Vista Links offers local golfers alternative course
Ashley Metzloff
Issue date: 1/26/05 Section: News
John Bovay, a W&L student, says the Vista Links is in better condition than the Lexington course. Bovay prefers the Links because it's "less crowded" and "prettier."
Datz says Vista Links is "raw" and "rough," but adds that "the design is fantastic." He says the course will mature more as the grasses grow and that, with the right marketing, the course has great potential.
Bovay and Datz have played about 100 courses each, and both men say the Links was in the top 20 percent of courses they have played.
Geddes Johnson, capitan of the golf team at W&L, says the overall quality of the Links is "good." Johnson adds that Links pricing is "incredibly affordable," but called Lexington Golf's prices "relatively absurd." He says the Links "will certainly steal all public business from Lexington," unless Lexington lowers prices. While Lexington only charges $2 more for 18 holes in the winter, in the spring Lexington's weekday rate is $50 for 18 holes without a cart, whereas Vista Links charges $20 for non-Buena Vista residents.
Armentrout would like to see a steadier base of annual pass holders, but adds that the Links has attracted a tremendous following of golfers so far. He believes the course is "catching on quickly," and many golfers have regularly traveled up to an hour from places like Roanoke and Harrisonburg, which have their own golf courses. Most of these visiting golfers, Armentrout says, have come because of word of mouth.
While the course is still "a work in progress," Armentrout is pleased with the course's success. He says the course will be nicer in a couple of years, but adds, "Grass has to grow-- you don't expect all of it to come up right away."
Datz says Vista Links is "raw" and "rough," but adds that "the design is fantastic." He says the course will mature more as the grasses grow and that, with the right marketing, the course has great potential.
Bovay and Datz have played about 100 courses each, and both men say the Links was in the top 20 percent of courses they have played.
Geddes Johnson, capitan of the golf team at W&L, says the overall quality of the Links is "good." Johnson adds that Links pricing is "incredibly affordable," but called Lexington Golf's prices "relatively absurd." He says the Links "will certainly steal all public business from Lexington," unless Lexington lowers prices. While Lexington only charges $2 more for 18 holes in the winter, in the spring Lexington's weekday rate is $50 for 18 holes without a cart, whereas Vista Links charges $20 for non-Buena Vista residents.
Armentrout would like to see a steadier base of annual pass holders, but adds that the Links has attracted a tremendous following of golfers so far. He believes the course is "catching on quickly," and many golfers have regularly traveled up to an hour from places like Roanoke and Harrisonburg, which have their own golf courses. Most of these visiting golfers, Armentrout says, have come because of word of mouth.
While the course is still "a work in progress," Armentrout is pleased with the course's success. He says the course will be nicer in a couple of years, but adds, "Grass has to grow-- you don't expect all of it to come up right away."