Poplar Grove Golf Club Completes Phase I of Planned Renovations

Course Makeover Finished, Facility Upgrades Continue

(AMHERST, Va.) – Poplar Grove Golf Club – Sam Snead’s final course design located in the rolling hills of beautiful southern Virginia – has completed Phase I of its $3 million renovation project, including re-built bunkers, cleared trees, updated drainage, remodeled practice areas and brand new comfort stations.

Improvements continue to be made on the property in Phase II, as the historic Manor House is in the midst of a restoration, including the addition of several member exclusive lounge areas, a luxury bar, 100-seat indoor/outdoor dining space and accommodations for special overnight guests. The edifice, built in 1773 and original to the property, will serve as a classic, country-side venue for weddings and events.

“As our extensive renovations wrap up, we welcome players from all over to come experience the new Poplar Grove with us,” says Jacob Mast, head golf professional of Poplar Grove. “The design elements inserted by Sam Snead years ago and built upon by Ed Carton, combined with the upgrades made for convenience and aesthetic purposes, will be relished by our members for years to come.”

Additionally, Poplar Grove has partnered with Sweet Briar College to introduce exclusive stay-and-play packages for visitors looking for overnight accommodations.

As Tiger Woods’ quest to surpass Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA TOUR wins continues, golfers across the Mid-Atlantic can treat themselves to the style of course Slammin’ Sammy preferred. Poplar Grove features strategically placed bunkers with a variety of green sizes and elevated tee boxes on 15 of its 18 holes allowing players to execute demanding shots without being overly penal.

The course restoration was led by Ed Carton, a Virginia native who honed his craft under Tom Fazio, Michael Hurdzan, Gary Player and Raymond Floyd. Carton consulted closely with Snead when designing Poplar Grove and saw the project through to its finish in 2005, three years after Snead’s passing at age 89.

The two also 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.

For more information, visit www.poplargrovegolf.com.