The public needs courses and owners like Andy Bemis, plain and simple. He’ s made so many improvements that it’ s no longer just a golf course.”
ANDY BEMIS
The public needs courses and owners like Andy Bemis, plain and simple. He’ s made so many improvements that it’ s no longer just a golf course.”
— Will Saunders, VSGA board member
Changing Perceptions
Word has gotten out.“ We have players who have migrated from Belmont, Brookwoods, Glenwood, Sycamore and Hunting Hawk, among others,” shares Rice.“ There was a time when people would look at us and say,‘ Those guys are just hackers.’ The truth is, we attract a number of very good players— people like Jed Rasnick, Tony Good, Dayton Slater, Wally Taylor and others who are competing well in VSGA and RGA events. They play here because the course and greens are true and good.”
With roughly 50,000 rounds played annually, The Hollows typically ranks in the top 20 percent for VIP Card digital redemptions.“ Having three nines is a real advantage,” says Hollows professional Robert McCrosky.“ It gives us the flexibility to put out an additional 40 to 50 more players at any one time.”
There’ s another key factor that contributes to the course’ s success. A frequent refrain at The Hollows is that members are“ friendly and receptive.” Plain and simple, people feel welcome. Recently, Bemis paired an elderly newcomer( 19.8 index) with a retired educator( age 72, 10.7); former printing pressman( 67, 10.2) and warehouseman( 53, 15). The visitor reported it was one of the most enjoyable rounds he had played in recent years.
A Hidden Gem
When it comes to both quality and value, The Hollows simply stands out.“ It’ s a great course for what we charge,” McCrosky notes.“ The service is great, the price is fair.”“ It’ s just a gem,” Saunders agrees. The Hollows is wide open, it’ s walkable and it offers a solid challenge from the tips for those looking for it.“ It allows players of all levels to enjoy themselves and still not shoot a round where they are trunk slamming,” Rice says.
For those revisiting the course after some time, they’ ll find 27 playable holes— some familiar, many new— woven into a reconfigured matrix that provides an enjoyable, affordable walk in the park, with enough challenge to make you wonder why you waited so long to return. It’ s a spot well worth adding to your public course rotation.
Member Clubs
TEE TO GREEN
• Opened— 1984; owner / designer Tommy Pollard
• Redesign / expansion to 27 holes in 1998 by Timmons Design Group
• Public course that sells annual memberships, capped at 250
• Annual rounds played – 50,000
Fairway Facts:
• Greens – bentgrass; Crenshaw heavily interseeded with 777
• Tees and Fairways – bermuda; currently converting to hybrid Tahoma 34
• Rough – bermuda around the fairways; annual bluegrass in outskirts
Current Yardages:
• Blue Tees- 6150 yards- Par 70
• White Tees- 5800 yards- Par 70
• Golds Tees- 5100 yards- Par 70
• Red Tees- 4800 yards- Par 70 ** Course rerating scheduled for 2025
On the Moss:
• Average green size – 6400 sq. ft.
• Average green speed- Spring, winter and fall- 10- Summer- 9
Irrigation, etc.:
• Toro – 1200 +; heads over 27 holes
• Fully automated; controllable from a cell phone
• Extensive drainage improvement and tree removal
• Limbing of trees opening playing lines
• Resurfaced driving range
• Coming soon- short game chipping area
• Bunker( 43) renovation with Pervious relining and new sand
Weekday rate w / cart:
• $ 48($ 38- Senior)
Weekend rate w / cart:
• $ 62($ 62- Senior)
Large & In Charge:
• Andy Bemis – owner, PGA professional, superintendent
• Robert McCrosky – head professional
• Pete Hotskiss – assistant superintendent
Giving Back: As a passionate advocate for Virginia Golf and the growth of the sport, Bemis has:
• Supported the VSGA VIP card program for more than 17 years
• Raised more than $ 90K statewide for Youth on Course
• Positioned The Hollows as a local Youth on Course site; members 9-hole play, $ 5
“ The Hollows is the best bang for the buck in the area.”
– Warren Roberts, president, Men’ s Association
vsga. org V IRGINIA G OLFER 13