Cannon Ridge Golf Club
Location » Fredericksburg, Va.
Phone » 540-735-8000
Fees » $70 Monday-Thursday; $82 Friday-Sunday
Par/Yardage/Rating/Slope
71/6,853/73.8/144
Description » Five-year-old course, built on rugged, historic property, follows natural contours and has an old-style feel with wide landing areas and small, push-up greens, all protected by lots of bunkers. No man-made ponds or surrounding homes. A few tees have significant carries over ravines.
Reason to play » Excellent conditions and layout. Civil War touches — blue and gray carts, toy cannons as tee markers and plaques to mark historic touchstones. In 2004, was named one of the nation’s top 10 new courses by Golf Digest.
Brilliant debut » Former British and U.S. Amateur champion Deane Beman collaborated with acclaimed designer Bobby Weed to build Cannon Ridge. The strategic course — described as a “throwback,” by Beman — is what one might expect from the cerebral Bethesda native, a stong iron player and master of the short game. This was Beman’s first crack at design, although he masterminded the TPC course concept during his 20-year reign as PGA Tour Commissioner.
More to come » Cannon Ridge will eventually include 36 holes. The Weed Course is under construction. A private course is also planned.
Signature hole » No. 15, Par 3, 220 Yards
In preparation for the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Union Army set up cannon revetments on the land the course occupies. Many of the revetments were preserved, most conspicuously behind the tee boxes at No. 15. It’s appropriate on a long par 3 that some players might feel they need a cannon to reach.
Historic perspective » In 1862, Union troops staged here on the bluffs overlooking the Rappahannock River (most apparent on No. 14). The Battle of Fredericksburg was to begin the march to the Confederate capital of Richmond. But Robert E. Lee’s outnumbered Confederate troops prevailed.
Best hole » No. 12, Par 5, 539 Yards
One of Cannon Ridge’s four excellent par 5s, three of which come on the final seven holes. Each is undulating and deceptive with its own distinct character. No. 12 is a rolling visual stunner, framed in tall oak trees and reachable in two shots with a big drive that clears the fairway’s apex.
