Virginia golf resort sorting out problems

        What started on Friday as a simple quest to book a room at a Virginia golf resort and arrange to look at some real estate turned into a day of phone calls to a golf shop, restaurant and Virginia college.  Hours later, I felt a bit like a forensics expert on an episode of CSI, although I did not really solve the case (yet).

        My son’s team from Washington & Lee University is slated to play in the Hampden Sydney College golf tournament in late September at The Manor Golf Club and Resort, about one hour southwest of Richmond, VA.  The resort’s web site indicates real estate for sale beside the golf course as well as lodging availability in a few recently constructed cottages.

Before inquiring about lodging, I wrote a note to the director of real estate sales thinking I might arrange a visit with him as part of my eventual review of the community.  The first hint of an issue:  The email bounced back to me because the recipient’s mailbox was full.  No real estate agent would ignore his or her inbox for more than a few hours, let alone weeks.  I surmised, correctly it turned out, that he was gonzo.

        Next, I dialed the toll-free number for room reservations on the resort’s web site.  It rolled over to a pre-recorded message that instructed me on what extensions to dial if I wanted to connect with one of The Manor’s three cottages (each is split into two sections, so the message was interminable).   There were no instructions about how to book a room or to contact the resort’s main number.  I found a separate number for the upscale restaurant on the property, dialed it and left a message, asking for a return call.

        I assumed that the golf course was in operation, since it was holding a college tournament later this month, and I dialed the pro shop.  The person

who answered the phone told me that I should call Hampden Sydney College because they had “reacquired” all the land adjacent to 16 of the course’s 18 holes.  I asked about the status of the real estate sales director and learned “he left last April” (presumably when the sales office closed).  That was less than a year after a press release indicated things were moving ahead nicely in the resort, despite the economy. (In real estate, don’t ever trust a press release without checking other sources.)

        There was no mention of a Facilities department on the Hampden Sydney web site.  As a former public relations exec, I know that when you call a PR office, there is a good chance they will either get the information you need or forward you to the right person.  The PR employee who answered the phone informed me that the college did not own the land surrounding most of the course but forwarded me to their business office for more details.  The attendant there promised a return phone call later Friday afternoon after her boss returned from a meeting.  (Note:  They did not return the call, but it was the Friday before a holiday weekend…)

        In the meantime, Maxine Rutledge of Maxine’s Fine Dining restaurant

at the resort returned my phone call and indicated that some of the principals involved in the disposition of the property were meeting that very day.   Some of the lots had been sold to various local builders and the rest were awaiting disposition.  A few of the cottages are under construction, and the college owns and rents the three that are built.  The golf club is about to be sold, Ms. Rutledge added, but she felt it inappropriate to add more details about the adjacent land, pending discussions and negotiations.  She is handling the rental of the cottages and quoted me a reasonable rate of $199 per night.  The developers had recruited Thomas Abrahamsson in 2009 to open the upscale restaurant; he is an internationally trained chef who has earned numerous awards for his fusion cuisine.  The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.

        The golf course, which was designed by Rick Robbins, opened to acclaim in 2007 and was designated one of the best new courses of the year by Golf Digest magazine.  It plays to more than 7,200 yards from the tips, and the par 5 finishing hole appears to be a classic risk/reward play, under 500 yards from the next to longest tees and with a forced carry over a lake for anyone tempted to go for the green in two.  The longer way around still requires a third shot over the water.

         I am hoping The Manor is not under water by the time I arrive later this month.  More on this familiar-sounding saga after the visit, if not sooner…