Pohick Bay Golf Course: A Brief History and Course Guide

Pohick Bay

Golf Course A B ri e f H i s t o r y a n d C o u r s e G u i d e

By: Nicole Acord

Pohick Bay

Golf Course A B ri e f H i s t o r y a n d C o u r s e G u i d e

By: Nicole Acord

Copyright © 2022 Nicole Acord Text, design, illustrations and photographs by Nicole Acord unless otherwise labeled.

George Mason University School of Art and Design Senior Design Project All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

This book is dedicated to my dad, Tony Acord.

He was an avid golfer and loved this golf course.

Table of Contents

History Course Guide Extra Pictures Index/References

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Introduction I have worked at Pohick Bay Golf Course since I was 16 years old, I have always had customers come in and ask about the history behind the course because it was evident that there was some. My answer used to be “I don’t know but I know its a historical landmark.” That inspired me to learn more about the history of the course and how truly important is was and still is. In addition to that, something most golfers use is our course guide, so I wanted to redesign it and give it a more modern clean updated look that is more beginner friendly and add a few renovations that have been made since our last course guide was produced. I have chose to combine the two because I truly feel that the information belongs together and that both are significantly important.

Course History

What is now Pohick Bay Golf Course, Pirates cove Water Park, and Pohick Bay Campground used to be the plantation of Lebanon. Lebanon was a 450-acre plantation built in the 1800’s next to the waters of Pohick Bay, which directly feeds into the Potomac River. Which was also located 7.4 miles away from Mount Vernon, 20 miles from Washington D.C, and 4.5 miles from where Fort Belvoir is now. This beautiful piece of land holds so much history.

Originally the house that was built on Lebanon in the 1800’s by the Bates Family and was a one story 4 room structure.

Over the years the different families living in it have added on floors, renovated, and attached additional wings and a garage. As technology advanced the owners added plumbing, heating, baths and a kitchen. Of course, redecorating and painting as they went.

Parts of the original house still stand today, with the renovations and remodeling that has been done since the building it is no longer just a one story 4-bedroom home.

Today it stands as a 3-story structure with a basement, and becasue the home is now the main building for a golf course, the main floor has been remodled into a fully

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© NOVA Parks

© NOVA Parks

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functional Pro Shop. The upper two levels still have the remains of what was once someone’s home. The first level upstairs has 1 full bathroom and 4 rooms. The level above has an additional 2 rooms.

Lebanon had two barns, the bigger of the two was used for religious gatherings. When Lebanon was built the state religion was Anglican. The Bates family was Methodist and used their barn for the first Methodist services.

Behind the barn was where they would have the first Methodist grave yard which was later moved to a new church called Lewis Chapel, which is now located near route 1. Today there are no remains found on the property of Lebanon, however there are several documents stating that the first Methodist burial ground was there and relocated.

After the passing of Edward and Martha Bates, Lebanon was split up and sold to multiple families. In 1903 the Miller family bought about 250 acres of Lebanon, of which they later sold to Paul Bartsch and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Parker in 1942. They then restored the house and developed the farm into a wildlife sanctuary.

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© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

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© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

Lebanon was home to a great variety of wildlife, in particularly a wide variety of birds. There was a record of 205 species of birds that were identified at one point, including visits from rare species such as the golden eagle and both red and white winged crossbills. Today, at least once a year, there is a group of bird watchers that come to the course and bird watch to identify and track the species that are still there. There is also a variety of wildlife such as foxes, deer, flying squirrels, skunks, racoons, wild boar and turkey which are all still present today.

In 1972 Northern Virginia Park Authority was able to acquire the funds and officially purchase Lebanon, which was almost turned into a town house community and shopping development. After almost 10 years of planning, a vote was held and the decision to build an 18 hole golf course was made. The house on Lebanon was modified and became the club house for the golf course; to which a snack bar was later added. Because Lebanon was so large Northern Virginia Park Authority was able to leave 75% of the land as it was and preserve its natural features.

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Course Guide

Things to know Terms BUNKER: A depression area usually near the green or fairway that is filled with sand.

FAIRWAY: The closely mowed area of a golf course between a tee and a green.

PENALTY AREA: An area of a hole, usually bodies of water or other areas where to ball is lost or unplayable.

Additionally you add a stroke to your score to keep playing the hole.

TEE BOX: The ground/ area where a player begins the hole.

