Update:
After seven months of heartbreak and hard work, a beloved golf course is finally back. The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech was left unrecognizable after Helene, but today, it stands as a symbol of resilience.
Seven months ago, this place was fully underwater and now they are getting back into the swing of things.
Steve Bienstock, a member since 2003, expressed his joy at the course’s reopening. “It’s special, it’s in our hearts, yeah, glad to see it back.”
For Steve and Bill Carper, who have been members at the River Course for more than 20 years, the devastation caused by Helene was hard to bear. When Helene tore through in September, their first thoughts were grim.
“I just shook my head and said, ‘Oh no... I don’t think we will ever play that course again,” Steve recalled.
Bill added, “Devastating really.”
Today, however, the golf course is fully restored, and Steve and Bill were the first to tee off on the revitalized course. They weren’t taking the moment for granted.
“This is the first legitimate 18 we’ve played in a long time. Yeah, actually today I’m going to post my first official handicap score since September,” Steve said.
General Manager Michael Abraham noted that 16 out of the 18 holes were underwater after Helene. The repairs cost $1.5 million, but he believes every cent was worth it.
“It’s taken seven months and a lot of helping hands. The whole village mentality helped, everything from reconstructing bunkers and greens to resodding portions of the fairways and the rough, and even picking up rocks, pebbles, and fish out of the fairways,” he explained.
Beyond the bunkers and fairways, the course’s comeback means renewed momentum for the New River Valley.
Jonathan Sweet, county administrator for Pulaski County, emphasized the course’s importance to the community. “It’s an economic engine for our community. Not only does it have a direct economic impact on our county, but it actually brings in people from all over that benefits the region.”
Now, golfers are able to tee up and give their best swing back at the Pete Dye River Course in Pulaski County.
Original:
After months of restoration and rebuilding, The River Course at Virginia Tech officially held its grand re-opening on Friday, April 25 at 12 p.m.
The course, which sustained significant damage during the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, including multiple holes being completely washed out, has undergone an extensive transformation.
Now, it’s ready to welcome golfers back to its scenic fairways.
The full re-opening stream can be found here: