39 / 68
37
The challenging par-five third hole is
as intimidating as it is beautiful.
The indoor facility was constructed adjacent to the state-of-the-art golf team
practice area, which was made possible through the generosity of long-time golf
team supporter and scholarship donor, the late C.M. “Buddy” Neviaser, and his late
wife, Doris. This facility provides Tech players with one of the finest total practice
complexes in the nation. The facility was officially dedicated in September 2004.
The dedication of a $5.5 million clubhouse at the Pete Dye River Course of
Virginia Tech took place in October 2010. The Harry S. and Patsy B. Williams
Clubhouse is named in honor of the late Harry S. and late Patsy B. Williams, long-
time supporters of Virginia Tech athletics and academics. Harry Williams graduated
from Virginia Tech in 1955. Construction on the clubhouse was completed in
May 2010 and the views of the golf course from the 4,000 square feet deck
surrounding it are breathtaking. The new facility consists of a spacious golf shop,
multi-purpose conference room, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, and the Hackin’
Hokie Grille.
Pete Dye is noted as one of the finest golf course architects in the world.
The Indiana native has worked with the Goodwins in the past, most notably on
the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, host of the 1994 Ryder Cup. He has also
designed The Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; the
PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, Calif.; Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
in Indianapolis, Ind.; Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind.; Harbour Town Golf
Links and The Colleton River Dye Course in Hilton Head, S.C.; and the Honors
Course in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Dye is known for enhancing the existing landscape and working within the
natural beauty of the area. He used all of the natural attributes of the previous
course, including the New River, with its adjoining rock formations and natural trees
and vegetation.
“This is a tremendous benefit for Virginia Tech, our golf program, the
membership and the golfing community,” Hardwick said. “We are indeed fortunate
to have a Pete Dye signature golf course, named after one of the most renowned
and respected golf course architects of all time.”
The project allows for play by all residents of the New River Valley community,
as the course is open to the public for daily play. Club members, daily fee golfers,
visitors, faculty, staff and students of Virginia Tech and all others are afforded
access to one of the finest golf courses in the nation. The nationally ranked
layout, which complements the natural beauty of the area and the adjacent New
River, allows for future economic growth. The course was designed to become
a destination for golfers looking to play on the finest courses and a site for
tournaments and championship events.
The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech has done for Hokie golf what Lane
Stadium/Worsham Field did for Virginia Tech football. It is simply “The Best.”
The picturesque par-three No. 7 is the shortest, but
one of the most demanding holes on the course.