Hermitage CC-Manakin-Richmond

[Sam Sikes]

I took a look at Lester George's renovation work at Hermitage's Manakin today, and the changes are magnificent.  Excellent looking green complexes and bunkers.  From what I can see, not only will this now be the premier course at Hermitage, it will be one of the premier courses in Richmond and maybe even the mid-atlantic area

I couldn't believe how good every thing looks!  I think the course will probably be ready in the fall, some holes may be open, I dont know.

Definitely a new must see in Richmond.

Great work Lester!

[Jimmy Muratt]

Sam,

Can you elaborate on the level of work that Lester did?  Did he re-contour the greens and add/delete bunkers or just enhance some of the features already there.  Do you anticipate the course playing much differently now strategically?

Lester does great work, I will be anxious to see his latest at the Hermitage.

[Sam Sikes]

I have been informed that Keith Foster did the work at Hermitage.  I could have sworn that Lester was doing it but, oh well.  The changes still look great.  I will try to get some pictures at some point.

[Jimmy Muratt]

I just found some pictures of the renovation work being done by Keith Foster on his website.  Here are some good before and after pics of a couple holes and a description of the goals by Keith Foster.


Hermitage Country Club
Richmond, Virginia

Hermitage Country Club is a private club with its origins starting in 1900. In the 1950s, Hermitage Country Club moved to a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. The Sabot Course was redesigned by Arthur Hills in 2000. In 2002, Keith Foster Design was retained to renovate the Manakin Course.

The desire of the Board and Membership was to completely update the golf course from tee to green. In doing so, a strong desire was expressed to maintain its very playable feel. Elements include classic-looking tees, stylish bunkers, tight green approaches, softly countoured greens that seamlessly blend to their surrounds, better drainage and a new irrigation system.

Start Date: May 2004
Completion Date: October 2004
Re-Opening Date: August 2005

#4, Par 3, Before renovation


#4, After renovation


#6, Par 4, Before renovation


#6, After renovation

[Sam Sikes]

I can say that they have accomplished their goal at Hermitage.  The bunker style resembles Gil Hanse's work at Fenway.  And, the greens do blend seamlessly in the land scape.  Additionally, they have changed from common bermuda fairways to bent, L93 I think.  The course already had a pretty sound routing with rolling terrain and few parallel holes.  The new Manakin will undoubtedly do wonders for the club.  I looks very much like an Northeastern parkland golf courses now, definitely something new in Richmond.  I can't wait to play it