(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) – Keswick Hall – the celebrated 600-acre luxury resort set in Virginia’s scenic Wine Country – announces acclaimed industry veteran Rob McNamara as the general manager of its Keswick Club and director of golf.
McNamara comes to storied Keswick Hall after serving as the Head PGA Professional at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville since 1997. McNamara has received numerous accolades during his stellar career including being named 2018 “Professional of the Year” for the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA (MAPGA). The MAPGA also honored him as 2001 and 2008 “Merchandiser of the Year” in the Private Category.
McNamara is an accomplished player winning more than 75 tournaments over the years. He won the Virginia State Open at Willow Oaks in 1995, the MAPGA Section Championship in 1997, and the Southern Chapter title four times. Nationally, McNamara has played in two USGA Amateurs, two USGA Opens and two PGA of America Assistant Professional Championships, finishing as runner-up in back-to-back years.
A native of Kentucky, Rob won the Kentucky Junior Am in 1981 and the Kentucky State High School Championship in 1983. Playing for the Louisiana State University (LSU) golf team, he was a three-time All American, four-time All Southeast Conference (SEC) including being named as the SEC Freshman of the Year and SEC Player of the Year. In 2018, Rob was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame.
Additionally known as one of the top golf instructors in both Virginia and the U.S., in 2000 Golf Digest named him Virginia’s “Teacher of the Year.”
“We are beyond honored to have someone as universally respected and admired in the golf industry as Rob join us here at Keswick Hall,” says Robert Hardie. “His vast expertise in all aspects of golf operations will help us both continue and grow our reputation as one of the premier golf resort destinations and clubs in the U.S.”
McNamara joins Keswick Hall at an exciting time, as the elite luxury Mid-Atlantic destination is currently in the final stages of a comprehensive hotel and amenities renovation headed by owners Molly and Robert Hardie in conjunction with global design firm Hart Howerton. Due to open this summer, the results will showcase the integrity of the original elegant structure and provide an even more luxurious and modern setting for Keswick Hall’s guests to savor a true world-class experience.
The impressive renovation highlights include an increase in the number of guest rooms from 48 to 80, a luxurious new world-class spa, dramatic new horizon pool and inspiring food and beverage outlets under the direction of acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten who will oversee the property’s culinary operations. Work on a luxurious new spa is additionally underway.
“It’s perfect timing having someone as impressive and revered as Rob join our team just as we ready to showcase the incredible results of our renovation to the world,” says John Trevenen, managing director. “Our golf and club operations will be in the trusted hands of one of the true experts and first-class gentlemen in the field.”
For more information on Keswick Hall visit www.keswick.com or call 434.979.3440.
About Keswick Hall
Set in the historic Wine Country of central Virginia, Keswick Hall is a 600-acre luxury resort. The resort’s Pete Dye-designed course, Full Cry at Keswick Club, is currently ranked No. 49 in Golfweek’s prestigious “Best Resort Courses” list for 2020 after debuting on the coveted list in 2016. The layout is also ranked No. 4 in Golfweek’s 2020 list of “Best Courses You Can Play” in Virginia and was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses” in the U.S. shortly after opening in the fall of 2014.
Keswick Hall – centrally located — is an easy two-hour drive from the Washington D.C. metro area and just over three hours from Baltimore and 3.5 hours from Raleigh, N.C. Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is 30 minutes away. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is an easy 60-minute drive.
MEDIA CONTACT:
David Wood
Buffalo Agency
703.635.0577
dwood@buffalo.agency
