Into the Breach

  Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States
Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Celebrate Virginia #1

Cannon Ridge

I decided to travel south for my round of golf, today.  I am playing Cannon Ridge in Fredericksburg, because they are one of the 195 courses participating in the Virginia State Golf Association VIP program.  For $65 membership fee, I get to play a round at the participating courses for the price of cart rental (green fees are free).  Usually there are restrictions on when this round can be played for example the majority of the courses restrict the round to the weekdays Mon-Thur.  Cannon Ridge is even more restrictive; Mon-Thur after 11 am between Jan-Apr or Mon-Fri after 11 am between Oct-Dec.  Since I work a schedule which gives me days off in the middle of the week and it is a gorgeous October day (high in the 70's),  I can take advantage of the discount.  I spent $25 for a round which would normally cost $50 at Cannon Ridge.

Scott's Ford

Winter barrier at Bank's ford

Cannon Ridge is designed by Deane Beman, someone I am not familiar with.  It is part of a development project of Del Webb called Celebrate Virginia.  It has been interesting to see this area grow around the golf course, but you can tell there is still more left to come.  They finished the clubhouse since my last visit...along with installing some waterfalls at the entrance.  Fortunately, the housing development has not encroached into the golf course, so you are surrounded by pristine woodland during your round of play.  Also, the holes are routed through historically significant territory with appropriate markers to described what happened on these ground during the Civil War.  For example between holes #11 and #12, you cross Scott's Ford where General Sedgwick tried to cross the Rappahannock before being repulsed General Lee.  Also next to the #15 tee box, you find the remains of the earthwork left by Union artillery units as they guard another Rappahannock crossing point, Banks Ford.  The golf course management reveled in the historic setting by providing blue and gray golf carts and having cannon tee markers.

Cannon Ridge #5

After a round at Cannon Ridge, you do feel like you have gone through a battle with Mother Nature.  Many holes have forced carries over environmental areas and ravines.  The most challenging/notorious is the three hole stretch from 4-6 called the Rappahannock Run.  The run starts with a slightly deceptive 179 yard, par 3.  A tee shot left leaves the ball lost into a ravine, the right side is guarded by an environmental area and if you go long the ball will roll down the hill and into the woods.  I chose to lose the ball in the environmental area and posted a six on that hole.  The next hole, the #1 handicap hole, is a long uphill, 423 yard, par 4.  Right at the landing area are some bunkers to make things interesting.  I decided to avoid all this by pulling my tee shot left onto the #6 fairway.  This left me with a 200+ yard carry over a ravine, which I managed to carry.  Unfortunately, I ended up in the green side bunker on the right.  After an underwhelming sand shot, which required another chip to get to the green, and a three putt, I carded a 7 for the hole.  Now, I have to cross the ravine again at the #6 tee box.  Somehow #6 is a par 4 even though it measures 449 yards.  Give me a break!...and give me another 7 for that hole. 

If you are ever in the area, I suggest that you assault Cannon Ridge.  Are you up for the challenge?