JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
THE RIVER REPORT ________________________
PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
YOUR CLUB
CLUB CONTACTS
HOURS OF OPERATION
CLUBHOUSE, EVENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE
PRESTON’S RESTAURANT* Monday I CLOSED Tuesday I CLOSED Wednesday I 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday I 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday I 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday I 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday I 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Kari Kendall | General Manager foh@petedyerivercourse.com FOOD AND BEVERAGE JC Botero | Executive Chef chef@petedyerivercourse.com GOLF
GOLF SHOP* Monday-Thursday I 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday-Sunday I 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
DJ Shively | Resident Golf Professional dj.shively@petedyerivercourse.com GROUNDS
PRACTICE FACILITIES Open 30 minutes prior to first tee time Closes at dusk Sundays I Closed from 5:00 pm
Greg Caldwell | Golf Course Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com BUSINESS OFFICE
CLUB NUMBERS Main Office 540.633.6732 Golf Shop 540.633.6732 Restaurant 540.633.2667 Special Events 540.633.1807 *Hours are subject to change
Amanda Ferguson | HR & Accounting aferguson@petedyerivercourse.com
IN THIS ISSUE Your Club...……………….….....….….....…............….........2 The Corner Office...................................................3 On The Links............................................................4 Instructional TIps....................................................5 Turf Talk.....................................................................6 What’s Cookin’?......................................................7 Club Events..........................................................8-9 Never miss out on a club event, the latest McConnell Golf news or the chance to share your member experience. Stay connected to Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech and McConnell Golf on social media and join the conversation today.
Private Events........................................................10 Membership...........................................................11 Event Calendars..................................Back Cover
@petedyerivercourse
THE RIVER REPORT
@mcconnellgolf
@rivercourseofvt
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THE CORNER OFFICE Dear Members, Welcome to The River Report! Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2026 is already here—each year seems to pass a little faster than the last. We are incredibly appreciative of everyone who is part of the membership and team here at the River Course. 2025 was a great year for us. Not only did we enjoy a very successful season, but we also made wonderful connections with new members and renewed relationships with those of you who have been so tried and true over the years. 2026 is going to be one for the books! There are many activities, events, and plenty of golf coming this year. While the course may be a bit frozen and snowy, our simulator is available to keep your swing flowing. Take advantage of this great amenity during the winter season. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for our social media posts regarding upcoming events, sales, and fun activities to help keep us warm through the winter. New menu selections will be coming soon! From our team here to each and every one of you and your families. We wish you the greatest 2026! Thanks again for your continued support, Kari Kendall General Manager foh@petedyerivercourse.com
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ON THE LINKS Dear Members, Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is ready for an exciting 2025 golf season. The winter months are a great time to stay engaged, prepare your equipment, and enjoy some fun competition here at the club. Please see below for upcoming events and important Golf Shop news.
🏈 Super Bowl Tournament
Join us on February 7 for our Super Bowl Tournament, a fun and competitive match-play event that brings a football twist to the golf course. Format The field will be split into two teams: NFC Team AFC Team Teams and matches will be selected by the Golf Shop and paired based on handicap. Each player will receive 85% of their handicap. Match Play format: Each player will compete head-to-head against one opponent from the opposing conference.
Points Breakdown (Match Results) Win your match: Touchdown + Extra Point = 7 points Win your match by 4 points or more (example: 11–7): Touchdown + Two-Point Conversion = 8 points Halve your match: Field Goal = 3 points per team
🔧 Regripping Special – 20% Off
Winter is the perfect time to refresh your equipment before spring arrives. We are offering 20% off all club regripping when orders are placed before February 1. We will place one order at that time, and you can drop your clubs off any time in February to have them installed. Stop by the Golf Shop to view grip options and let us help you get properly fitted. DJ Shively Resident Golf Professional dj.shively@petedyerivercourse.com
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INSTRUCTION END OF SEASON GOLF TIPS Golf Tip of the Month: Improve Your Tempo
⏱️
Good golf isn’t about swinging harder—it’s about swinging smoother. Tempo plays a huge role in consistency, accuracy, and distance control, yet it’s often overlooked by golfers of all skill levels. Many players rush the swing, especially the transition from backswing to downswing. When that happens, timing breaks down, balance suffers, and solid contact becomes harder to repeat. A steady tempo allows your body and club to work together, producing more reliable shots with less effort. A helpful way to think about tempo is slow back, smooth through. The backswing should feel unhurried, giving your body time to coil properly. From the top, let the downswing start naturally—don’t force it. When your tempo is right, the club will feel like it’s doing the work for you. Practice tip: On the range or during practice swings, count “one” on the backswing and “two” as you swing through impact. Another option is to swing along with a metronome or a song with a steady beat. These simple cues can quickly improve rhythm and timing. Better tempo leads to cleaner contact, more consistent ball flight, and improved distance control. It can also reduce fatigue and make the game more enjoyable—proof that sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way to lower your score.
