Virginia Tech Foundation to build a new clubhouse at Pete Dye River Course

The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech--an emerging premiere destination golf course in the Southeast United States--will break ground on a new $5.5 million clubhouse early in 2008.

Work on the new clubhouse, which will feature a pro shop, a large dining facility suitable for catered special events of more than 100 guests, a lounge/grille area, conference rooms, and outdoor patios, is scheduled to begin in March 2008. Construction is expected to be completed by summer, 2009.

Designed by Joe Harris, Glenn Reynolds, and George Godwin—all graduates of the Virginia Tech College of Architecture and Urban Studies—the clubhouse will feature a Hokie Stone fireplace in the dining room and elevated patios with dramatic views of the New River. Lionberger Construction Company of Roanoke is general contractor.

“The construction of a new clubhouse will further enhance the quality of the Pete Dye River Course experience and provide an exceptional venue for university and regional events,” said Charles Pryor of Lynchburg, Va., chairman of the Virginia Tech Foundation. “Our investment in the course will further improve what has already become a tremendous resource to Virginia Tech and the region.”

Increasing the university’s positive impact on the community is one of the priorities of The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future, a $1 billion fundraising initiative launched Oct. 20.

The clubhouse will be named in honor and memory of Harry S. Williams and Patsy B. Williams in recognition of their support of Virginia Tech and for their interest in the game of golf. Jane L. Sheffey and James H. Long, trustees of the Williams-Berry Charitable Trust, authorized the $2 million naming gift.

Approximately $4.5 million of the $5.5. million needed to complete the project has been raised. In addition to the naming gift, The Hackin' Hokies, the booster group of the Virginia Tech golf team, has committed $250,000 towards the construction of the Hackin' Hokies Lounge and Grill. Several other individuals have made gifts up to $100,000 in support of the clubhouse project. Bill and Alice Goodwin of Richmond, Va., long time supporters of the Virginia Tech golf program, have also provided support for the clubhouse project.

The Virginia Tech Foundation acquired the River Course, located between Blacksburg and Radford, Va., in Pulaski County, in 2002. In 2003, the foundation announced a rebuilding project after Bill and Alice Goodwin provided the financial support to cover the cost of the design and construction of the new course and golf team facility practice and instruction facility. Pete Dye, widely considered one of the finest golf course architects in the world, was commissioned to renovate the course.

Dedicated in 2006, the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech features five sets of tees along 2.5 miles of the scenic and historic New River. The yardage stretches from 5,142 for ladies to 7,665 for tournament play. In 2006, Golf Digest, the nation's leading golf magazine, named the Pete Dye River Course among the "best new remodel" golf courses in the nation. It was ranked fourth among the 170 courses considered, and was the only public, non-resort course in the top five.

The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech is a daily fee public facility. Individual and family memberships are available and provide a variety of benefits for members.