Charlottesville, Virginia–The Boar’s Head Resort has opened its new Birdwood golf course after a complete redesign by Davis Love III. The project was instigated by the resort’s desire to introduce multiple infrastructure improvements, including a new golf building for the University of Virginia golf teams, new tennis facilities, and entry road. The new course now extends into a previously unused 50 acres of the property south of the old layout on which nine new holes have been built. The corridors for five existing holes were reused in the new design, while four others were rerouted.
“Our challenge was routing the new 18 to interface with the existing clubhouse while still incorporating the historic Birdwood Mansion,” said Scott Sherman, an architect at Love Golf Design. “So, it was clear that the new property was to be used in the process. It certainly opened up wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and gave us very interesting opportunities on which to layout the new 18 and the other golf facilities.”
“Not long ago before his passing, Pete Dye was asked what was the best hole on his new design at Keswick Hall, just a few miles east of Boar’s Head,” said Sherman. “His response was ’18!’ The interviewer took it from there and started describing how interesting, challenging, and memorable hole 18 was. Pete in his normal way interrupted and barked back, ‘I mean all 18 are the best!’ We take that cue from Dye and apply that comment to Birdwood. There really are 18 stand-out holes on this course, which is a testament to the quality of the land and surrounding vistas. There are lots of variety, and a terrific and faithful client have come together to give us this great feeling about every hole.” The property is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
A new six-hole-short course will open in autumn, along with a one-acre putting course adjacent to the clubhouse. Some of the most fun holes are on the short course. The new putting surface was shaped in a way to take cues from the surrounding landscape to give it an authentic sense of place. Watch out for the crazy breaking putts. The project also includes a new practice facility, short game practice areas for members and guests, and a larger practice ground for all players.
At Boar’s Head Resort, they celebrate what endures; the beauty of the land, the hospitality of their people, the grace of traditions. Here, the borders between past and future, between rest and play, between serenity and energy dissolve away. The Resort invites guests to experience a chapter of its storied legacy. The Inn has 168 guest rooms and suites, 22,000 square feet of meeting space, and exceptional food and beverage choices.
A Historic Hotel of America, Boar’s Head is a AAA Four Diamond country resort on over 600 acres owned by the University of Virginia Foundation, extending its mission to serve as a steward of the land and a host to all visitors. With twelve miles of trails, Outfitters at Boar’s Head, a Sports and Fitness Club, the Resort is the place to stay when visiting Charlottesville.
For more information and reservations visit BoarsHeadresort.com
