JON HOOD |
Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg will host the 2021 VSGA Mid-Senior and Super Senior Amateur championships in early October . This year marks the sixth playing of the VSGA ’ s newest statewide men ’ s event ( the Mid-Senior Amateur ) that crowns a winner in the 60-64 age division . Three more championships will be won in three Super Senior age divisions — 65 +, 70 +, and 75 +. Keith Decker , a member of the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame , will attempt to defend his 2020 Mid-Senior victory . A winner of nearly 200 championships over a phenomenal amateur career that spans five decades , Decker ’ s triumph in the 2020 Mid-Senior not only propelled him to his record 30th VSGA Championship , it also enabled him to become only the second person in history to capture VSGA state titles in four age divisions : State Amateur ; Mid-Amateur ; Senior ; and Mid-Senior .
The 15th hole at Spotswood Country Club is a superb par-5 that plays from 526 yards to 553 yards from the two men ’ s tees . At its maximum length , the 15th plays as a true three-shot hole and at the shorter distance , it offers longer hitters the opportunity — after a strong drive — to go for the green in two for a realistic , potential
|
eagle — especially since the generous putting surface is extremely wide and very flat .
Exemplifying the beautiful rolling terrain that is characteristic of this part of the Shenandoah Valley and with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop , the 15th plays uphill , gently turning right , around a large lake . As is always true on Fred Findlay designs , precision ball-striking is required and that is especially true on the demanding second shot to set up an approach that can attack the pin . The second shot must remain left of the pond , while clearing a strategic swale in the fairway that causes many balls to run down into the water , as well as avoiding three bunkers — two of which create ultra-challenging , long sand shots — not to mention various trees and mature shrubs that line the left side of the fairway .
While a potential birdie opportunity , the 15th is a true thinking person ’ s hole and not just a par-5 where you simply advance the ball on the second shot . These characteristics , together with the beauty of this excellent design , ensure the 15th at Spotswood Country Club is an outstanding golf hole that is certain to challenge the players in this year ’ s Mid-Senior Championship .
Spotswood Country Club is a long-time , ardent supporter of the VSGA , and it has
|
Blue : 553 yards
White : 526 yards
PAR 5 YARDAGES
Red : 404 yards
Gold : 400 yards
been the venue for numerous state championships over the years . The club also regularly plays host to VSGA One-Day events and is one of the many excellent courses on the VSGA VIP Golf Card Program . The club has an especially active ladies golf association that has been a passionate supporter of The Fleming Fund , whose mission is to support golfing activities for junior girls ages 7 – 18 who are not yet attending college .
A five-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 .
|