Independence GC

Richmond, VA

2001, Tom Fazio
Black 7127, 74.2, 137, 72
Blue 6677 71.8 76.2 131 137 72
White 6259 69.7 72.6 126 129 72

Directions: From the Powhite Pkwy (Rte 76), exit onto Midlothian Tpk (Rte 60) W. Turn R onto Robius Rd (Rte 711). After crossing Huguenot Rd, continue on Robius Rd approximately 4.2 mi. Turn L on Winterfield Rd. Turn R onto Founders Bridge Blvd. Club is on R.

'01 Fees:
Wkdy Ride $60
Wknd. Ride $70

Golfcourse.com Review: Opened 10/01 w/ 2 Tom Fazio designed tracks: an 18 hole Championship Course and a 9 hole Short Course. Aside from being the only daily-fee public courses in the state designed by the legendary architect, this state-owned facility is also home to the VA State Golf Association headquarters, a museum dedicated to the history of golfing in Virginia, and an extensive junior golf education facility. Both courses are seamlessly blended into the local topography, and the holes include a mixture of flat and rolling fairways that tree-lined, yet wide enough to allow room to breathe. The greens are guarded by well placed bunkers, and water comes into play on several holes in the form of wetlands. The Championship Course plays from 5,022 to 7,127-yards and there are 5 sets of tees to challenge all handicaps. The Short Course has 3 sets of tees and plays from 844 to 1,280-yards.

Best Bar Nearby, Richmond: I lived in Richmond for 2 years, so I know my way around, but it's been a little while. You'll find a suprisingly Southern city for one so close to the Mason/Dixon line. As a transplanted Yankee, I found the prevailing attitude to be, "If it don't get done today, it'll get done tomorrow."

For a great Gentlemen's club, try Paper Moon (3300 Norfolk, Downtown; 6710 Midlothian Tpke, Southside; 804-674-0790, www.papermoonclub.com) I once picked up a dancer there and took her to Vegas for the weekend. Disastrous trip, but a great story. Or Pure Pleasure (68 Labrook Cnc, Southside, 804-232-5711).

Sports bars: Glory Days (10466 Ridgefield Pkwy, West End; 6151 Harbourside Centre Lp, Southside); Champps (9202 Stony Pt Pkwy, 10 mins S of downtown); Buffalo Wild Wings (7801 W Broad West End; 1501 E Cary, Shockoe Bottom); Mulligan's (1323 Main, downtown); & Hooter's (1211 Huguenot, Southside; 2401 W Hundred Rd, Chester; 7912 W Broad).

Shockoe Bottom is the best downtown pub & grub district, although an '04 flood wiped out many former hotspots. Hit Tonic (14 N 18th St, 804-648-4300) for serious martinis and a cutting-edge wine list. Try the house-specialty drinks: Champagne & Strawberries, or a Carmel Kiss.

Where To Grub: Downtown, you gotta get to Joe's Inn. Great little unassuming Italian joint, outstanding house dressing, and try the Spaghetti ala Joe, baked with mozarella on top. Avoid the meatballs. Tobacco Company in Shockoe Bottom (12th & Cary, www.thetobaccocompany.com) is a popular upscale spot set in an open 3-story former tobacco warehouse. A little fern-bar-ish and full of Yuppies, but good food in a nice setting. Way off the beaten path is a hole-in-the-wall with great Italian: Mammazu (Spruce & Pine, Oregon Hill; check out the Southern folk-rockers Cowboy Junkies' tune "Oregon Hill"), order veal marsala and the rockfish, family-style. Strawberry Street Cafe has a great Sunday brunch, a salad bar in a bathtub, and the best Snicker's pie on the planet. VA-based regional seafood chain Awful Arthur's (101 N 18th; 7408 W Broad) brings former locals back. Try Double T's for Best Of Richmond BBQ (2907 W Cary, across from Byrd Theatre). Post last-call, hit 3rd Street Diner (218 E Main) for a taste of Richmond's freak set.

Where To Stay: If you're liquid, the historic Jefferson Hotel has been a bastion of Southern hospitality for generations, with a staircase rumored to have inspired the one in the film Gone With The Wind.

Further Distractions: Carytown is the local artists' hang, with unique shopping. Hit Carytown's Byrd Theater for $1 2nd-run movies with the 1930's interior and pipe organ still intact, and the popcorn girls wear flapper costumes. Atlanta Braves' AAA farm club is a family-friendly outing (check the home schedule at www.rbraves.com). Tour a typical Southern estate at Berkeley Plantation (Rt 5, 22 mi E of Richmond, 888-466-6018). Hollywood Cemetery has plenty of history. The Civil War Visitors Center (5th & Tredegar) starting at Tredegar Iron Works is a nice walk. Or check out nearby King's Dominion (www.kingsdominion.com).