THE RIVER REPORT
PETE DYE RIVER COURSE OF VIRGINIA TECH
YOUR CLUB
HOURS OF OPERATION
PRESTON’S RESTAURANT*
Monday I CLOSED
Tuesday I CLOSED
Wednesday I 11:00am - 5:00pm (Bar 10:00am -7:00pm)
Thursday I 11:00am - 5:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 7:00pm)
Friday I 11:00am - 8:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 8:00pm)
Saturday I 11:00am - 5:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 7:00pm)
Sunday I 11:00am - 5:00pm (Bar 10:00am - 5:00pm)
GOLF SHOP
Monday-Thursday I 8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday-Sunday I 7:30am - 6:00pm
PRACTICE FACILITIES
Open 30 minutes prior to first tee time
Closes at dusk
CLUB NUMBERS
Main Office Golf Shop
Restaurant
Special Events
CLUB CONTACTS
CLUBHOUSE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Michael Abraham | General Manager mabraham@petedyerivercourse.com
Fran Davis | Business Manager fdavis@petedyerivercourse.com
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
JC Botero I Executive Chef chef@petedyerivercourse.com
Kari Kendall I Front of House & Catering Manager foh@petedyerivercourse.com
GOLF
Michael Abraham | PGA Director of Golf mabraham@petedyerivercourse com
DJ Shively | Assistant Golf Professional dj shively@petedyerivercourse com
GROUNDS
Greg Caldwell | Golf Course Superintendent greg.caldwell@petedyerivercourse.com
THE CORNER OFFICE
Dear Members,
It is bittersweet to say that this will be my last write-up for ‘The River Report’. In late May, I accepted the position of Director of Golf, and eventually General Manager, at The Water’s Edge Country Club, another McConnell Golf property. I am excited for this opportunity, however, would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I have truly enjoyed my two years at The River Course. To this point in my career, I have never had as much fun at a “job” as I have while working for you all. Every day was something different between golf, food and beverage, promotions, being on radio shows and television. My time with you all has been amazing, and I feel that I am leaving The River Course in a better position than how I found it
The company has decided to name Kari Kendall, our current Front of House and Catering Manager, as the new Clubhouse Manager DJ Shively will be the main person in the golf operation Through July I will be splitting time between The River
Course and The Water’s Edge to help assist Kari and DJ through a very hectic month. In July, we will be hosting our Men’s Member-Guest Championship along with a G-Pro Tour event, a Tidewater Golf Week Amateur Tour event, ‘The Kings of the River’ Four-Ball and several other one-day events.
I am excited for the opportunity in which Kari and DJ have before them and I hope you will support them in their newly expanded roles as you have supported me the past two years Thanks again for everything and I hope to see you down at The Water’s Edge!
Michael Abraham, PGA Master Professional General Manager / Director of Golf
The Pete Dye River Course mabraham@petedyerivercourse.com
ON THE LINKS
First, I’d like to say that I am really looking forward to the expanded role in the golf operation I feel that I have learned a lot under Michael Abraham’s tutelage and am ready for this opportunity
The months of July and August bring the heat, so I hope you all are staying cool, hydrating and applying sunscreen If the weather is going to be super-hot, try to snag an early morning tee time to miss the heat Staying hydrated is really important as well as keeping in touch with your own physical condition and how you’re feeling Remember, in the end, it’s just a round of golf Don’t feel like you are out there to prove anything by finishing the round rather than quitting part way through it
We have a lot going on at the club over the next couple of months During the month of July, there are 18 days that we are hosting tournaments Some of these include our Men's Member Guest on July 10 – 12, G-Pro Tour on July 14 – 17, and The Tidewater Amateur Tour on July 18 – 20 Make sure to keep an eye on the weekly emails for any days that tee time availability may be impacted
In August, we have several tournaments as well, including our Club Championship on August 9 and 10. We will also have our last round of aerification on August 18 and 19. We will also be hosting Hokie Birdie, the annual fundraiser for the VT Women's golf team, on August 24. Be sure to reach out to Carol Robertson if you would like to submit a team. Men’s League will continue Thursday nights until August 14 leading up to our Ryder cup in September.
I wish you all a wonderful July 4th Holiday! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if there is anything I can help you with.
Thank you all, and I look forward to seeing you on the course!
DJ Shively
Assistant Golf Professional dj.shively@petedyerivercourse.com
of the River Four-Ball
26-27 36-Hole Event Gross $400 per Team Entry includes golf, welcome gifts, lunch on Sunday and gift certificate opportunities!
Our goal is to pay our over $6,500 in shop credit to three divisions of players!
A portion of entry fees will be donated to Carilion Children’s Hospital.
Outside Events
July 7 - Roanoke Valley Senior Golf Tour
July 8 - Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour
July 14-17 - G-Pro Tour
July 18-20 - Tidewater Golfweek Amateur Tour
July 22 - Blue Ridge Women’s Golf Tour
July 26-27 - Kings of the River Four-Ball
July 30 - VSGA One-Day Event
August 4 - Lanto Junior Tour
August 8 - Virginia Tech CRC Outing
August 9 - Roanoke Valley First Tee
August 16-17 - Drip Tour
August 24 - Hokie Birdie
Managing Summer Stress on Bentgrass Greens: What Superintendents Are Doing to Keep Courses Playable
Summer can be a beautiful season for golf, but for golf course superintendents, it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year especially when managing cool-season grasses like bentgrass While bentgrass thrives in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, the heat and humidity of summer can push it to the brink Understanding how summer stress affects bentgrass and what superintendents do to mitigate those effects offers a deeper appreciation for the work behind pristine playing conditions.
