Pristine Course and the Cutting Edge of Golf Course Technology at its Best By Melissa Cleaton Shearwood
slope and bend around stately woodlands. It covers over 160 acres and contains eight manmade ponds in its landscape that add to its elegance. A vision of splendor that attracts people year round from near and far for recreational pleasure. Besieged with recurring turkey and deer sightings for those who are nature lovers. This treasure is Hobbs Hole Golf Course. The 18-hole course features 6,700 yards of golf, from the longest tees, for a par of 71. The course rating is 71.8 and it has a slope rating of 125. Opened in 1996, Hobbs Hole Golf Course was a vision in William W. (Billy) Cooke’s mind for many years. His idea was to build a public, 18-hole, state-of-the-art golf course within a new golfing community that would include a restaurant with the capability of hosting wedding receptions, meetings and more. Mr. Cooke says, “With the help of my late friends James Moore and Willie Cleaton, we got it done.” He also admitted, “I have been very blessed in this endeavor, it was a huge undertaking, but the outcome has been wonderful, the people who play here, along with the employees, are truly the best around and I am so thankful for their support over the years.” Cooke likes to give credit where credit is due. “James and Willie were my main supporters, my ‘go to guys’,” he reveals. “If I had concerns or questions, they would help me figure it out or find the answers for me. They were fixtures around here and I miss them both.”
T The 18-hole course was designed
by Jeffrey Timmons and Associates of Richmond and Cooke could not be happier with the final outcome. “Our course was designed ahead of its time for this region and we have been able to keep it that way,” he declared. From the leased golf carts rotating every four to five years to the high-tech computer system
The House & Home Magazine
here is a hidden treasure in the heart of Tappahannock. One with beautifully manicured greens that
installed in 2007, Hobbs Hole is one of the finest courses in the area. They were even voted “Best Local Golf Course in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck” in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by readers of Northern Neck News, Westmoreland News and Northumberland Echo.
Cooke commented, “Curtis Harmon installed the irrigation and elevations and did a fantastic job.” Hobbs Hole owns all of its own mechanical equipment, tractors, lawn mowers, etc. and Cooke states, “Gary LaFleur is one of the best when it comes to keeping the course in tip top shape. He really knows how to make it all work and look superior.” LaFleur is the course’s Certified Golf Course Superintendent and handles this large responsibility in stride, Cooke added. And when it comes to head golf professionals, Cooke cannot praise Troy Thorne enough. “Troy is the greatest and has done a fantastic job here at Hobbs Hole. His dedication is phenomenal and I couldn’t ask for anyone better to be front and center at the course. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of the game, courteous and professional. He, along with all our employees, show true Southern hospitality to all our guests,” Cooke proudly admits. Hobbs Hole Restaurant is currently being leased by Paul and Garnett Copeland and is doing well. Cooke states, “Paul and Garnett are doing a great job over there and are a huge asset to the course and the community. They are able to accommodate our golfers for lunch and dinner, which is a big plus, along with people in the community who don’t play golf. Their daily specials offer some
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