Riverfront GC
Suffolk, VA
1999, Tom Doak (Pacific Dunes, Bandon, OR)
White 6357, 70.3, 129, 71
Blue 6285, 72.5, 129, 71
Directions from Williamsburg and Peninsula:
64 East to 664
Go through the Monitor-Merrimac tunnel.
Take the 2nd exit after the tunnel (Exit 8B - College Drive South).
After exit, turn R at the 1st stoplight. Travel 1-½ miles to parking lot on the right.
Fees: ~$59 plus cart
Tee times 7 days in advance.
Fat Guy Note: Looks pretty phenominal on the website.
T&L Golf Review: Tom Doak fans will enjoy Riverfront Golf Club (757-484-2200) in Suffolk, Virginia, ten miles from Norfolk. One of Doak's earlier designs, it's a strategic foray through tidal marshes that's unfortunately set in a housing development.
Golfcourse.com Review: Located on the banks of the Nansemond River, near the mouth of the James River, this 6,735 yard Tom Doak design takes full advantage of the local terrain. Tees are at ground level, the fairways are wide, and chipping areas are plentiful. Large deep bunkers defend undulating greens, and make shot-making crucial. All but 3 of the 18 holes are bordered by natural features, from tidal marshes skirting along its fairways or undulating greens at waters edge with beach bunkers on 3 sides. Mature pines, oaks and sycamores overhang the marsh, creating a picturesque design. Discounts are available to full-time residents of the Norfolk / Virginia Beach areas.
Avg. Golfcourse.com Player Review: 4.2/5.0. Alot of guys used phrases like "premier", "Best in Hampton Roads", and "Must Play". "Long and can be mean when it wants to be. Riverfront is a misnomer as you only see the river on a couple holes on the back. Secluded holes, country club feel. Great use of marshland and sand traps. Great layout, great conditions mentioned repeatedly. Couple complaints about pro shop staff, houses on top of holes, and silly pin placements."
Best Bar Nearby: Jeff recommends the party atmosphere at Bar Norfolk, where patrons are encouraged to dance on the bar or swing on the bar swing. I hear good things about Middie's, Omni Hotel Complex, Newport News, sounds like an outdoor military meat market with girls in bikinis serving ice cold beer out of metal tubs. In Hampton, Ray recommends Goodfella's, live Blues & Rock, 30-something crowd, "real bar" atmosphere. Also, nearby Rooney's is a divier, grungier 20-something hang with live music. OR, Doumar's BBQ has been a Norfolk tradition since the 40's, with great ice cream. OR, Hooter's (W. Mercury & Coliseum Dr, near Hampton Coliseum). OR, for great seafood, Pat recommends Scale Of The Whale, Portsmouth. Golf Coast Magazine recommends Sunday brunch at the Peninsula Room Restaurant.
For Gentlemen's Clubs near Hampton, not sure about Treasure Chest? (1304 E. Pembroke Ave, Hampton), Blue Flame? (1425 N, King, Hampton), also J.B.'s Gallery Of Girls (1428 G. Wash Hwy, Chesapeake), R.D.'s Gallery Of Girls (11312 Jefferson Ave & 14872 Warwick Blvd, Newport News).
For Norfolk Gentlemen's clubs, Shore Drive seems to be the Red Light district, check out Cheetah's (7915 Shore Dr), Foxy Ladies (8158 Shore Dr), J.B.'s Gallery Of Girls (8154 Shore Dr). Also in Norfolk, Grinder's (3822 Hampton Blvd), Little Ladies (2325 E. Little Creek Rd), or RC's II (7661 Granby St), near upscale shopping at MacArthur Center.