GREEN: A smooth grassy area at the end of a fairway containing the hole and flag stick.

ROUGH: The transition area of grass between the tee box and fairway where the grass is longer than the fairway.

Club Categories PIN POSITION: Moves where the flag is on the green to create variety for regular players and keep the green from being unevenly worn PAR: Predetermined number of strokes a proficient golfer should require to complete the hole typically between 3-5 a hole.

HANDICAP: A number of ones ability over a round of golf, signified by a number, the lower the number the better the player is. Also used to show the easiest and hardest holes on the course.

WOODS: Used for long shots.

WEDGES: Used for short approach shots with sharp ascend and descend.

IRONS: Are angled and usually used from the fairway or from the tee on short holes.

HYBRIDS: typically used to help fill the gap between the harder to hit irons and the fairway woods.

PUTTERS: Short low speed strokes typically used on the green.

Women’s Tees Senior’s Tees Men’s Tees Championship’s Tees

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Hole Number 1 Pin Position 3

1 4

5 2 6

8

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a sharp angle going to the right. Stick to the right side of the fairway, there is a steep drop off to the left. Use an iron off the tee and a good tee shot will leave you going down hill.

The green slopes from the back left to the front right.

Tips and tricks for beginners To maintain pace of play and efficiency, divide and conquer. After teeing off and moving down the fairway, each player should be focused on locating and getting to their own ball as soon as possible so everyone can hit their shots in quick succession. This is much more efficient than each player going to each individuals ball.

292 Yards 292 Yards 325 Yards 368 Yards Handicap: 7 Par: 4 9

Hole Number 2 Pin Position

1

4 6 2

10

3 5

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole is angled going down hill and the tee box is elevated. You must hit and hold the green; the left side has a steep drop off and the right side is thick woods. The green for this hole slopes from the back to the front.

Good golf etiquette: Being a good partner to those in your group by always taking the time to watch the flight of everyone’s golf ball; especially off the tee box when the ball travels its furthest.

91 Yards 91 Yards 148 Yards 156 Yards Handicap: 11 Par: 3 11

Hole Number 3 Pin Position

12

2

6

5

4

3

1

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole is uphill and has a sharp left angle. Bend your shot from the tee right to left. Make your shot as accurate as possible; there are penalty areas on both sides of the fairway.

A good tee shot leaves a straightforward approach to the green, which slopes from the back to the front.

Golf technique and tips: Everyone should choose the correct tee box to play from based on their skill level. Do not overextend yourself to give into peer pressure and make the course play longer than need be. The game will also be more enjoyable for you and golfers around you this way.

318 Yards 398 Yards 449 Yards 471 Yards Handicap: 3 Par: 5 13

Hole Number 4 Pin Position

14

3

5

1

2

4

6

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a sharp right angle, try to place your first shot over the hill between the cart path and the 150 yard post. Be mindful not to hit thought the fairway and into the woods.

Approaching the long greens, you will find a back to front slope surrounded by three bunkers.

Tips and tricks for beginners To maintain a good place of play, be mindful of your socializing on the course. There is plenty of time to talk throughout an 18 hole round of golf but there will be a lot of stopping and starting if everyone is moving efficiently though out the course. Never allow conversation to halt the process of getting to hitting your next shot or moving to the next hole.

203 Yards 389 Yards 359 Yards 387 Yards Handicap: 1 Par: 4 15

Hole Number 5 Pin Position

16

4

1

6

3

2

5

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has little room for error as it has penalty areas on both sides of the green.

When hitting from the tee box the goal should be to hit the green on this uphill hole.

Cart path only days: When using a golf cart instead of walking a course sometimes the conditions of the course based on previous or current weather require you to keep the golf cart on the path. On these days, it is much more efficient to share a cart with another golfer.

This will help save some trips back and forth across the fairways just to move the cart a relatively short distance.

116 Yards 116 Yards 163 Yards 175 Yards Handicap: 5 Par: 3 Men’s Closest to the Pin

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Hole Number 6 Pin Position

18

2

6

5

4

3

1

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a slight left angle. Be mindful of the bunkers that guard the front and right side of the small green in addition to a ditch on the left side.

For this hole a long and an accurate shot from the tee over the valley can put you at a par 4 instead of a par 5.

Choosing the correct club: There are several things to take into account when choosing what club you use.

