The History of The Waterfront

The Waterfront Community encompasses 750 acres and 8.5 miles of shoreline. The course at The Waterfront Country Club is an 18-hole, championship layout that was designed by George Dillon, formerly having worked for Tom Fazio who went on to form the Fazio Design Group.  Conception and design began in 1977 with the Holes 1-8 and 18 opening in 1981, the "Original 9 Hole Loop") while the back nine was constructed under the original design and layout.  Holes 9-17 were completed and the entire routing was opened in 1984.  After the Club was purchased in December 2020, the course closed in the spring of 2021 for renovations whereby all fairways were contoured and converted to Zeon Zoysia to create a premier fairway surface that has seen rave reviews wherever it has been installed the world over.  In addition, green complexes where expanded to recapture lost pin locations, detail mowing patters were established and the focus was shifted to showcase the course and all its beauty. The Course reopened to rave reviews by the golfing members on August 26, 2021.  In the Fall of 2022, Holes 2, 3 and 14 received additional renovations that changed the course to a par 72 by restoring Hole # 3 back to its original par value with the addition of seven fairway traps and expanding the fairway up to the green.  The changes to Holes 2, 3 and 14 were done under the design of Darrell Craft. 

The result is an 18-hole championship Par 721 course on gently rolling terrain topping out at 6,752 yards.  It has 39 strategically placed bunkers.  The green complexes are a collection of medium-to-large undulating greens demanding accurate approach shots into the correct pin locations for the best birdie looks.  By doing so, the greens allow for ample opportunities to score.  Several greens have rounded off edges with several feeding into collection areas and closely mowed chipping areas that were established in the Summer of 2021.  Water can be found on six holes.  The course offers, depending on the tees one plays, anywhere from a fun day on the links to a demanding layout.  The course's 17th hole is the signature hole measuring 168 yards with a backdrop of the Clubs logo landscaped into the surround amphitheater behind the green.

Preserving the history of the land was at the top of the priority when this course was built in 1981 and the 2021 renovation was done with preserving what was already in place.  From the 1st tee to the 18th green, the course demands attention for you to play your best.   

The course offers a complete practice facility with a full length driving range with 6 target greens, 2 full length Zeon Zoysia tees to mirror course conditions, a winter practice mat for year round hitting use, a practice bunker, and practice green.  Instructional lessons are offered by one of our PGA members on site, either in an individual setting or group clinics. 

The course played host to the 1988 Virginia State Golf Association Four (4) Ball Championship.  Due to the continued praise the renovations have had since 2021, Championship golf will return to The Waterfront with the 2024 Virginia State Golf Association Junior Match Play Championship.  

The Waterfront has a small history cabinet with original and order artifacts that detail the history of the Club that is on display.  Should anyone have any older items from the Club, especially those when the Club first opened, we would be very interested in talking with you.