Virginia course closes due to economy - update: Cannon Ridge NOW OPEN!!!

[Puppetmaster]

Thanks for the update. Did they reopen the range the same way it used to be too? That was one of the best ranges in the area. All grass, a private section on the opposite end for lessons and fittings, etc. Glad the course is back up and running again either way.

 

Its where it used to be, grass range, but its clear that the grass needs more time to grow in. Again I'm stunned the fairways were in the great shape they were in but the range still needs some time. Absolutely usable though.

 

Thanks, good to know. I'm itching so badly to get down there.

[SHIVAN]

Its where it used to be, grass range, but its clear that the grass needs more time to grow in. Again I'm stunned the fairways were in the great shape they were in but the range still needs some time. Absolutely usable though.

 

So weird how it just kind of went from nothing, radio silence, to open for business with no carts. Then getting the reports back that the bunkers were GUR, greens were missing grass and slow, and now that the range is sparsely grassed as well.

 

Usually, when a grass covered place sits dormant for four years the grass takes over, and it's all over the place. The entire closing was to get grass changed out, and find a new leasee.

[dcmidnight]

Usually when a grass covered place sits dormant for four years the grass takes over, and it's all over the place. The entire closing was to get grass changed out, and find a new leasee.

 

Just letting a place become overgrown and go to seed for three years doesnt mean you cut it down and magically there is perfect grass underneath. The Bermuda in the fairways and tee boxes thrives in the heat/humidity. Our course shut down 7 weeks ago, dug up the fairways and sprigged with the same Bermuda as Cannon Ridge (Lat36). In seven weeks the fairways went from nonexistent to perfect, the three year closure could not have had anything to do with just regrassing, it just doesnt take that long - it takes 2 months at the most when dealing with Lat36.

 

And whatever grass is on the range is not Bermuda and might take some time to grow in.

 

To be honest I dont find any of this weird at all.

[SHIVAN]

From no movement and "radio silent" to "come and play", but the grass isn't there? Ok, I guess that's normal.

[dcmidnight]

Sounds like you should probably wait a while to play there.

[SHIVAN]

Sounds like you should probably wait a while to play there.

 

Definitely not busting 1.25hours down and 1.25hours back for GUR bunkers, baldish and slow greens, and a $65 weekend rate. I can get all that from Greendale for $57, and drive four minutes there and four minutes back.

 

Believe me, I'm hoping they can get it back together as I loved the layout. Just very disappointed that it seems like they are setting themselves up to fail again.

[dcmidnight]

So you're going to beat on CR for just having opened and having a grass range thats only @ 80% right now - but you'll play Greendale? OK. Well, have fun hitting into that beat up net with the worn out driving range mat to warm up. No range at all and ONE driving range net/mat to warm up on.

 

I've played Greendale 75-80 times in the last 15 years and the fairways/tees at CR are, right now, in better shape than Greendale has ever been. These courses aren't even in the same league.

 

But, you do you.

 

Back to the topic at hand.

[SHIVAN]

Fair enough, the report I got from a previous club champ at Greendale was that I should wait, because it was "like Greendale" right now. Based on your rebuke, that might have been hyperbole. Either way, sounds like waiting is in order. I was actually going to drive down there, three weeks ago when I got that text. Saved me the 3hrs. Playing Greendale is over for me, I ventured there two weeks ago -- in a moment of weakness. 5hrs of leaning on a club, cruddy greens, and decor like a Somalian bus depot.

 

Beat up CR? No, just a wonderment at "why" they'd risk bad reviews? Then state that for my situation, I'm going to want to wait it out. Discussion on a discussion forum. I suspect others around NoVA, with a 1hr+ each way commute, would be in the same boat -- seems germane. <<shrug>>

 

I'm on the range for 20 balls, and Laurel Hill was hitting off of fairway fill mix yesterday. Lowest of priorities for me, specifically. GUR bunkers and slow greens preclude 2.5-3hrs travel though. Go a little farther and hit Mattaponi or Pendleton, or stay here and hit Westfields, Laurel Hill, Old Hickory or Springfield G&CC.

[oldbergkamp]

I've played there three times since it reopened and it's improved each time. Agree with DC that the course needs greens/bunkers work but the fairways are good. Range is better than plenty of other ones I've been to around the area, so I don't have a problem with it either. I do get to pay the military rate ($51) on the weekends so that helps. On one hand, glad there are plenty of open tee times (and 10-minute tee times at that). On the other, if people don't play, money doesn't get pumped into the course.

[RVAUSMC]

I used to play there quite a bit when I lived in Fredericksburg, it was always fun. I will be back up there and the end of the month and will get a round in, the pics look great.

 

Thanks for posting them.

[Hot Rod 71]

I used to play there quite a bit when I lived in Fredericksburg, it was always fun. I will be back up there and the end of the month and will get a round in, the pics look great.

 

Thanks for posting them.

 

Where do you play in RVA?

[adambommb29]

I used to play the course a ton between 2002-2006. I moved up to Maryland and would still venture down to play the course yearly. I've been bummed ever since they closed and would check back every six months or so to see if there was any word on them reopening. Very happy to find out today that they reopened in the last two months! I noticed that they are aerating the greens this week. So now I'm trying to figure out if I should head down there in a month to give the course a try or should I wait until the spring? Hmmmm....