The arrangement also covers the Bristol, Va. club’s sister property, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, and extends to golf course agronomy and membership marketing in addition to golf, club and food-and-beverage operations. The luxury community features a Tom Fazio-designed golf course that opened in 1992 and a 44,000-sq. ft. clubhouse with a newly built, 750-bottle-capacity walk-in wine cellar with tasting area. Construction is currently underway on four luxury yurts that will provide stay-and-play accommodations and a 28-room luxury boutique inn.

The Virginian and its sister property, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, both in Bristol, Va., have selected Troon Privé, the private club-operating division of Troon, to oversee golf, club and food-and-beverage operations, as well as golf course agronomy and membership marketing.

Set in the Virginia Highlands between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the clubhouse and golf course are the centerpieces of The Virginian luxury community. The 7,205-yard Tom Fazio-designed golf course opened in 1992 and makes great use of the area’s pastoral setting and distant views.  As an added feature, the practice facility is complete with a practice range, short-game/bunker areas, massive practice green, and three practice holes.

The Virginian’s 44,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse features a main dining room with a dry-stacked fieldstone fireplace at its center, a cathedral ceiling and a newly built, 750-bottle-capacity walk-in wine cellar with tasting area. Dinners are served in the formal Main Dining Room twice a week, while the new Twenty-two Bar & Grille features a circular bar. Dining is also available inside and outside on the verandas.

The clubhouse also features an award-winning golf shop, a spectacular boardroom overlooking the back nine, and spacious men’s and ladies’ locker rooms. A stone’s throw from the clubhouse is “The Round,” an open-air pavilion utilized for events and concerts.

The club’s Swim, Racquet & Fitness Center is complete with a Junior Olympic-size and  children’s pool and four tennis courts (two clay and two hard-surface), and features one of the top junior instruction programs in the region and a growing pickleball following.  Its fitness center offers the latest Nautilus and cardiovascular equipment, as well as an outside playground for kids to enjoy.

Adjacent to The Virginian is its 450-acre sister property, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards which was founded in 2013 and includes the 10-acre, award-winning Nicewonder Vineyards; a winery; a farmers market; livestock; and Taste, Wood-Fire Kitchen, an open-air restaurant that is open to the public and has some of the most spectacular views overlooking the vineyard and rolling hills of the farm.

Construction is currently underway on four luxury yurts that will provide stay-and-play accommodations for national members as well as members of Troon Privé-managed clubs through the Troon Privé Privileges program. The yurts are expected to be completed this fall.

The yurts are a prelude to what will become the centerpiece of the property: a 28-room luxury boutique inn with a presidential suite, infinity pool, 300-person banquet facility and Hickory, the signature restaurant from acclaimed Chef Travis Milton. Construction is underway on the inn, with a projected opening in mid-2021.

Soon to follow the Inn’s opening will be a spa, fitness center and a commissary kitchen, making Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards and The Virginian a unique destination for those seeking the best in lifestyle and golf amenities.

“The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards are undergoing a period of unprecedented expansion and growth,” said Kevin Nicewonder, Managing Member of the Nicewonder Group. “We are excited to partner with Troon Privé to bring their expertise and guidance to us, so that together we can provide an incredible experience for members and guests. This is a perfect partnership of two of the most respected brands in the industry.”

Added Matt Hurley, President of Troon’s Honours Golf division: “The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards are absolutely gorgeous properties. We are honored to be associated with such a wonderful development and community. Our team is looking forward to working with the Nicewonder Group to help enhance these already unique properties, and with the members of The Virginian as we bring added value to their membership through programs exclusive to Troon Privé club members.”