SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2026
THE RIVER REPORT ________________________
PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
YOUR CLUB
CLUB CONTACTS
HOURS OF OPERATION
CLUBHOUSE, EVENTS & ADMINISTRATIVE
PRESTON’S RESTAURANT*
Kari Kendall | General Manager kkendall@petedyerivercourse.com
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
FOOD AND BEVERAGE Nick Stuth | Kitchen Manager chef@petedyerivercourse.com
GOLF SHOP*
GOLF
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
PRACTICE FACILITIES Open 30 minutes prior to first tee time Closes at dusk Sundays I Closed from 5:00 pm
GROUNDS Greg Caldwell | Golf Course Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com
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
BUSINESS OFFICE 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 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.
@petedyerivercourse
THE RIVER REPORT
@mcconnellgolf
@rivercourseofvt
Club Events..............................................................8 Private Events..........................................................9 Membership...........................................................10 Event Calendars...................................................11
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THE CORNER OFFICE Dear Members, As we close out another wonderful summer, we simply want to say thank you. This has been one of the best summers at The River Course, and your participation, enthusiasm, and involvement have been incredible. We are truly grateful for your continued support. The season started with the typical Virginia weather—hot, dry days that challenged both golfers and the golf course. Thankfully, the weekly rains arrived, bringing much-needed relief to our fairways and greens. Our Grounds Team did a phenomenal job maintaining the course through the changing conditions, and we sincerely appreciate everyone's cooperation during our "cart path only" days. As a golfer myself, I know those days aren't anyone's favorite, but protecting the course is a shared responsibility, and your patience has helped keep The River Course in outstanding condition. There are also exciting things happening in the restaurant, and we encourage everyone to stop by and experience them firsthand. From refreshed menu offerings to new events highlighting the creativity and talent of our culinary team, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our Tailgate Menu has just dropped for what is looking like a great VT football See you on the course!
season! Be sure to check your email for upcoming events and registration opportunities.
To everyone who participated in this year's Member-Guest, "Around the World in 18 Holes," thank you for making it such a memorable event. Our entire staff worked tirelessly to create a truly special experience. From the themed stations throughout the course and the ever-popular "Phil Mobile" to the incredible meals and attention to every detail, the dedication and teamwork behind the event were remarkable. I could not be more proud of every member of our team, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed hosting it. The pro-shop has updated much of the fall apparel, including a new women’s line. We encourage everyone to check out these new items! Thank you again for making this such an outstanding summer at The River Course. We look forward to a fantastic fall season and to seeing you at the club soon. Kari Kendall General Manager kkendall@petedyerivercourse.com
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ON THE LINKS
Dear Members, As we move into September and October, there is no better time to enjoy the River Course. The cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and beautiful fall conditions make this one of my favorite times of the year to be on the golf course. I want to thank everyone for another great season and for your continued support of the golf program. We have had a busy summer filled with great events, competitive golf, and plenty of memorable rounds. As we head into fall, we look forward to keeping that momentum going. Upcoming Events in September • PDRC Ryder Cup • WGA Member - Guest As always, please check with the golf shop for the most current event calendar and registration information. Celebrating This Year's Championships Congratulations to all of our members who competed in this year's club championship. Championship golf brings out the best in our membership, and it was exciting to see so many players competing and supporting one another. A special congratulations goes to our 2026 Club Champions and to everyone who earned a place in the championship flights. Winning a club championship is a tremendous accomplishment, but just as important is the sportsmanship, camaraderie, and competitive spirit displayed throughout the events. I would also like to extend a special thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Member-Guest Tournament. Your enthusiasm and participation helped make this year's event a tremendous success. From the competition on the course to the camaraderie and fun throughout the event, I believe it was our best Member-Guest yet! A special congratulations to our 2026 Member-Guest Champions, B Davis and Patrick Beidleman, on an outstanding performance and a welldeserved victory! DJ Shively, Resident Golf Professional
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INSTRUCTIONAL TIPS GOLF TIP: PLAY FOR THE SHOT YOU KNOW YOU CAN HIT As the course changes throughout the fall, one of the easiest ways to lower your scores is to make better decisions. Before every shot, ask yourself: "What is my best miss?" Rather than always aiming directly at the flag, pick a target that gives you the largest margin for error. If the pin is tucked near a bunker or hazard, aim toward the safer portion of the green. If you have a difficult lie, choose the club and shot that gives you the best chance of advancing the ball rather than trying to hit the perfect shot. Good course management isn't about hitting more great shots—it's about putting yourself in fewer difficult situations. Remember: Play to your strengths, accept your misses, and let the course come to you.
