Stafford, VA – Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Stafford County and Virginia Tourism Corporation today announced the creation of the Virginia Golf Trail, a collaboration of the Commonwealth’s public and private golf courses, hotels, wineries, restaurants, historic, cultural and recreational amenities. The Virginia Golf Trail will enhance the Commonwealth’s reputation as a premier golfing destination by connecting the state’s diverse courses with rich history and amenities across the state.
The goal of the trail will be to enhance the golfing experience for visitors and drive incremental tourism dollars to the Commonwealth by selling more golf rounds, lodging room nights and visitations to tourism-related attractions and businesses.
At a press conference at Cannon Ridge Golf Club in Stafford, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling said, “Tourism is big business in Virginia, contributing $19 billion to our economy every year and employing more than 210,000 people. The new Virginia Golf Trail program gives visitors more reasons to come to Virginia. They can play 18 holes in the morning and tour a historical site, relax on the beach or take a hike in the mountains in the afternoon. The Virginia Golf Trail is a great addition to our state’s tourism portfolio, and I have no doubt it will help boost our state’s economy.”
Golfing on the trail is expected to begin next spring. The trail’s total annual economic impact to Virginia, when fully developed, could generate $66.6 million per year and create 652 jobs, according to an economic and fiscal impact study conducted by Chmura Economics & Analytics.
Cannon Ridge Golf Club in Stafford will serve as the home of the Virginia Golf Trail. It’s central, convenient location in the Celebrate Virginia project along I-95 in Stafford makes it the ideal location for the trail headquarters. Gary Schaal, former president of The PGA of America and a leader in South Carolina’s golf industry for 30 years, will be the President of the Virginia Golf Trail. Schaal is managing partner of Cannon Ridge Golf Club.
I noticed that The Federal Club joined the Virginia Golf Trail. I also notice that on their website that they intend to take the club private again in September 2011. It is my understanding they where private prior to the financial situation they are now in due to these very tough economic times. I would hope that an outstanding course like these would continue to operate as a semi-private club so all golfers can enjoy the course and members and have their unlimited play.
I really don’t understand how a course can be private and not allow non-members to play that course and yet be part of the Virginia Golf Trail that promotes golf to the public. Or is this going to be a long term way for the public to get on private courses. If so I all for this loophole.
Hello cybear -
As COO of the Virginia Golf Trail, I get a chance to see postings to our blog – first off, THANKS for visiting our site. We hope that we’ll have a chance to book your golf vacation soon.
On your question about the Federal Club – yes, they are private but for those who book through the Virginia Golf Trail – the Federal Club is able to offer limited play, and still maintain their private status. Their tee sheet remains closed to the “general public”.
As a matter of fact, we have several other great private clubs on the Trail – Waynesboro CC, The Country Club of Petersburg, and the Highlands CC in Chester, VA. … and several more are considering joining the Virginia Golf Trail.
Again, thanks for your interest, and we look forward to being of service to you.
Terry
Terrance J. Gleason
Chief Operations Officer
Virginia Golf Trail