into a much larger space — increasing brewing capacity by more than 20 percent .
It ’ s hard to talk about Roanoke golf and not be enthralled by the riches at Ballyhack Golf Club . A stunning Lester George designed course is owned and operated by the Dormie Network . The course possesses dramatic elevation changes of 70-plus feet with visually stunning panoramas in every direction . However , you better bring your A-game because while the fairways are generous , there ’ s trouble lurking including gouged-out bunkers and rugged terrain . If you ’ re a fan of fun and funky putting surfaces , Ballyhack will make you smile with every topsy-turvy three-putt . Truly a spot worthy of a day trip if you can make it happen .
CHESAPEAKE
If you find yourself in the Norfolk area there are plenty of microbreweries to check out , but one in particular is Rip Rap Brewing . It was born out of a brewing passion by Liam Bell , who started homebrewing while still serving in the US Coast Guard . With the help of a fellow shipmate , Ben , Rip Rap Brewing opened in April of 2016 . Since then , their tasting room has swelled from four beers to more than double that . And if their logo seems familiar that ’ s because it ’ s the Thomas Point Shoal Light which sits off the coast of the northern Chesapeake Bay and was chosen because its iconic depiction is always shown with riprap , the large rocks surrounding waterfront buildings to prevent erosion .
Nearby is a true hidden gem in the Commonwealth — Sewells Point Golf Course , which Arnold Palmer played in his professional debut on Nov . 21 , 1954 . The 18-hole championship course has tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered undulating greens . And by the way , it was designed by Donald Ross in 1927 . While the course would do well with a restoration , how often do you find a Ross course that is also part of the U . S . Navy ’ s Morale , Welfare and Recreation division which administers a varied program of recreational , social and community-support activities at Navy facilities worldwide . The course is open to the public and definitely worth seeing on your next trip down to the southeastern shore .
Big Lick Brewing Company
Aslin Beer Company
COURTESY OF THE COURSES AND BREWERIES
BONUS : THE VIRGINIA BEER MUSEUM
Located in Front Royal , the Virginia Beer Museum tells the fascinating story of the Commonwealth ’ s brewing history through artifacts , displays , and an interactive tasting tour which promotes Virginia breweries . Each room in the museum represents a different historic era of Virginia ’ s history of beer , “ from Colonization in 1607 , through the Founding Fathers ’ homebrew recipes , Virginia ’ s failed efforts of Prohibition , the introduction of the first beer can in America , to the craft beer Renaissance of today .”
Regardless of where you find yourself , there is sure to be some delicious beer and enjoyable golf to be played and enjoyed .
The Veil Brewing Co . vsga . org M AY / J UNE 2023 | V IRGINIA G OLFER
29