The most important are, wind direction, elevation change, and flag position on the green and personal skill level. For wind and elevation changes you will want to choose a club that travels further or lesser depending. Similarly because the pin position changes you’ll take the same factors into consideration. Lastly, you’ll want to include your general capabilities some, people can naturally hit farther than others.

269 Yards 372 Yards 430 Yards 486 Yards Handicap: 17 Par: 5 19

Hole Number 7 Pin Position

20

3

5

1

2

4

6

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a slight right angle. A solid shot from the tee or a little left over the 150 yard post will put you in a good position. Most putts are straight on this large green.

In order to keep up pace of play, always be preparing to hit your next shot. Begin the process of hitting your next shot immediately following your last shot. You always want to be ready when it is your turn, which is when you are furthest away from the hole. Do not wait to start your pre-shot process, which may include measuring yardage, selecting a club, getting into place, and taking your practice swings. Those things should be done before it is your turn to keep a good pace going.

300 Yards 300 Yards 358 Yards 373 Yards Handicap: 9 Par: 4 21

Hole Number 8 Pin Position 4

1

6 2

22

3 5

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a sharp left angle, aim your shot off the tee to the left center of the fairway. A good drive leaves you in a good position to get to the green. This green slopes from back to front.

Good golf etiquette: Golfers should never walk in front of or ahead of their playing partners who have not completed their swing/ shot. Walking ahead prematurely is not only dangerous but it is disturbing to your playing partners.

215 Yards 292 Yards 349 Yards 362 Yards Handicap: 15 Par: 4 23

Hole Number 9 Pin Position

24

2

6

5

4

3

1

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a penalty area on the right, so aim for the left center of the fairway.

If you end up on the right side your second shot will be blocked by trees. Be mindful of the rock lined ditch to the left of the green. The greens slopes slightly back to front.

Tips and tricks for beginners Efficiency at the turn: After completing your first 9 holes you, will usually find yourself back at the clubhouse. Unless you want groups playing through you at this point you will want to be aware of how much time you spend getting refreshments, snacks, and using restrooms. Get in, get out, and keep moving. Keep in mind that some groups won’t even need to stop after 9, so if you do, be respectfully aware.

308 Yards 348 Yards 396 Yards 409 Yards Handicap: 13 Par: 4 Women’s Long Drive

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Hole

Number 10 Pin Position

26

3

5

1

2

4

6

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a sharp left angle and fairway slopes from left to right past the 150 yard post. Try to be as accurate as possible with the bunkers and a steep drop off in the back surrounding the green. The best place to be is in the front section of this left to right green.

Tips and tricks for beginners Maintaining a good pace of play requires almost constant and purposeful movement.

The intent is always to get to your next shot in a timely manner.

280 Yards 280 Yards 346 Yards 375 Yards Handicap: 10 Par: 4 27

Hole Number 11 Pin Position

28

4

1

6

3

2

5

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole is uphill and requires a solid shot from the tee to the elevated green. There is a bunker to the left of the green. In addition to steep slopes to the left, back, and right of the green. Be mindful of that when trying to get to the green.

Searching for lost balls: Time spent searching for a lost ball should never exceed five minutes.

After that the golfer who lost their ball should promptly take the one stroke penalty and move on with the hole.

95 Yards 95 Yards 149 Yards 192 Yards Handicap: 12 Par: 3 29

Hole

Number 12 Pin Position

30

2

6

5

4

3

1

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole is one of the hardest on the course.

Aim for the right center of the fairway; the left slopes away. The second shot is long and uphill. The green is two-tiered, and slopes back to front and is protected by a bunker to the left and another in the back.

Take a few clubs with you, this is especially important when you are riding and it is cart path only. Take 2-3 clubs to the fairway when there is any doubt as to what you will need for your shot. This will avoid returning to your bag for the correct club and holding up pace of play.

242 Yards 248 Yards 280 Yards 393 Yards Handicap: 2 Par: 4 31

Hole Number 13 Pin Position 5 3 2 1 4

32

6

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a left angle, it is important that you hit the fairway to the left center of the tee. This puts you in a position to cross the lake and aim for the green. The green is elevated with an extreme back to front slope.

Take care of the course. Be a good steward of the course and fix your ball marks on the greens, replace your divots in the fairways or fill them in with sand. If you don’t know how to, ask! Course staff and other golfers would be glad to show you how.

