THE RIVER REPORT
PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
YOUR CLUB
HOURS OF OPERATION
PRESTON’S RESTAURANT*
Monday I CLOSED
Tuesday I CLOSED
Wednesday I 11:00am - 4:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 4:00pm)
Thursday I 11:00am - 8:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 8:00pm)
Friday I 11:00am - 8:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 8:00pm)
Saturday I 11:00am - 8:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 8:00pm)
Sunday I 11:00am - 4:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 4:00pm)
GOLF SHOP
Monday-Thursday I 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday-Sunday I 8:00am - 5:00pm
PRACTICE FACILITIES
Open 30 minutes prior to first tee time
Closes at dusk
CLUB NUMBERS
Main Office Golf Shop
Restaurant
Special Events
CLUB CONTACTS
CLUBHOUSE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Michael Abraham | General Manager mabraham@petedyerivercourse.com
Fran Davis | Business Manager fdavis@petedyerivercourse.com
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Anastasia Kramer I Executive Chef chef@petedyerivercourse.com
Kari Kendall I Front of House & Catering Manager foh@petedyerivercourse.com
GOLF
Michael Abraham | PGA Director of Golf mabraham@petedyerivercourse com
DJ Shively | Assistant Golf Professional dj shively@petedyerivercourse com
GROUNDS
Greg Caldwell | Golf Course Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com
THE CORNER OFFICE
Dear Members,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season and New Year! As another year has passed, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly the years go by! It seems that every year since graduating from Coastal Carolina, nearly seventeen short years ago, seems to go by exponentially faster.
The early part of the year is always a good time to reflect. As I mentioned in this same edition last year, I like to set goals for the upcoming year: financial, family, fitness and faith. I can reflect back and see if I accomplished my goals from the previous year and then build on them for the new year
As I reflect back on our goals for the River Course in 2024, I can say that I am encouraged by the direction we are heading We were right on track in accomplishing
many of our financial goals until Hurricane Helene derailed us. The silver lining is that we were on the right track with the things we were doing. Membership numbers saw a slight increase, there was more participation in our member golf events, we had more social offerings and events, and the golf course received favorable reviews.
With that being said, there is more to do and areas in which we can improve. The reconstruction companies and our own maintenance staff have been working tirelessly to get the course back to the condition we were in prior to the hurricane. I have confidence in those employed that we will be even better than before. We really do appreciate everyone’s patience while we go through this process and in the end I know we will be rewarded for that patience.
I look forward to sharing a tremendous 2025 with each of you. Thank you for your continued support!
Michael Abraham, PGA Master Professional General Manager / Director of Golf
The Pete Dye River Course mabraham@petedyerivercourse com
ON THE LINKS
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday and safe travels. We have begun our simulator league for the winter. With this being our third year hosting the league, we have updated the format and software. We are now able to play more courses, including TPC courses, Pinehurst courses, Augusta, and many more! The simulator is still available for rent at $20 per hour.
Renewals – All membership dues will remain the same this year. Dues can be paid with cash, check, or credit card in the golf shop. VSGA Handicap will remain at a price of $45 for 2025. Reminder that we still have lockers available for $60 annually, along with push cart storage for $100 annually.
Be sure to look at the 2025 Golf Calendar of events for our full tournament schedule. Some important dates are Member-Member, April 25-27, Member-Guest, July 10-12 (Thursday-Saturday), and Club Championship, August 9 & 10.
Looking forward to a great 2025!
DJ Shively
Assistant Golf Professional dj.shively@petedyerivercourse.com
February
March
April
June
July
August
Pete Dye River Course
2025 Golf Schedule
8 – Super Bowl Golf Tournament
3-4 - Aerification
5 – Hokie Ball
9 – Master’s Par 3 Shootout
25-27 – Member-Member
3-4 - Aerification
28 – Poker Golf
10-12 - Men’s Member/Guest
9-10 – Club Championship
18-19 - Aerification
September 20 - Ryder Cup
November 28 - Turkey Shootout
*Some events are subject to change
Thursday Night Men’s League
May 8
May 15
June 12
June 19
June 26
July 17
July 24
July 31
August 7
August 1 4
All times starting at 5:30pm Weekly formats!
Friday Co-Ed Golf
May 16
May 23
June 13
June 20
August 1
August 8
August 29
September 5
September 12
All times starting at 5:30pm Weekly formats!
