Photos by Jeff Janas (Pleasant Valley) and Jeffrey A. Rendall (South Riding) (THIS PAGE MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO LOAD IF YOU HAVE A LOW-SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION)

CHANTILLY, VA -- This year (2002), Pleasant Valley and South Riding, two Dulles area courses under a common ownership group (Northern VA investors), combined management under the care of General Manager Greg Nesbitt in an effort to 'upgrade' performance over past seasons.

Nesbitt says he's very active with his two courses, and that'll keep him busy for the short run. "At both Pleasant Valley and South Riding, we're extremely pleased with the way the courses are shaping up, and we're continuing to do the necessary things to make them better all the time. For example, at South Riding, we're finishing up a $200,000 improvement project that upgraded the irrigation system at the course, as well as provided other less-noticeable maintenance enhancements, such as curbing for carts paths and the like," he reports.

"At Pleasant Valley, we're already in great shape, and right now we're just focusing on some minor things to keep us where we're at, while also improving everyone's golf experience. We're always talking about some small projects to make one hole better, or another and we're very pleased with the overall operations at both courses. I kind of liken it to a home improvement project -- we've already built the house and lived in it a few years, and now we're just fixing up some of the rooms," Nesbitt added.

Here are some of the sights you'll see at the courses:

The challenging 222 yard par 3 fourth hole (Pleasant Valley) may leave you between a rock and a hard place if you can't hit it long and straight.

Looking across the pond towards the tenth green (Pleasant Valley), the large tree to the right of the putting surface will play havoc with your approach if you try to draw it in (note: the photo is taken from the 15th fairway).

South Riding's 13th hole may call for some luck, as well as skill. Your approach shot's success may depend on how much of the tree you'll have to avoid.

From the 17th green (Pleasant Valley), you can look straight across the lake that guards the entire right side of the 18th hole. It won't be an easy road to reach the clubhouse in the distance.

The 386 yard par four 8th hole (Pleasant Valley) won't kill you with distance, but the well protected green will challenge your second shot.

If you go with a driver off the tee on the short par four 9th (329 yards, Pleasant Valley), you'll need to navigate bunkers, trees and thick rough.

The clubhouse at South Riding provides excellent views of four holes, including the 18th green, shown here.