Richmond, VA – Even golf courses described as “perfect” sometimes need a tweak or two. Kinloch Golf Club, the most highly rated golf course in the history of Virginia, is getting a minor facelift. The golf course, designed by Golf Course Architect Lester George and Design Consultant (and former U.S. Amateur Champion) Marvin “Vinny” Giles, opened in 2001. Kinloch was named Golf Digest’s Best New Course that year and continues to garner consistent accolades. Fifteen years of play, changes in the game, and new technologies in maintenance and sustainability have precipitated the need for minor enhancements to the golf course. The club is amid the first phase of the renovations outlined in their 2014 Master Plan of Improvements.
Kinloch hosted the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship, as well as hosting several regional and state championships. Accommodations for tournament play have become a part of the club’s heritage, though enhancing the golf and hospitality experience of members and guests remains top priority. Tasks within the Master Plan address these accommodations in addition to the main focus of enhancing strategy, aesthetics, and playability. The club has a unique niche in the golf market and wants to remain at the top of the heap, knowing the golf course is an integral part of Kinloch’s magic.
George and Giles transformed a densely wooded area into the well-honored course that exists today, and they continue to collaborate as the club makes changes. “The little tweaks we make each year require more thought and planning than I could have ever imagined,” said Giles, “but it never ceases to be fun. We are extremely proud of what we have created and will continue to make the minor improvements necessary to make Kinloch even better. Working with Lester on the original design and ongoing improvement plan for the golf course has been a real privilege.”
“Holes 9 and 11 have split fairways,” said George. “We’re rebuilding some of the features to add more visibility and strategic options. New back tees will accommodate longer hitters, offer additional options for play, and help disperse divots. Repositioning the right fairway bunkers on the 12th hole will increase the demand on the player and potentially alter driving strategy.” This phase of work, constructed by Landscapes Unlimited, also consists of adding walking and cart bridges and tee boxes on the 3rd and 6th holes. The 15th hole will see new left greenside bunkers with modern bunker drainage techniques.
The growth of foliage in the 15 years since the club’s opening has created maintenance challenges. “A pine tree canopy over the 4th green was casting shadows at the exact time of day when the green needed sunlight for photosynthesis,” said Golf Course Superintendent Trevor Hedgepeth. “The select clearing was a delicate project because the tree line framed the 4th green beautifully. Mr. George hand-picked the trees we removed so we could accomplish our agronomic objectives without damaging the overall look of the hole.”
It is rare for someone to get a peek behind the gates of Kinloch, but for the lucky few who do these tweaks will strengthen the course’s splendid look and feel. “We want to do everything within our power to provide our family of members a truly special club that exceeds their needs and expectations,” said Kinloch General Manager Jonathan Ireland. “Continuing to invest in golf course enhancements is a crucial component of what has come to be known as the Kinloch Experience.”
For Additional Photographs or More Information:
Jonathan Ireland, General Manager, Kinloch Golf Club
Email: jireland@kinlochgolfclub.com
Phone: 804-784-8000
Written by Shannon Fisher (byline not required)
About Kinloch Golf Club: Designed by Golf Course Architect Lester George and Marvin “Vinny” Giles, Kinloch Golf Club opened in 2001 as Golf Digest’s Best New Course of the year. An ultra-private club with invitation-only membership, Kinloch is the highest rated golf course in Virginia’s history. Kinloch has been among GolfWeek’s Top 100 Modern Courses since 2003, Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in America since 2005, as well as twice appearing on Golf Magazine’s Top 100 list. The club was the first in the transition zone to use bentgrass fairways, and has served as a maintenance model for dozens of golf course superintendents hoping to achieve similarly impeccable turf. In Golf World’s Readers’ Choice survey, Kinloch was nationally rated the #1 golf course in turf quality and #1 in service, ranking #4 overall across all categories. The practice facility at Kinloch was featured in Golf Range Times and has been hailed as the gold standard for practice at modern clubs. Kinloch was selected as a Premiere Club by Links Magazine, as well as being named among their 100 Most Prestigious Golf Courses in the World. Known for its topnotch course conditions and a staff committed to exemplary service, Kinloch is the ultimate in exclusive, world-class, southern hospitality.
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