TURF TALK
Progress Report
On November 22nd, repair work commenced on greens 8, 12, and 14 The process involved stripping the sod, removing the greens mix and taking out the existing drainage systems The crews then focused on compacting and reshaping the subgrade, aiming to restore the greens to their original dimensions and slopes By identifying the original edges of the greens, they were able to significantly expand the front and right side of 8 green, the front of 12 green, and the back of 14 green, adding valuable square footage These expansions will provide additional pin placement options for each green New drainage systems were installed, and fresh greens mix was added and shaped to replicate the subgrade contours These greens are scheduled to be sodded in the spring when weather conditions are more favorable
The bunker renovation project began on December 4th, following a process similar to what we used for our greens First, the old sand is removed, then the subgrade is shaped and compacted The existing drainage is taken out and replaced with a new system Next, a fabric liner is installed to create a barrier between the soil and sand, ensuring the sand remains clean I am particularly excited about this renovation, as it has been a much-needed improvement for many years The project should conclude in the February to March timeframe
The staff is also working on resodding areas around the golf course Areas that were severely damaged from the flood are being stripped and will be resodded You’ll notice some areas on #3, #11 and #15 to name a few I cannot thank my staff enough for the hard work and effort they’re putting in We are looking forward to The River Course coming back stronger than ever!
Regards, Greg Caldwell
Superintendent greg caldwell@petedyerivercourse com
#10 Left Fairway Bunker
#14 Green
#16 Fairway Bunker
WHAT’S COOKIN’?
It’s the New Year! To me the New Year is about resolutions; losing weight, making amends with lost connections, saving money, finding new hobbies, and maybe a better golf score!
We have so many new events happening this year, two of which are in January: Parrothead Paradise (an ode to Jimmy Buffett, his music and his food) and Music Trivia! Others include Movie Night on the Lawn, ‘Steaks & Stogies’ and other returning favorites such as Septoberfest, Oysterfest and Cocktails & Candy Canes. My staff and I are ecstatic to showcase our foods at these amazing events. We hope to see you at them!
One of my favorite dishes to make during the winter months is a quinoa bowl! This simple, yet vegetable forward and filling dish is healthy, delicious and leaves plenty for leftovers!
My family packs it full of black beans, tomato, red onion, pepperoncini, corn salsa, chicken, and adobo! It’s a huge crowd pleaser, and there are plenty of ways you can customize this dish to suit the likes of your family!
Anastasia Kramer
Executive Chef
chef@petedyerivercourse com
Upcoming Events
January 17 - Parrothead Paradise
January 23 - Birthday Night
January 30 - Music Trivia Night
February 14 - Valentine’s Day Dinner
February 20 - Birthday Night
Music Trivia Night
What a whirlwind 2024 has been I want to thank everyone who has made me feel so incredibly welcome here at Pete Dye If I have not met you, please stop by and say hello! My move here has been absolutely amazing I look forward to everything this new year is set to bring. Joy, happiness, and loads of great times to be shared with friends and family. Keep your eyes open for all the upcoming events. Everything from tropical breezes blowing in January, to our own traditions of the annual Oysterfest. New, fun, and exciting things are on the horizon, and we would love to have everyone join in on the fun. Don’t forget to check the ‘Member Calendar’ on the website to view all upcoming events! Thank you for all of your support! We look forward to a prosperous New Year with all of you
Kari Kendall
Front of House & Catering Manager foh@petedyerivercourse.com
CLUB EVENTS
Parrothead Paradise Friday, January 17 6-8pm Price is $25/person Includes one complimentary beverage and one appetizer Special menu items featuring Jimmy Buffet’s favorites available for purchase! Island music from a DJ!
MEMBER OF THE MONTH CRAIG WAGGAMAN
PDRC:Howlonghaveyoubeenamember?
Craig: For 25 years!
PDRC:What‘syourfavoriteholeatTheRiver?
Craig: From the correct tees, I think #4 is beautifully designed and a very challenging hole
PDRC:What’syourfavoritegolfcourse,thatyou’veever played?
Craig: Carne Golf Links In County Mayo, Ireland.
PDRC: You’verecentlystartedanewventureinthegolf business. Tellusbrieflyaboutit.
