Virginia Golfer May / June 2015 | Page 3

Contents MAY/JUNE 2015 FEATURES 24 Innovation, Imagination Drive Designer George’s Style DEPARTMENTS 2 Richmond-based golf course architect Lester George incorporates originality into the layouts he sculpts. ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT K. BROWN 26 The Face of Courage Despite two heart transplants, PGA Tour player Erik Compton has endured even while dealing with health issues and adversity. ARTICLES Industry Leader Relies on Consistent Approach Amid Changing Landscape 8 4 Mondy Ready to Finish Memorable Journey With a Victory at the VSGA Amateur VSGA MEMBER CLUBS 16 Sand Solutions The Rules of Golf provide direction when a ball settles in a bunker or a sandy spot through the green. The much-anticipated opening of the final nine holes at Magnolia Green Golf Club is slated for late spring. Golf Gets Smart About Water Superintendents are increasingly taking steps to be responsible stewards of the environment. No. 11 at Princess Anne Country Club The par-3 hole on the second nine at the Virginia Beach-based club is scenic and requires a smart mindset to score well. Green’s Day GOLF AND THE ENVIRONMENT 18 GREAT HOLES 6 Building a Better Motion PGA Tour player Billy Hurley relies on rhythm and timing to generate power. THE RULES A smart approach by businessman David Richey has helped a golf course management company flourish. 22 The Takeaway Virginia-based juniors excelled on the national stage at the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club. YOUR GAME Blacksburg resident Jake Mondy will be aiming for a repeat triumph at one of the most prestigious amateur championships in Virginia. DIVERSIONS 38 General Admission Travelgoers can relax in the shadow of history at the Robert E. Lee Hotel. VIRGINIA GOLFER VOICES 39 Spieth Well-Suited for Spotlight Youths who take part in a variety of sports tend to get the most out of their experience. THE VIRGINIA EXPLORER Masters winner Jordan Spieth continues to shine on the golf stage. Learn to position the ball correctly in your stance. Variety Hour 28 Female-Friendly Getaways Resorts and destinations throughout the U.S. have a flair that caters to women. VSGA-VIP SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION Virginia Golfer is the official publication of the Virginia State Golf Association, a non-profit organization serving all golfers in Virginia. VSGA Officers PRESIDENT: Gib Palmer, Midlothian VICE PRESIDENT: Bruce H. Matson, Richmond SECRETARY: Michael Millen, Charlottesville TREASURER: Gary Beck, Virginia Beach IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: E. Lee Coble, Richmond TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN: Tim Rash, Midlothian BOARD MEMBERS: Michael W. Ancel, Newport News; Linda DiVall, Alexandria; Dr. Erik Ervin, Radford; Anne Gordon Greever, Richmond; Craig Groenendaal, Centreville; Wayne Harris, Lynchburg; Linda Lumsden, South Boston; Brian Maloney, Reston; Boodie McGurn, Richmond; William H. Millsaps Jr., Richmond; Ray Montgomery, Clifton; Karl Quinn, Chesapeake; Terry Towler, Dillwyn; John Vogel, Richmond; Grover Walker, Great Falls; Richard Wight, Virginia Beach; Michael Wise, Roanoke GENERAL COUNSEL: Vernon E. Inge Jr. (LeClairRyan) VSGA Staff | Jamie Conkling, executive director; Andrew Blair, director of communications; Josh Coates, assistant director of rules and competitions; Sarah Fletcher, VSGA membership/ VIP Card Program administrative assistant; Courtney Jones, OneDay manager; Kent Holubar, junior golf manager; Tripp Sheppard, director, VSGA membership/VIP Card Program; Matt Smiley, director of rules and competitions; Kirsten Roberts, front desk receptionist; Natasha Triplett, director of finance and administration; Michael Walder, director of handicapping; Maggie Watts, tournament manager; Karen Enders, accounts payable/receivables assistant; Abby Daniels, P.J. Boatwright intern; Gavin Parker, P.J. Boatwright intern; Tom Booker, One-Day events coordinator; Tony Caggiano, course rating coordinator; Michelle Holmes, VSGA Junior Golf Club regional coordinator; Cabell Moore, VSGA Junior Golf Club regional coordinator; Richard Smith, VSGA Junior Golf Club regional coordinator; Tommy Smith, VSGA Junior Golf Club regional coordinator VSGA Web Marketing and New Media | Kenmont Design Group Editorial Staff | EDITOR: Andrew Blair EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Bill Millsaps, (chairman), Jim Ducibella, Tim Finnegan, James McEwen, Michael J. Stott, Bill Tolbert, Arthur Utley, Andrew Blair, Jamie Conkling, Tripp Sheppard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Allen Allnoch, Joe Avento, Aimee Lee Ball, Robert Carey, Jonathan Cummings, Tom Cunneff, Vic Dorr Jr., Jim Ducibella, Thomas Dunne, Steve Eubanks, James A. Frank, Stephen G