By Chris Lang/VSGA Communications
MIDLOTHIAN — Significant changes are coming to the State Open of Virginia in 2027, including a new final-round venue, new dates, and a streamlined qualifying process that will include both amateurs and professionals.
The 2027 State Open of Virginia, which is conducted jointly by the Middle Atlantic PGA and Virginia State Golf Association, will be contested July 20-22 (Tuesday-Thursday), marking a departure from the State Open’s normal weekend finish. The field is set to expand from 144 players to 156.
There will also be a change in the structure of the event as two courses—Independence Golf Club in Midlothian and The Foundry Golf Club in Powhatan—will serve as co-hosts for the first two rounds of the championship. All competitors will play one round at each course, with 78 players at each course each day. The third and final round will be played at The Foundry, with the field cut to the low 60 players and ties after completion of the second round.
“These changes for the 2027 State Open of Virginia are the culmination of years of work of the committee,” said Craig Groenendaal, VSGA President and State Open committee member. “I’d like to thank the committee as a whole and specifically our MAPGA partners for attacking the challenge of looking at the event and making decisions with the singular focus of improving what is already a competition for the highest honor in men’s golf in Virginia.
“The field expansion will ensure more opportunities for the best players—amateur and professional—to compete in the championship. Also, a special thank you is deserved for our 2027 hosts The Foundry and Heritage Golf Group, who have signed on to help write this new chapter in Virginia golf history. The VSGA and our championship committee couldn’t be more excited for the future of the State Open of Virginia for 2027 and beyond."
The Foundry, which opened in 1990, is the annual host for the VSGA Club Championship and hosted the VSGA Mid-Amateur Championship in 2013. It will host the State Open of Virginia for the first time.
"Hosting the 2027 State Open of Virginia is a tremendous honor for The Foundry Golf Club,” Foundry Golf Club President Danny Ellis said. “For the first time since opening in 1990, our club will welcome Virginia's finest amateur and professional golfers to compete for the Commonwealth's most prestigious championships. Designed by J.K. Timmons and Buddy Loving, The Foundry has earned a reputation as one of Virginia's premier golf courses and will provide a fitting test for the state's best players. We are proud to partner with the VSGA and MAPGA, and look forward to showcasing our championship course, our outstanding membership, and the hospitality that makes The Foundry such a special place."
Qualifying for the State Open of Virginia will be tied to qualifying for the VSGA Amateur Championship, as qualifying rounds for both championships will be held simultaneously at sites around Virginia in May and June. Previously, qualifying for amateurs and professionals was held separately.
“The State Open of Virginia is Virginia's elite test for Middle Atlantic PGA professionals, touring professionals, and top amateurs across the Commonwealth, and the expansion of the field and the move to combined qualifying will only help this excellent event continue to grow and thrive,” said Scott Graber, PGA, MAPGA Vice President and State Open committee member. “We're excited to see how these changes will help the State Open continue to gain stature as one of the most prestigious events in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
Independence Golf Club has hosted 13 State Opens, including the last six from 2021-26. The club was recently purchased by Heritage Golf Group, which also manages VSGA member clubs The Dominion Club in Glen Allen, Spring Creek Golf Club in Zion Crossroads, and 1757 Golf Club in Dulles. Professional Mark Lawrence Jr. won the 2026 State Open of Virginia at Independence.
"For the 14th year, Independence Golf Club is proud to once again host the strongest professional and amateur golfers as they compete in the 2027 State Open,” Heritage Golf Group’s Dan Riker said. “Heritage Golf Group and Independence are honored to partner with The Foundry Golf Club, the VSGA, and the MAPGA to ensure we carry on the tradition of providing a championship golf course experience for the best golfers across the Commonwealth."
The first State Open of Virginia was held at Hermitage Country Club in Manakin Sabot in 1924. From 1958-1984, two State Opens were held – the VSGA Open and the VPGA Open. The events merged into the modern-day State Open in 1985, with amateur Tom McKnight winning the title at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville.
Notable State Open winners in the merged era include four-time champion Jay Woodson, three-time winners Faber Jamerson and Keith Decker, and two-time winners Woody FitzHugh, Robert Wrenn, Roger Newsom, Evan Beck, and Mark Lawrence Jr.