Falling River Country Club: here for the community
The Appomattox community started Falling River Country Club in the 1960’s, and the Appomattox community is why the club remains a special place today!
In 1965, a group of citizens purchased a farm near Pumping Station Road and began pursuing their plans to build a large community pool, which was completed that same year. The first 9 holes of the golf course were completed in 1966, and the construction of the club house followed shortly thereafter.
“The course was originally 9 holes until the early 1980’s when the back 9 was put in,” Falling River Country Club’s general manager Faber Jameson said, explaining that the members themselves designed and built out the back 9 holes of the course. “You just don’t see that very often now in clubs that are still around. It’s really really unique here for that to happen."
Interesting fact: Faber’s grandfather, George H. Jamerson, Sr., was one of the charter members of the club!
Club memberships financed these projects through member dues as well as buying stocks in the country club. Meaning, no single entity has ever owned Falling River Country Club. It is truly a community-owned organization that is here to serve the community!
Built on community, and building the community up.
Today, Falling River Country Club runs at nearly full membership capacity. Faber Jameson attributes that to the family-like atmosphere within the club.
“I think it’s safe to say that once you’re a member here, and you’ve been here a little while, it becomes like a family. We’re going to help our family out any way we possibly can. So, through the good and the bad, Falling River has still been here and a lot of that is because of the genuine love that some people have for the facility and for the people who are here - and the family ties that are around it. One way or the other, if you need something, we’re going to be here to help you and support you,” Faber explained.
“The family oriented part is what makes Falling river so special. We’ve been here through the really lean times and the good times as well,” Faber continued. “There’s a willingness to help out within the community. A lot of clubs are known to be a little snobbish, and in earlier years that may have been the perception of us, but we’re really trying to reach out and help and really make a big difference.”
And a big difference they make!
Falling River Country Club hosts ten to twelve golf tournaments (outside of their own club programs) each year to raise money for local nonprofits.
“We do a lot of golf tournaments that are fundraisers and are not club-sanctioned events” Faber explained. “In 2020, the Smith Strong event was probably the biggest tournament that’s ever been held in Virginia. It was 3 days worth. We want to do things like that in and amongst the community to try to help out.”
“The Smith Strong tournament resulted in the Smith Strong Foundation where we’re helping families in the community and helping sports teams as well. We’re doing quite a lot to help, and the club is who got that going.”
Community involvement and support is one of Faber’s focuses as general manager and the Falling River Country Club members are passionate about helping others.
What you’ll find at Falling River
The 18-hole golf course at Falling River Country Club is beautifully designed over rolling hills, lined with trees, and hosts two ponds. The course is a good challenge and a great place to enjoy a day outside with friends and family.
The pool is nestled between the clubhouse and the golf course, and it offers a large shallow swimming area where swim classes and meets are held. The pool also has an 11-foot deep end with diving boards where you’ll find kids of all ages giggling and making big splashes all summer long!
The full service clubhouse offers a variety of items for sale including clubs, gear, and apparel. It is also home to a popular snack bar where members and guests can enjoy a burger or hot dog fresh from the grill, as well as cold sandwiches, sodas, and snacks. The clubhouse is the perfect place to step inside and cool off after a good day on the greens. (Every day on the golf course is a good day!)
In the upper portion of the clubhouse, you’ll find a large event space which is perfect for wedding receptions, birthday parties, banquets, corporate events and more. The event space may be rented by anyone in the community and offers seating for 110 guests. (For a social meet & mingle standing event, the space can host up to 140 guests!) The space includes the use of a kitchen with an oven, freezer, and refrigerator. Renting the event space also includes the usage of the clubhouse’s large outdoor upper deck which boasts great views of the golf course. The ample parking lot can accommodate your event’s guests and more.
Who’s who:
Charles Lange is the club superintendent and he does an excellent job, along with his team, of keeping Falling River Country Club’s grounds looking spectacular year round.
Faber Jameson was introduced to the golf course by his mother Joyce when he was a young boy. He loved the sport and began working as a cart staff member in his early teens. He joined the Appomattox County High School golf team, and he continued playing in college at James Madison University. After college, he joined the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA) and continued to play professionally for several years. After coming home to Appomattox, he returned to work at Falling River, and in 2008 became the club’s general manager.
“I know this place backwards and forwards,” Faber said jokingly, and he invites you to come see what it’s all about!
With 400 golf memberships, and 100 pool memberships, you're sure to know someone at the club!
If you’re interested in visiting and seeing all that Falling River Country Club has to offer, give Faber a call at 434-352-7037 to schedule a tour. The course is open sun-up to sun-down year round. You can also reach Faber at FRCCpro@jetbroadband.com. To keep up with what’s happening at the club, be sure to find and follow them on Facebook and check out their website at FallingRiverCC.com.
Photos provided by Falling River Country Club. This article was written by Teresa Davis and is a paid advertisement. If you are interested in promoting your business on the Appomattox Happenings website, email, and social media, contact Teresa Davis through the contact form below or email appomattoxhappenings@gmail.com
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