History of "The River"

The River Course, originally designed by Ault, Clark and Associates, was built in 1998-1999. The Virginia Tech Foundation acquired the course in 2002. Bordered by 2.5 miles of the scenic New River, the well-designed course had significant potential. Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates developed an overall site plan for a new clubhouse and maintenance facility along with improvements to the range and practice facility. In 2003, the driving range/practice facility was rebuilt through the generosity of long-time Virginia Tech golf supporters, Buddy and Doris Nevaisor.

Simultaneously, Tech alumnus and philanthropist Bill and wife Alice Goodwin asked their friend, Pete Dye, to consider revamping "The River" into a world class course. After visiting, Dye outlined his ideas with a revised plan for the course. Construction began in 2003 with formal dedication and renaming on June 5, 2006, of The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech. During the dedication, Virginia Tech President Steger announced a $2 million commitment from the Williams-Berry Charitable Trust in support of the construction of a new clubhouse. Harry (’55) and Patsy Williams were supporters of Virginia Tech athletics and academics and involved in the university community.

In 2006, Golf Digest recognized the course as a Best New Course and in 2007 as the Fourth Best Newly Remodeled golf course in America.

The Williams-Berry gift stimulated fundraising efforts for the clubhouse and accelerated the design and planning process. Ideas and concepts became specific plans, and ground was broken in May 2008 for the $5.5 million project.

In 2009, Golf Digest awarded the course a 4.5 star rating and included it in its Best Places to Play. Golf operations moved to the clubhouse in early May of 2010 and the Harry S. and Patsy B. Williams Clubhouse was officially dedicated on October 28, 2010.