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TURF TALK WHY GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS LOVE FALL GOLF Ask most golf course superintendents to name their favorite season, and there is a good chance fall will be near the top of the list. After battling summer heat, humidity, thunderstorms, disease pressure, insects, and heavy play, the arrival of cooler fall weather is a welcome change for both the golf course and the maintenance staff. For cool-season turfgrasses, fall provides some of the best growing conditions of the year. Cooler days and nights reduce heat stress, while soils remain warm enough to support strong root growth and recovery. Bentgrass greens that spent much of the summer simply trying to survive can once again begin to thrive. Fairways, tees, and roughs respond similarly, producing better color, density, and overall playing conditions. Fall also gives us an opportunity to repair the damage accumulated during the summer. Aerification, seeding, fertilization, and other cultural practices help strengthen the turf and prepare it for winter and the following spring. With less environmental stress, the turf is able to respond more quickly to these practices. From a golfer’s perspective, fall can offer some of the best playing conditions of the entire season. Cooler temperatures make walking the course more enjoyable, turf is typically firmer and healthier, and the changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop. There is something special about an early fall morning on a golf course—cool air, a little dew on the fairways, and autumn color beginning to appear across the property. Of course, fall brings its own challenges. Leaves seem to fall faster than we can remove them, frost delays become more common, and shorter days reduce the amount of time our staff has to complete daily work. Still, those challenges are a welcome trade after the demands of summer. For superintendents, fall represents more than cooler weather. It is a season of recovery, improvement, and preparation—and a chance to finally watch the golf course flourish instead of simply helping it survive. Regards, Greg Caldwell Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com
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WHAT’S COOKIN’?
We’re excited for another great season at the restaurant with an upcoming tailgate menu and a variety of delicious wing specials for our members and guests to enjoy. Whether you’re joining us to cheer on your favorite team, gathering with friends and family, or simply looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere, we’re looking forward to making each visit a memorable one. Most importantly, we’re grateful for your continued support and excited to keep providing the strong service, quality food, and enjoyable experience you’ve come to expect from us. Cheers, Nick Stuth Kitchen Manager chef@petedyerivercourse.com
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PINT’S & POULTRY: “WINGIN’ IT EVERY THURSDAY”
Buffalo Spicy BBQ Dry Rub Lemon Pepper Jerk Sweet Thai Tangy NC Gold
g n i w 5 . 1 ~ ecial sp Dine-in Only
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 kkendall@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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September MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY 1
WEDNESDAY 2
THURSDAY
FRIDAY 4
3
9
8
7
10
5
Live Music
Wing Day Every Thurs. 6
11
12
18
19
Ladies Member-Guest
Sunday Brunch 13
15
14
17
16
Sunday Brunch 20
SATURDAY
Live Music 21
23
22
5 After 5
Birthday Night
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Sunday Brunch 28
27
29
26
25
24
30
Sunday Brunch
October SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
1
4
5
6
7
8
12
13
14
2
SATURDAY 3
9
10
15
16
17
22
23
24
30
31
Oyster Fest Live Music
Sunday Brunch 11
5 After 5
Sunday Brunch 18
19
20
21
Sunday Brunch
25
B-Day Night 26
27
28
29
Sunday Brunch
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