age Courses .” Apart from River Bend , some of Foster ’ s high-profile work includes such iconic courses as Baltimore Country Club , Colonial Country Club , Southern Hills Country Club , Philadelphia Cricket Club , Old White Course at The Greenbrier , Omaha Country Club , Country Club of Detroit , and Hermitage Country Club .
Always meticulously well maintained , River Bend weaves its way through mature , hardwood trees and traverses over the beautiful rolling terrain of Northern Virginia . Originally a dairy farm , the scenic landscape is punctuated by classic stone walls and bridges . Foster ’ s design also includes numerous , strategic water features that not only add to the challenge of this great track , but also accentuate the pleasure of playing this marvelous course .
One of the many great designs at River Bend is the classic par-3 13th hole that stretches to nearly 200 yards from the tips and that the women ’ s amateur contestants will play at approximately 170 yards . Against a large backdrop of hardwoods , the 13th plays slightly downhill and is tactically framed by two massive trees — one White Oak and one Silver Maple — that frequently ruin inaccurate tee shots and can often lead to “ big numbers .” The green is further protected by three deep , flanking bunkers and a gentle , yet strategic , false front that will often repel mishit shots away from the putting surface .
Black : 195 yards
Blue : 188 yards
White : 173 yards
YARDAGES
Green : 167 yards
Gold : 149 yards
Silver : 149 yards
The deep , well-designed green allows for a multitude of excellent hole locations as well as various club selections from the tee . The putting surface , while generally sloped gently from right to left , contains a number of undulations that add to the character and challenge of this splendid hole . Quality iron shots can earn good birdie opportunities at the 13th , but par is always a welcome score on this exceptional hole .
A six-time VSGA Player of the Year , David Partridge was elected to the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame in 2020 . He lives in the Richmond area and works as a mortgage banker serving clients throughout Virginia .
RIVER BEND CLUB
16 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M a r c h / A p r i l 2024 vsga . org