#2 VA Golf

Friday found me bright and early in Hillsville, VA to a top notch sunrise ahead of the golf round later that morning. Fairly easy drive, although cool outside in the morning. Driving through southern VA I’m reminded of the rolling hill beauty that state possesses. Good amount of small town life, but vast stretches of land undeveloped and classically rural.

Pardon the urban

Great Oaks Country Club had a bit of a frost delay. I arrived and immediately got an email regarding some news with work, which was positive in that the work I’m trying to do will be more valuable. Helping out a market while there’s a staffing gap is part of what hopefully makes my role valuable.

Silo branding works in southern VA

I found this course like I’ll find many…is it geographically appropriate to where I’m at and does it seem like a good course. Was shocked to see the rack rate for a Friday at $40. Frost delay had a lot of players waiting around while I did some work. Hit the range for a bit and teed off on time as a single. Fortunately, I had a phone call for the first few holes that kept me company.

Some of the sights from the course

Underpriced for the value, +5 on the front, which was a par 37. Got to walk, which was great, easy to traverse although there was some elevation. Talked to the group ahead for a bit but never got the invite to link up.

After 9, I ran into Billy and Larry, both 70+ year old retirees who frequent the course. Got them to join me for the back 9 and really enjoyed it. Started off with 3 pars and then a disastrous double. Rattled off 4 pars after (two should have been birdies had I not been scared) and ended the 18th with a bogey. Good guys, both of them, enjoyed seeing play even as they were creeping close to 80 years young.

Great finishing hole and enjoyed the company

Afterwards, was going to listen to some bluegrass in downtown Floyd, VA but instead pivoted to a few beers and work at Buffalo Mountain Brewing. Got to catch up with my fav RMH colleague Vicky on her drive home form work. Left the area and headed north to Beckley, WV for a shower and some sleep. All in all, a good day exploring the Virginias.