(CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.) — Keswick Hall, the 600-acre luxury resort in Virginia's Wine Country, today announced a partnership with the University of Virginia (UVA) women's golf program to host the inaugural Keswick Cup on Oct. 26 at the Keswick Club's celebrated Pete Dye-designed Full Cry golf course.
Surrounded by the stunning autumn foliage of the Blue Ridge foothills, the event kicks off with an official practice round on Oct. 25, followed by a 36-hole team and individual competition. Anchored by host UVA, the elite 10-team field includes regional powerhouse programs, such as North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Richmond, William & Mary, Radford and Longwood. Top-tier competitors from Cincinnati, Jacksonville State and Bucknell round out the deep lineup of squads vying for the championship titles.
"This college tournament represents the perfect combination of our unrivaled hospitality and elite amateur sports," says Keswick Hall General Manager Louis Shapazian. "Our goal is to create a perfect championship environment where these student-athletes can focus entirely on performing their absolute best while savoring the incredible beauty of autumn here at Keswick Hall."
One of Pete Dye's final designs, Full Cry continues to rank among the most captivating and rewarding golf experiences in Virginia and the U.S. Its accolades include a place on GOLF Magazine's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.," a strong ranking of No. 4 among Golfweek's "Best Courses You Can Play in Virginia," and recognition among Golfweek's "Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S." Thoughtful enhancements completed in 2025 by architect Scot Sherman of Love Golf Design refined the layout while preserving Dye's creative genius.
"Pete Dye designed Full Cry to be a thinking player's course demanding strategic precision rather than simply raw power," says Keswick Club General Manager and Director of Golf Rob McNamara. "Our recent design refinements have only sharpened that strategic edge, ensuring the layout tests all aspects of a player's game during this thrilling competition."
"Competing at a home-venue resort of this caliber completely changes the dynamic of our fall schedule," adds UVA Women's Golf Head Coach Ria Scott. "An elite course paired with a professional atmosphere simulates the pressure of postseason NCAA championships, forcing our players to elevate their game early in the season."
Keswick Hall features 80 elegantly appointed guest rooms and inspiring dining led by world-renowned, multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, including the signature Marigold restaurant. Guests can indulge in holistic treatments at The Spa at Keswick Hall, access the state-of-the-art fitness center, enjoy seven tennis courts and two pickleball courts, or unwind year-round at the heated, adults-only Horizon Pool with its sweeping infinity-edge views.
Spectators and media are invited to attend the competition on Oct. 26. For information about staying at Keswick Hall or exploring resort experiences, visit www.keswick.com or call 434.979.3440.
ABOUT KESWICK HALL
Set in the historic Wine Country of central Virginia, Keswick Hall is a luxurious boutique resort spanning 600 acres. Its signature Pete Dye-designed course, Full Cry at Keswick Club, is currently ranked No. 58 in Golfweek's prestigious "Best Resort Courses" after debuting on the list in 2016. The layout also ranks No. 4 on Golfweek's "Best Courses You Can Play in Virginia" list and was named one of Golf Digest's "Best New Courses" in the U.S. shortly after opening in the fall of 2014.
Keswick Hall is conveniently located a two-hour drive from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It is just over three hours from Baltimore and approximately three and a half hours from Raleigh, North Carolina. Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is about 30 minutes away, while Richmond International is roughly an hour's drive.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Zach Sepanik
616.307.8067
Manager, Buffalo Groupe
zsepanik@buffalogroupe.com
David Wood
703.635.0577
Senior Director, Buffalo Groupe
dwood@buffalogroupe.com