Bentgrass begins to struggle when temperatures consistently rise above 85°F. Add in high humidity and extended daylight hours, and the turf’s respiration rate can outpace photosynthesis. This imbalance weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to disease, scalping, and thinning. Root systems may decline as soil temperatures exceed 75°F, reducing the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients at the time it needs them most. This makes bentgrass particularly vulnerable to diseases like Pythium blight and anthracnose, which thrive in the same stressful conditions
To combat these challenges, superintendents employ a variety of cultural and technological strategies. One of the most critical is moisture management. With roots compromised, bentgrass can’t tolerate excessive water or drought. Superintendents use moisture meters and hand-watering techniques to keep levels just right, often adjusting daily based on weather and turf response.
Mowing practices are also altered in summer Heights of cut may be raised slightly to reduce plant stress, and mowing frequency can be reduced or alternated with rolling to maintain smooth greens without over-stressing the turf. Aeration and venting practices are used to improve oxygen exchange and reduce rootzone temperatures. Plant protectants, including fungicides and growth regulators, are applied carefully and preventively to ward off disease and encourage consistent growth. Light topdressing may also be used to dilute organic matter and improve surface firmness and smoothness.
Ultimately, summer turf management is about balance and timing. Every decision from irrigation to mowing to chemical applications must be made with an eye on current conditions and forecasted stress. The end result is a playing surface that remains healthy and true, even in the toughest part of the season
So next time you're walking a green in the sum bentgrass is too. Fortunately, dedicated superinten
Regards, Greg Caldwell
Superintendent greg caldwell@petedyerivercourse com
WHAT’S COOKIN’?
Hey friends!
With vacation now in the rearview mirror, I’m shifting gears and getting ready to hit the ground running for the rest of this vibrant season. Summer is in full swing, and I’m soaking up every moment of it!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of the grill and the sound of live music filling the air. I’m looking forward to plenty of backyard cookouts, catching up with friends, and dancing under the stars to some great local bands
This is also the time of year when I dust off the motorcycle and take to Virginia’s scenic back roads. There’s something magical about cruising through winding routes, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. It’s my favorite way to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Some amazing concerts are rolling through town, and I can’t wait to catch a few. Whether it’s a bigname act or a hidden gem at a local venue, live music always brings the summer to life.
The farmer's market is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. From juicy peaches to crisp greens, it’s the perfect place to explore what summer has to offer and maybe even try a new recipe or two.
Here’s to a season full of sunshine, good vibes, and unforgettable memories Hope your summer is just as exciting!
Catch you out there,
JC Botero,Executive
Chef chef@petedyerivercourse.com
Upcoming Events
July 17 - Birthday Night
July 18 - Tap Take Over
July 19 - Live Music with Bunco
July 26 - Live Music with Bob Chew
July 31 - Wine Dinner
August 21 - Birthday Night
Welcome, Summer!
The warm days are here, and summer is coming in hot! Join us for breezy evenings on the terrace, complete with Live Music the perfect way to unwind after a long work week.
Chef JC is always crafting incredible specials for you to enjoy, and our talented bartenders are keeping the cold drinks flowing. There’s no better place to be this summer than The River Course!
Keep an eye out for more exciting events as the season unfolds We can’t wait to share a summer full of great food, music, and memories with you!
Stay in the Loop!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected all the latest happenings are posted weekly so you never miss a beat! Our social media addresses are on the final page of this newsletter!
Kari Kendall
OF THE MONTH...
MEMBER OF THE MONTH BONNIE NICHOLS
PDRC:Howlonghaveyoubeenamember?
Bonnie: My husband, Nick, and I have been members since 2018 We feel blessed living where we play!
PDRC:What‘syourfavoriteholeatTheRiver?
Bonnie: Well, my favorite hole, on any day, is one that I get a birdie on!
PDRC:Whatisonegolfcourseyou’dliketoplaybuthavenot?
Bonnie: My ancestors are mostly Scottish, so the course at the top of my "bucket list" is The Old Course at St Andrews
PDRC: Whoisinyourdreamfoursome?
Bonnie: My mom got me started in golf at a young age, so my dream fivesome (yes, I'm breaking rules here) would most definitely include her, Arnold Palmer (her beloved first golf hero), Jordan Spieth (her last) and our granddaughter, Emma (to learn from those three)!
COOKIES OF THE MONTH
Easy Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies by Isaac Spencer, Executive Chef at Old North State Club
Cheesecake Cookies by Ron Gordils, Executive Chef at Sedgefield Country Club
PDRC buzz
Never miss out on a club event, the latest McConnell Golf news or the chance to share your member experience. Stay connected to Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech and McConnell Golf on social media and join the conversation today.
@petedyerivercourse @mcconnellgolf @rivercourseofvt
@qlinksgem
Wanted to show some love for the ownership team, a few months ago this course was fully underwater due to the flooding off the New River. Pretty amazing what they’ve done to get the course back to play
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@22akers
What a day! Golf at the River Course and Carly Riggs Masters Graduation!