Virginia Golfer Nov / Dec 2018 | Page 8

( ) compiled by CHRIS LANG Virginia Golfer A R O U N D T H E COMMON WEALTH A MAJOR DISABLED GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP IS COMING TO VIRGINIA IN 2019. P.10 » Virginia golf & the people who make it great 6 NEWS & NOTES 8 OPENING DRIVE 11 MEMBER CLUBS 12 NEXT UP 13 TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP Dominion Energy, PGA Tour Champions sign long-term pact New agreements are the longest simultaneous extensions in PGA Tour Champions history A wildly successful first two years helped ensure the Dominion Energy Charity Classic will remain in Richmond for the long haul. Prior to the start of the 2018 DECC at The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course, the PGA Tour announced a 10-year extension of the tournament through 2029 for both the tournament’s title sponsor and its venue. The joint agreements are the longest simultaneous exten- sions announced between title sponsor and host venue in PGA Tour Champions history. The championship is three for three in producing scintillating finishes. Scott McCarron won the inaugural event in a playoff in 2016. Bernhard Langer made an eagle on No. 18 in 2017 to claim the title. Woody Austin made a birdie on No. 18 this October to hold off Langer by a stroke and win his first title in the event, which has twice earned the Players Award as the PGA Tour Champions players’ favorite stop. “Dominion Energy has provided a wonderful experience for both players and fans, and with their long-term support, I’m excited to see the Dominion Energy Charity Classic continue to grow over the next 10 years,” Langer said at a press conference announcing the extension. “The Country Club of Virginia is a phenomenal venue and Richmond is a great community for the start of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs.” Soon after the extension was announced, the DECC introduced a new charitable event benefitting The First Tee of Greater Rich- mond. The charity event will take place on Monday, April 22, 2019 and will feature sponsor foursomes and junior participants of The First Tee program. “Not only will this serve as our primary fundraising event, but will also allow us a platform to provide our supporters with an exceptional opportunity to play such a special PGA Tour- 6 V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 18 ready course while we fulfill our vision—to strengthen the character of our community,” said Brent Schnei- der, the CEO of The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Added DECC executive director Steve Schoen- feld: “Elevating local charities in the Rich- mond community continues to be a driving force for us at the Dominion Energy Char- ity Classic and we know this event will help to continue fostering lasting and impactful charitable contributions in our community.” Woody Austin, champion of the 2018 Dominion Energy Charity Classic, poses with young fans for a photo after finishing the final round at The Country Club of Virginia.