Classic Pete Dye-design set in Virginia’s scenic hunt country
(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – Keswick Hall – the acclaimed 600-acre luxury resort set in Virginia’s scenic Hunt Country – announces its new Pete Dye-designed golf course, “Full Cry,” will open Oct. 10.
A hunting term describing the call of hounds that have found the scent and are in hot pursuit of their mark, Full Cry will debut as the signature amenity to Keswick Hall’s 48-room inn and club. At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the “instant classic” traverses the rolling terrain below the inn’s perch on the property’s high ground.
When stepping on the first tee the layout’s natural beauty and clarity of the challenge that lies ahead are crystal clear. Dye has done a masterful job of combining “old world” architectural charm and modern technology. With the exception of one hole, the greens have open fronts and are approachable either through the air or on the ground.
The last three holes on the back nine may be the finest finish to any course in Virginia. The Redan-style par-3 No. 16 is modeled after the famous 15th at Scotland’s North Berwick. With train tracks running parallel the entire length of the right side, the superlative par-5 17th is called the “Railroad Hole.” The tee-box of the demanding par-4 No. 18 provides the crescendo of the layout with a panoramic view of the beautiful Hunt Country, serene mountains off on the horizon and majestic inn above.
“There is no question the Hunt Country of Virginia is the perfect terrain for an exceptional golf course and that’s exactly what we have with Full Cry,” says Dye. “The layout is as good as any I’ve ever done.”
One of the most influential golf course architects of the modern era, Dye credits include the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort and Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort, highly-acclaimed sister properties of Keswick Hall. Michigan-based Albanese & Lutzke oversaw construction management.
“Our splendid new Pete Dye course puts us right on the map as a destination for golfers seeking the ‘best of the best’ courses,” says Greg Sligh, CEO and Managing Partner of Keswick Hall. “It’s an honor working with Pete and we can’t thank him enough for his design genius, creatively and passion for the game.”
The new practice range and short game facilities are world-class. Overlooking the course below, the range features multiple grass tees to hit from, a huge practice putting green, and a short game chipping / pitching area ideal to prepare for the fun Dye has in store.
The region is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the University of Virginia and numerous outdoor pursuits, drawing history buffs, wine lovers, sports enthusiasts and nature seekers year-round. Keswick Hall features newly refreshed upscale accommodations, spa services, fine dining at Fossett’s, and myriad amenities. Highly decorated, it has attained Condé Nast Traveler “gold” status, and is one of Travel + Leisure’s 500 “World’s Best Hotels.”
For more information on Keswick Hall and its array of vacation packages visit www.keswick.com or call 434.979.344.
About Keswick Hall
Set in the historic hunt and wine country of central Virginia, Keswick Hall is a 600-acre boutique resort featuring 48 private guest rooms. The northern wing of the current inn contains historic Villa Crawford, once the Italianesque private estate of the Robert Crawford family built in 1912.
A full complement of amenities and activities are available to guests, including: golf, tennis, three swimming pools, croquet, nature trails, on-site vineyard, garden / historic tours, spa and fine dining. Off-site excursions include wine tasting, Presidential home visits, University of Virginia tours, clay shooting and more.
The property is home to the historic Keswick Club, a members club introduced in 1948 when renowned architect Fred Findlay added its first nine holes of golf. The course expanded to18 holes in the mid-’50s and was renovated in 1992 by Arnold Palmer. In 2013, World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye was commissioned to create its new Full Cry course over the existing routing.
The country estate is a property of Richmond, Va.-based Riverstone Group under its Historic Hotels of Albemarle division. The company also owns and manages The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort (S.C.), The Sea Pines Resort (S.C.), The Jefferson Hotel (Va.) and The Hermitage Hotel (Tenn.).
Keswick Hall – centrally located — is an easy two-hour drive from the Washington D.C. metro area and just over three hours from Baltimore. Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is 30 minutes away. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is a 90-minute drive.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
704.519.8381
Buffalo Communications
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
David Wood
703.635.0577
Buffalo Communications
dwood@buffalocommunications.com