Craig: This past summer, Frank Washburn and I decided to use our mutual love of travel and links golf to start a business helping others to experience the unique pleasuree of playing golf on the beautiful linksland of Scotland and Ireland. We named our company Heather & Gorse
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH NICK BOYEA
Our very own Nick Boyea has been awarded the recognition of Top 50 Coach in Operation36 Golf in 2024! Nick has received this honor due to his tremendous contributions to the game of golf, his implementation of the Op36 curriculum, and his ability to inspire practice and play.
Thanks to Nick for all he’s done for golf in our area His work ethic and commitment to the game are truly remarkable We are very fortunate to have Nick at the Pete Dye River Course and are excited to see what programs and fun ideas he brings to the table in 2025!
COOKIES OF THE MONTH
Coconut Macaroons by Rebecca Keil, Executive Pastry Chef at Porters Neck Country Club
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie by Kenric Hunt, Executive Chef at Brook Valley Country Club
INSTRUCTION
We’ve spent many newsletter articles talking about improvements to the swing. What about improvements to your equipment? For players that have never been fitted for their clubs before, I highly recommend that your next driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron set, wedges or even putter comes after you’ve been fitted by a PGA Professional.
Why? Well, every golf swing is unique Each player is different in their setup and inswing movements Each player comes through the hitting zone differently The clubs that are hanging in a golf retail store are standard lie, standard length and with a fairly generic shaft Not having the right equipment is setting up for failure A player with a high swing speed needs a club that has a stiffer flex. If you are a player with a low swing speed and have a stiff flex, you are going to be laboring through the swing and getting inconsistent results.
How frustrating would it be to know that you are making good swings, but the equipment is actually hurting you? A player shouldn’t fit their game to their equipment The equipment should be fit to a player’s game
With the use of a launch monitor and looking at data from each shot, a fitter can hone in on the right club for a player If we focus on the driver, here are some things that we’d be looking at What is the proper length for the player? Industry norm is about 45.5" to 46". Did you know many tour players use 45" or less? If the best players are using ‘shorter’ drivers to aid in accuracy and control, why are amateurs buying longer clubs? The extra half or full inch is not going to give you that much distance, however it will definitely aid in the dispersion of your golf shot.
After length, we’re going to look at numbers such as launch angle, spin rate and decent angle. The optimal launch angle is between 11-15 degrees, the optimal back spin rate is 1800-2300rpm and the best decent angle between 31-37 degrees based on swing speed As we try and fit into these numbers we’ll make adjustments on the type of clubhead, the shaft characteristics and the shaft flex If we can fit someone into these numbers for the driver, the player will be able to capitalize on optimal carry distance along with getting more roll after the ball hits the ground
At the River Course, we have a launch monitor that can provide these numbers and are more than happy to assist players with their purchases of new equipment, as well as hosting several fitting days a year with Titleist and Callaway.
What a year 2024 was for our Academy! First off, thank you to all of our members for the support you have shown us, as I was recognized by Operation 36 as a Top 50 Coach in the world for 2024. As much as it may be a personal accolade with my name attached, it is truly a testament to the sense of community we have here at the River Course. Our students come willing to learn and are dedicated to putting in the hard work that is required to achieve success and have a lot of fun and camaraderie along the way That is what truly makes all the difference It is an honor to be able to play a small part in everyone’s golf journey, and I’m excited to continue on this adventure in 2025!
For our All-Star Competition this past fall, our team placed 2nd out of 6 academies, narrowly missing out on first place by two strokes. I’m so proud of our All-Stars for the grit they showed at a new golf course against 30 other extremely talented juniors. If you happen to see William Ballard, Colton Tickle, Will Rackaway, Tillman Evans, Ethan Woodall, or Addie Stinnett around the course, please show them some love! We will bring the trophy home next year, hopefully with everyone else having to come to our turf to compete.
As we hit the ground running in 2025, I’d like to give a friendly nudge that the winter is the best time to make real changes in your golf game, should you need them Many thanks to the golf shop staff for allowing us to utilize the simulator for lessons as we battle through the cold If you’d like a tune-up or an observation on the current state of your game, please feel free to give me a shout! There is a lot of great work to be done with the technology at our disposal, whether it’s our CoachNow learning platform, our Operation 36 curriculum, the challenges on our GSPro simulator software, or the swing data available through the course’s Foresight GCQuad or our personal Full Swing KIT, designed in collaboration with Tiger Woods.
Here’s to a great 2025! - Nick Boyea, Academy DIrector
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