Henrico transfers The Crossings Golf Club to McConnell Golf

McConnell Golf has officially taken possession of The Crossings Golf Club in Glen Allen from Henrico County, with the promise of a $10-million investment and restoration of the shuttered course to follow.

It's the second time in almost exactly two years that the county has announced a planned partnership with a firm to reinvigorate the course; the Henrico Economic Development Authority purchased the site for $3 million in August 2024 as part of a planned partnership with Pros, Incorporated (operators of Independence Golf Club in Powhatan). But that partnership never took shape, so Henrico officials began looking for another partner.

The county transferred the site to McConnell for a nominal fee, shown officially as $0 in county records.

The planned redevelopment aims to preserve the character of Joe Lee’s original design while restoring The Crossings as a premier public golf destination, according to officials from the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority and the Henrico EDA.

McConnell Golf, they said, shares a long-term vision of positioning The Crossings to host professional tour events and amateur tournaments, including collegiate and high school events.

“As a Virginia native, I’m excited to continue investing in my home state with The Crossings Golf Club,” McConnell Golf founder and CEO John McConnell said. “Joe Lee created a wonderful golf course, and we’re looking forward to bringing it back to life while preserving the character that made it special. Golf course architect Kris Spence has a great vision for the property, and I think golfers will enjoy the course as it was always meant to be played.”

Spence’s master plan will restore many of the design elements that made The Crossings a favorite among Virginia golfers while creating a course that appeals to players of every skill level. The layout will stretch to approximately 7,400 yards from the championship tees (about 800 yards longer than during its most recent iteration, and in keeping with the plans for a longer course that Pros, Inc. had for the site) while continuing to offer multiple teeing grounds for recreational golfers.

“The restoration of The Crossings will feature a robust par-72 layout with six teeing options to accommodate golfers of all skill levels,” Spence said. “Beyond the general area, players will also enjoy thoughtfully integrated native grasses, which add natural character while promoting biodiversity and reducing maintenance.”

Construction is expected to begin later this summer, with irrigation installation scheduled for August, followed by earthmoving as permits are approved.

The renovated course will feature TifEagle Bermudagrass greens, Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass tees and fairways, 419 Bermudagrass roughs, and native grass areas designed to enhance wildlife habitat and support pollinators. Grassing is planned for spring 2027, with the goal of reopening the course in fall 2027.

As part of the plans, McConnell Golf also unveiled a new identity for the coruse, which is inspired by the historic Ashland Trolley Line, whose route once passed just a few miles from the course. The logo features a 1920s-era electric streetcar and pays tribute to Richmond’s pioneering role as the birthplace of the world’s first successful electric streetcar system in 1888. The identity is designed to celebrate the transportation history that connected Richmond, Henrico County and Ashland while reflecting the club’s commitment to honoring the property’s local heritage.

“We are thrilled to welcome McConnell Golf to Henrico County as they take on the renovation of this cherished local landmark,” Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III said. “John McConnell and his team have a proven track record of elevating championship courses and delivering world-class hospitality.

“We know their vision will serve as a powerful complement to our economic development and sports tourism efforts. We also are excited about the educational and competitive opportunities this will provide our young people and look forward to the renewal of The Crossings as a vibrant gathering place for our entire community.”

The Crossings becomes McConnell Golf’s 18th property and its third in Virginia, joining Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech in Radford and The Water’s Edge Country Club in Penhook.

For details, visit TheCrossingsGolfClub.com.