⛳
DJ Shively Resident Golf Professional dj.shively@petedyerivercourse.com
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TURF TALK 2025: A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT 2025 proved to be an outstanding year for our golf course maintenance team and one that showcased the dedication and skill behind the scenes. The year began with the completion of major reconstruction efforts following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. By mid-April, bunker construction was completed, fairways and roughs were fully sodded, and all reconstructed greens were successfully established. These efforts culminated in our grand reopening on April 25. We are deeply thankful for the encouragement and support we received from you throughout this process. We were fortunate to have assistance from several peers and friends within the turfgrass industry, whose guidance and hands-on support played a key role in our recovery. As the season progressed, our focus shifted to establishing new turf and preparing the course for summer stress. July was an especially busy month, with the Member/Guest tournament, GPro Tour events, and several additional outings taking place in a short timeframe. After a summer that brought both excessive moisture and sudden drought conditions, fall arrived as a welcome transition. Cooler temperatures allowed the new turf to recover and continue to mature. Winter made an early appearance this year, with approximately six inches of snowfall in December. Overall, 2025 was a rewarding year filled with challenges that our maintenance team met head-on. We are proud of the progress made and grateful for the continued support of our membership. Regards, Greg Caldwell Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com
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WHAT’S COOKIN’? A THANK YOU FROM THE KITCHEN As the year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Being a chef means long days, hot kitchens, and endless passion for the craft. But it’s all worth it when food brings people together. Every plate we serve is made with care, and knowing it becomes part of your memories—big or small—means everything to us. To our guests and fellow food lovers, thank you for your support, your trust, and your love of good food. To my team, thank you for your dedication and heart—this work wouldn’t be possible without you. As we head into a new year, I’m grateful, inspired, and excited for what’s ahead. Here’s to full tables, honest Flavors, and many more moments shared over food. With gratitude, Chef Jc Botero P.S The first Evening with the Chef is January 30th!
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MARGARITAFUN FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 6-8PM $25 PER PERSON INCLUDES ONE SPECIALTY BEVERAGE & FULL BUFFET OF COASTAL CUISINE (REGULAR MENU AVAILABLE ALSO)
Call 540-633-6732 or email foh@petedyerivercourse.com for Reservations
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Valentine’s Day Dinner! February 14th Stay tuned for more information...
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PRIVATE EVENTS
BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US From birthday parties to anniversaries, baby showers, and graduation parties, the clubhouse at Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech offers an unforgettable setting for your next event. Overlooking the historic New River, our elevated terrace and banquet rooms provide breathtaking views of the course and surrounding landscape. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, our flexible indoor space can accommodate groups from 10 to 115 guests. Partitioned layouts are available to better serve smaller gatherings, while the full room can be configured to meet the needs of corporate functions, receptions, and more. Amenities & Features: Panoramic river and golf course views Wi-Fi and modern AV technology Microphone, projector, 52" LCD monitors, podium, and sound system On-site event coordination and setup support To book your event today, email foh@petedyerivercourse.com or submit an event inquiry using the button below.
EVENT INQUIRY FORM
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MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP AT PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH Join one of Virginia's top-ranked golf destinations and enjoy all that Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech has to offer. Our membership options are designed to fit a variety of lifestyles, whether you're a passionate golfer, a Virginia Tech student, or simply want to enjoy the clubhouse and social atmosphere. There’s a true sense of community among our members, and our team is proud to recognize the important role they play in the continued success of the River Course. Membership here means being valued—not burdened. That’s why our members are never subject to operational or capital assessments, and there are no minimum spending requirements. Membership Benefits: Unlimited play with no time restrictions 14 days advance tee time preference 10% off non-sale golf apparel Member-priced handicap fees Opportunity to purchase a range plan Privilege of walking anytime Member-only golf events To view annual membership opportunities and to apply for membership, click the button below or scan the QR code.
MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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January MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Margarita-Fun 18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Evening with the Chef
February MONDAY
SUNDAY 1
2
TUESDAY 3
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
4
5
FRIDAY 6
SATURDAY 7
Super Bowl Tournament
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Valentine’s Day 15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28