Virginia Golfer Jul / Aug 2017 | Page 34

zones took some of the edge off many of the courses. “That’s all integrated [into the enjoy- ment factor],” Cannon said. “When you’re looking at pace-of-play issues, design is the biggest catalyst. … On top of that, if they’re not having any fun, how often are you going to get them back? I’m not here to protect par. I’m here to make sure the most players who enjoy the game and enjoy the Trail, they come back. I want them to enjoy the game, and they’re going to be treated like kings and queens when they’re here.” Data proves that strategy has worked splendidly. By early April of each year, Cannon said they have documented proof that players from all 50 states have teed it up on one of the courses. And by mid-May this spring, more than 25 foreign countries were likewise represented. Considering no new course has been added in 12 years, the Trail’s existing reputation has carried it into this silver anniversary year. The accomplishment wasn’t always one Cannon thought was guaranteed. “Golf, it was still hard to make a living at it, even in golf meccas. It’s a very difficult business. I couldn’t imagine 18-19 years later where it would be,” he said. “It gives you a confidence that you know you’re doing the right things. But you’ve got to still get better. I think you know our customers are telling us we’re doing the right things. We’ve got to keep listening to them. We know when we make mistakes. If we think we know what they want without listening to them, we go backward.” The Trail doesn’t appear to be heading in that direction any time soon. 32 V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | J U LY / A U G U ST 2 0 1 7 Play nine holes at Cambrian Ridge‘s Sherling course in historic Greenville, Alabama. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OFF THE COURSE BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM, TUSCALOOSA A bit off the Trail’s path, the University of Alabama’s football home is a monument to college sports. And it doesn’t take 101,000 fans reacting to Bear Bryant’s speech or the opening riff of “Sweet Home Alabama” to appreciate it. Tours are given daily during the week. 16TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM There’s no reason why a touch of history can’t be a part of your golf trip. Coming up on 150 years since its original founding, the church has been a place of solidarity and worship, especially since the world- famous 1963 bombing and rallying to help restore it. U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER, HUNTSVILLE Even as NASA’s launches have quieted some—at least from the public eye—space exploration’s roots are alive and well in Huntsville. The museum and teaching facility ignites the fancy we all had as children learning about the quest for the moon and beyond. TOOMER’S CORNER, AUBURN How many of the spots you visit garner enough attention to warrant a pair of 24/7 live video feeds? Toomer’s Corner, famously vsga.org