Sometimes, we all need a little perspective.
On the day that the idea of this renovation was born, there was a vision of what this property could be. The players who are regulars on The Hill know that this is a unique piece of land. Sitting atop the Eastern Continental Divide, the golf course rests at the highest point in the Town of Blacksburg. It is one of the most popular places to take in a magnificent sunset or to watch powerful storms roll in over the mountains. However, the golf course itself, purchased by the Town in 1971, needed some work.
Matching the needs of the golf course to the scenic aspects of the property took a great deal of careful thought and planning. Architect Lester George was familiar with The Hill before he was approached by the town. His wife Pat grew up in Blacksburg and played the course when it was Blacksburg Country Club. Lester recognized some of the early golf course construction techniques that were used to build the course back in the 1920's and wanted to preserve some of that architectural history. But he also knew that a modern makeover was what the course needed. Finding that balance between history and sustainable golf course maintenance was the challenge.
As construction continues, those elements are quickly coming together. Previously, during heavy rain events, sand would wash out of the bunkers. Now, the traps are being re-built using the Better Billy Bunker system that allows proper drainage. A putting green will actually shrink in size over time due to prolonged infiltration of the surrounding grasses. Today, the greens are being brought back to their original sizes and in some cases being enlarged to provide a better playing experience. When the tees were originally built, there wasn't much thought given to a player's ability. Now, there will be multiple tees to accomodate players of all skill levels.The aerial photo to the right shows all these elements coming together. The new 8th fairway will meander to the left towards a new larger green. The old fairway bunker, prone to spilling sand out into the fairway after a heavy rain, has been filled in and the new bunker is under construction. Notice the trenches being prepared for drainage. In the background on the right, the new back tee complex for the par-4 5th is starting to take shape.
Standing back and taking a long look at the progress offers an overview, shall we say, of where this project is headed. It's all about perspective.
It remains critical during this construction phase to keep pedestrian traffic off the golf course. Please don't walk or ride bicycles on the property. For the safety of everyone and to protect our newly planted turf during and after construction, the property is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Signs are posted on the perimeter reminding people that there is NO TRESPASSING during construction. Please use the walking trail around the perimeter. Once construction is complete, it will be necessary to remain closed to allow the new grass to establish itself. The course will re-open in the late spring/early summer. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we make improvements.
Please, follow our progress on Facebook and Twitter. We are constantly adding construction photos to our Facebook page in the "2017 Renovation" album.