327 Yards 401 Yards 449 Yards 487 Yards Handicap: 4 Par: 5 33

Hole

Number 14 Pin Position 1 4 6

3 2

34

5

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a sharp right angle. Try to hit the fairway in the center from the tee. Try to avoid the areas before the fairway and to the right of the fairway bunkers as they are environmental areas and will make it difficult to get back on the fairway. The green slopes back to front.

Tips and tricks for beginners Beverage cart purchases: Be aware that the time spent buying refreshments on the course from the beverage cart can be very time consuming so please be mindful. The selection isn’t usually very large so you should be able to minimize the time spent.

280 Yards 280 Yards 318 Yards 351 Yards Handicap: 6 Par: 4 Women’s Closest to the Pin

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Hole Number 15 Pin Position 6

2

4 5 1 3

36

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole is slightly downhill. The bunkers are on both sides of the green.

There is some water on the right in the back. The green slopes from left to right toward the water.

Putts in the direction of the water will be faster for that reason.

Tips and tricks for beginners Sounds and movements: Be self aware of the sounds you’re making as others are addressing their balls and be sure you’re not too close or in your playing partners line of sight while they are about to hit their next shot. Seasoned golfers typically prefer quiet so they can focus, when in doubt, silence is golden.

112 Yards 124 Yards 161 Yards 185 Yards Handicap: 16 Par: 3 37

Hole

Number 16 Pin Position

3

5

1

2 4

38

6

Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a sharp left angle and is uphill. Stay to the right of the 150 yard post and let the slope of the landing area do the rest. The green is protected by bunkers on the left and grass bunkers on the right.

After finishing a hole: Vacate the area of the green as quickly as possible, especially when there is a another group(s) right behind you.

To facilitate this you can write your scores down and put your clubs away when you get to the next tee box.

297 Yards 297 Yards 335 Yards 348 Yards Handicap: 8 Par: 4 39

Hole Number 17 Pin Position 3 1 4 6 2 5

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Hole Overview

Hole Description

Tips and tricks for beginners

This hole has a slight left angle. Aim your shot from the tee over the last tree in front of the tees. Try to stay to the right of the tee going to the left will leave you blocked from the green.

The green is long and narrow with a bunker on the entirety of the left side and a short bunker on the front right.

Time: It should take around 4 hours, less if your group does not have 4 people. Using these tips and tricks will help you keep up with pace of play and etiquette. Often times it will be out of your hands due to the group(s) in front of you.

Just be aware of your actions and adjust accordingly if needed.

283 Yards 283 Yards 325 Yards 342 Yards Handicap: 14 Par: 4 41

Hole

Number 18 Pin Position

2

4

6

5 3

42

1

Hole Overview

Hole Description This hole has a hidden green with a sharp left angle. It is best to leave the second shot less than 100 yards out. There are two bunkers on the left and one on the right of the green.

The green slopes left to right.

Tips and tricks for beginners When you decide you like golf and want to play with some regularity before buying clubs, get fitted. Each person requires a specific length of clubs and different angles. Most shops that sell clubs will be able to provide this service.

355 Yards 419 Yards 492 Yards 524 Yards Handicap: 18 Par: 5 Men’s Long Drive

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More pictures of nature and wildlife

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

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© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

© Randy Streufert

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References Edith Moore Sprouse, Lebanon Plantation: The Past on Pohick Creek Jerry Martin, 8th grade paper, “Lebanon” Jim Rodgers, “18 Tips and Tricks for Beginners” Laurie Hollman, The Fairfax Star, Newspaper, January 11,1979 Laurie Hollman, The Fairfax Star, Newspaper, January 19,1979 Paul McCray, NOVA Parks Historian Pohick Bay Golf Course guide, printed by Burco, Owned by NOVA parks Pohick Bay Golf Course Score Card , printed by Burco, Owned by NOVA parks Randy Streufert, Photographer Virginia State Historic American Bilding Survey, June 7, 1971

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Thank you I would like to give everyone who helped me make this project possible a special thank you, I could not have done it without you. Especailly Jim Rodgers, Jon Mendez, Paul McCray, Randy Streufert, the Pohick Bay Golf Course staff and customers who allwed me to take pictures of them. Additionally my friends and family for all of the support and feedback thoughout this process. I am beyod thankful for you all helping me make this project a possible.

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