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TANYARD COUNTRY CLUB

Sometime you find beauty in the most unlikely of places. Tanyard Country Club located just 40 minutes from Fredericksburg and I-95 in downtown Louisa is one such hidden treasure. As you drive up the beautiful tree lined entranceway, the Clubhouse slowly comes into view, revealing a stately pillared manor house. Originally built between 1852 and 1856 by Dr. William Beadles and extensively renovated by Stapleton D. Gooch from 1871 to 1875, the mansion now houses the Club's Tavern and Dining Rooms. Behind the Clubhouse, twin silos and a small milking barn reflect a more recent history of the property. During the decades of the 1940's through the 1960's, these 225 rolling acres were home to Glenmary Farm, a working dairy farm. The cream still rises to the top in the milking barn that currently houses the Pro Shop for Tanyard Country Club's 18 hole championship golf course.

When Larry and Judy Kavanaugh purchased the farm in the 80's, they could only dream of what Tanyard Country Club would someday become. Designed by novice golf course architects Larry Kavanaugh, Jim Bell and J. C. Rine, "Louisa Country Club" was initially only a nine-hole layout. When Mr. Kavanaugh sold Louisa Country Club to its members in 1996, they did more than just change the name. They called upon veteran golf course architect Tom Clark to redesign and expand the course to 18 holes. Mr. Clark was a senior partner in the firm of Ault, Clark and Associates, which designed over 750 courses including The Tournament Players Club at Avenel and The Woods Course at Kingsmill. His vision became reality in the new Tanyard Country Club named for the Tanyard Branch that empties into Beaver Creek at a spot near the seventh tee.

More water comes into play on both the second and third holes, while hardwoods frame the fairways along the back nine. Number 8, Tanyard's signature hole, is a demanding par 3 that measures 203 yards from the back tees. Accuracy and distance control is needed to cross a ravine, fly the bunkers and hold the elevated green. But don't let this test of golf discourage you. Open to the public, Tanyard Country Club invites both the low handicapper and the weekend hacker to tee it up and take their best shot. With multiple tee boxes ranging from the whites at 5750 yards to the championship golds at 6502, the course is very user friendly. Superintendent Bill Carleton and his ground crew groom Tanyard's greens to a crushed velvet finish making putting a pleasure. Club Pro Kevin Daughtery and his friendly staff also will help plan group outings of all sizes, catering to any and all needs. Proper attire and soft spikes are required.

Speaking of catering, the dining experience at Tanyard reflects the quality and creativity of its award-winning chef, Jason Abel. Many members have joined the Club just to savor his eclectic cuisine. With entrees ranging from herb crusted broiled salmon to bacon wrapped filet mignon topped with blue cheese, he offers something for every palate. His various salad and desert creations are favorites on an ever-changing menu. Theme nights are very popular at Tanyard. Bavarian bratwurst and Mexican tacos lend an international flavor to an evening out at the Club. All you care to eat Shrimp and Crab Feasts are real crowd pleasers as well. With the addition of a 40'x60'open-air pavilion in a scenic pecan grove, the Club's kitchen staff can now accommodate even the largest wedding or group event. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch, the dining room is a great place to gather with friends before or after a round of golf or a set of tennis.

If you're a tennis player, you'd be hard pressed to find a finer tennis facility than the one at Tanyard. Installed in 1998, two lighted state of the art Hydro courts provide a soft and true surface for your slams and volleys. Situated next to the Club's outdoor swimming pool and overlooking the ponds that front holes 2 and 3, players might have a difficult time concentrating on their game rather than the view. Fortunately, Tennis Pro Renee Blount is always available to fine-tune your focus. If you need to cool down, a water aerobics class is available in the swimming pool.

For those who prefer indoor sports, activities abound at Tanyard Country Club. Members organize "special event" evenings that can include anything from a member talent show to an auction to raise funds for a special Club project. There is a weekly "high stakes" poker game in the card room and members meet regularly for duplicate bridge. A fast paced dice game called Bunco is also becoming a club stalwart. Recently the Club held its own version of "Survivor" with members competing against each other in various endurance games. The Club also stages popular "Murder Mystery Dinners" from time to time. To keep you up with the latest in golf and tennis attire, fashion shows presented by national designers like La Mode and Sarah Bryson are staged. Even with all these activities if "Club fever" ever sets in, outside excursions are also available. Trips to the Maymount House and Garden Tour as well as the Hillwood Mansion Tour were well attended. A day at the races also drew a large crowd. Members enjoyed a private suite and a delicious buffet at Colonial Downs Racetrack. It seems there's always something happening at the Club.

Its golf, tennis, food and social atmosphere make Tanyard Country Club special but its members make it unique. Whether it's volunteering to run the golf course's beverage cart, organizing a tennis tournament, or decorating the Clubhouse for the holidays the membership is involved. It is their Club, they take pride in it, and it shows.

Clubhouse:

Our chefs have only one goal: Satisfying your palate with the most tantalizing cuisine.

From weekly Prime Rib Specials, fresh seafood, tasty vegtarian dishes double chocolate dessert delights, they do it all. Our congenial dining room staff delights in satisfying your every desire.

Let our clubhouse host your next party or function such as meetings, weddings, anniversities, birthdays, etc.

Golf Course:

We feature a par 72, 18 hole course offering a challenge and at the same time maintaining a player friendly atmosphere.

Let us host your next company golf tournament

We have a PGA Professional available for individual or group lessons

Two state of the art lighted Hydro Courts available

Men's, women's and mixed leaques

We have am tennis pro that can teach beginner to expert lessons.

Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day

We offer water aerobics, swimming lessons for kids and pool parties

Our pavilion is available to hold large groups for:

Exercise Spa:

Our execise room is outfitted with a variety of professional grade equipment.