Keswick Hall renovating Full Cry course ahead of big year

Keswick Hall, the 600-acre luxury resort in Virginia Wine Country, is gearing up for a banner golf season highlighted by enhancements to its celebrated Pete Dye-designed Full Cry golf course, hosting a 2025 U.S. Open Championship local qualifier in May, and opening for additional events throughout the year. 

Full Cry is undergoing course renovations led by golf course architect Scot Sherman, a longtime Dye disciple. The updates include enhancements to the overall design of the par-4 13th, where Dye’s trademark railroad ties have been added to the bunker located behind the green. A new tee box is also being constructed for the par-4 6th hole, and there have been slight modifications to the uphill par-5 17th. Most notably, the par-4 9th has been completely redesigned. The renovations are expected to be completed by April.

Full Cry will play a role in the journey to the 2025 U.S. Open on May 13, serving as a local qualifying site for the season’s third major. This allows both amateur and pro golfers to compete for a chance to advance through qualifying stages and ultimately secure a spot in the U.S. Open taking place at Oakmont Country Club in June. Keswick Hall is one of 110 qualifying host sites for this year’s U.S. Open.

Additionally, Full Cry will welcome the field for the 100th playing of the Virginia State Golf Association Women’s Amateur Championship July 14-16. The event has been held since 1922, and the champion receives an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Notable past winners include Lily Harper Martin, Robbye King Youel and Mary Patton Janssen. In 2024, Lauren Greenlief became the 10th player to win at least three VSGA Women’s Amateur Championship titles.

“We are excited about the renovations and enhancements to Full Cry that Scot Sherman and his team have brought to the course while keeping Pete Dye’s original vision for his masterpiece intact,” Keswick Hall owners Molly and Robert Hardie said. “Hosting the U.S. Open local qualifier and the VSGA Women’s Amateur Championship gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase these improvements to an outstanding field of competitors. We look forward to welcoming these golfers and providing an exceptional experience here at Keswick Hall.”

Full Cry opened in 2014.