Illustrations courtesy of Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech

View from front

The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech has received lots of national accolades since undergoing a complete makeover from one of the game's most revered designers.

Since Dye's renovation was completed 23 months ago, the Radford layout that winds along 2.5 miles of the scenic New River has made a bunch of the "best of the best" lists from golf's major publications.

Not a bad hole at the place, really. Well, on second thought, there is one. An abysmal one. It's No. 19.

David Lowe, the chairman of the course's operating board, can only snicker when conversation turns to the facility's way-below-par 19th.

"We just embarrassingly smile when people ask about our clubhouse," said Lowe, referring to the pair of double-wide trailers that presently serve as the course's pro shop and respite area.

Well, that's all about to change. Ground was broken five weeks ago on a $5.5 million clubhouse that will rest on a 70-foot cliff overlooking the New River. The 7,800-square foot facility, which will be surrounded by 4,000 square feet of patio space, will feature a pro shop, lounge and grill area, and dining facilities suitable for catered events that can handle approximately 125 guests for university and regional gatherings as well as corporate and private functions, such as weddings.

Get the party started now, head professional John Norton said.

"I'm finally going to get a view," Norton said, laughing. "I've got a view of the parking lot right now, but I'm going to have a great one soon. Plus, there's going to be some food. Right now, I have my little 2x4 Pepsi cooler, I've got a couple of sandwiches and crackers next to it ... the self-service area, you know."

Dye, who spent nearly two years redoing the course, came to Radford on June 17 to take a gander at the place. He found a course that's never looked better. However, the one hole that Dye didn't touch was the one that seemed to enamor him most, Norton said.

"Pete Dye said it was the best location for a clubhouse that he's ever seen," Norton said. "His exact words were, 'you could go anywhere in the world, you can get an ocean view, you can get whatever view you want, but this one has elevation, you have the river and then you have the mountain on the other side, plus you have the occasional train going by.'

"He says 'you know what, it just doesn't get any better than that.' He got real excited."

As strong as the golf course is, the 19th hole is even more important for the Average Joe. After taking a beating from Dye's devilish design, the high-handicapper desperately needs a nice setting to enjoy a cool beverage and go over the card with playing partners. Now there will be a venue for a golfer to throw down a few in post round and explain how they made a "snowman" on No. 18.

"You've got to have that," Norton said. "Right now, we're just a golf club. But once we get that clubhouse, you totally expect to take it up a notch or two and let's see where it goes."

The clubhouse, which is scheduled to be completed next summer, was designed by architect Joe Harris, with assistance from Glenn Reynolds and George Godwin. All three are graduates of Tech's College of Architecture and Urban Studies. The general contractor for the project is Lionberger Construction of Roanoke.

"It's going to be absolutely gorgeous," Lowe said. "A great golf course and a fabulous clubhouse, what else more would you want? There are some cosmetic things that we still want to do with the golf course. But the new clubhouse is the one big piece we really needed. And it's coming. I can't wait."