Virginia Golfer Mar / Apr 2018 | Page 13

Member Clubs said. “There were a number of nine-hole courses and even par-3 courses. But over a period of time, those sort of fell out of favor. For a long time, nine-hole courses and short courses were not perceived as viable, I guess, from a development standpoint. “So we’re very happy it’s back in favor. It allows you to play golf in a more time-effi- cient manner. If done well, it can be real golf, interesting golf. And not only for families and people for higher handicaps to enjoy, but if done well, it can be proven to be extremely interesting for really good players as well.” To wit, Farmington general manager Joe Krenn has noticed an uptick in play on the renovated nine. Golfers with time early in the morning can get out and walk nine and be done in time to make it to the office by 9 a.m. Krenn also lauded how the combination of the practice facility and the East Course has brought back a lost social element to members. People will meet on the range and practice greens and head out for a quick nine to test their games against each other. The East Course is eminently walkable, with teeing grounds for the next hole built very close to the green of the previous hole. That explains also why the East Course is actually a 10-hole course. After the par-3 “It allows you to play golf in a more time-efficient manner. If done well, it can be real golf, interesting golf.” —Bill Coore third hole, golfers will encounter an extreme- ly short uphill par-3 that plays at around 70 yards. Coore calls it a “bridge” hole. “If we’re playing short holes and fun holes, why wouldn’t we just play a little 70- or 75-yard hole up the hill,” rath- er than just walk 80 yards to the next tee box, Coore said. “Admittedly, it’s not something you see a lot of. But we thought it was a way to provide a very interest- ing shot, a fun shot, a sort of a mystery shot. You don’t quite see where your ball finishes, but you have high hopes for it. It provides some excitement and some interest as you walk up the hill just to see where your ball finished.” Coore and Crenshaw helped breathe excitement back into an uninspiring nine at Farmington, providing a blueprint for others to think outside of the comfort zone of the traditional 18-hole layout when considering how best to utilize property, another display of golf ’s willingness to adapt with an eye toward the future. THE GRASS IS TRULY GR EENER AT A M E R I C A’ S FIRST RESORT. Experience challenging fairways nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains at The Omni Homestead Resort. With more than 30 other activities and a world-class spa, this is a golf getaway you’ll never forget. OmniHotels.com/TheHomestead 540-839-1766 vsga.org M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 18 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 11