Poplar Grove Golf Club Selects Buffalo.Agency to Manage Public Relations

(RESTON, Va.) – Poplar Grove Golf Club – the Sam Snead / Ed Carton collaboration in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains near historic Lynchburg, Va. – has selected Buffalo.Agency to manage public relations.

Buffalo will craft and tell the story of Poplar Grove’s rich history and architectural significance. The golf-specialty firm will also promote the upcoming $3 million renovation that includes re-building bunkers, tees and greens, updating drainage, renovating cart paths, remodeling practice areas and a new golf-cart fleet. The course will remain open for play during the project, with completion of Phase I projected for early spring 2019.

Sam Snead’s final design vision before his passing at 89 in 2002, Poplar Grove hosted multiple professional, NCAA Division I and amateur competitions. The World Golf Hall of Fame member was inspired by courses he played during a record 82 PGA Tour wins, including seven majors, over four decades.

The historic Manor House, Poplar Grove’s storied centerpiece, will be restored and expanded for larger groups and events. A 100-seat indoor-outdoor dining space, luxury member, several member-exclusive areas and overnight accommodations are among the planned additions for Phase II of the project.

“Poplar Grove is a rare, original design inspired by Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest players ever,” says Frank Murphy, CEO of Poplar Grove. “Members and guests are certain to enjoy the new, modern-day elements to the course and clubhouse.”

The course restoration will be led by Carton, a Virginia native who honed his craft under Tom Fazio, Michael Hurdzan, Gary Player and Raymond Floyd. He credits Fazio as the designer with the greatest impact on his approach and philosophy, citing his mentor’s penchant for visually stunning hole corridors and inherent playability.

The two teamed up to design nearby Spring Creek in Charlottesville, one of Golf Digest’s “100 Greatest Public Courses in America.” Poplar Grove, a Golf Digest “Best New Upscale Public Course” in 2005, is poised to return to its heyday under the close watch of Carton, the man who initially brought Snead’s blueprint to life.

“Poplar Grove is one of the most compelling yet untold golf stories we’ve come upon in many years,” says Shane Sharp, Vice President of Buffalo.Agency. “With ownership’s commitment and Ed Carton’s craftsmanship, this Virginia golf treasure will be well-positioned for decades to come.”

Located in Amherst, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Poplar Grove is 20 and 45 minutes from Lynchburg and Charlottesville, respectively. The surrounding Blue Ridge foothills are alive with breweries, distilleries and wineries, constituting the perfect getaway for both couples and buddy groups.

More information: www.poplargrovegolf.com, 434.946.9933.