EP #50 Making Golf Accessible: How Augustine Golf Club Creates Community Through Sport

Golf has a reputation for exclusivity, but Augustine Golf Club is flipping that script. Tucked away in Stafford County, this hidden gem has been welcoming the public for nearly three decades, though many locals still mistakenly believe it's private. As General Manager Ron Leporati explains, "We are 100% open to the public. Our restaurant's open to the public, the golf course is open to the public, we give lessons to the public."What makes Augustine special isn't just its storied past—it opened in 1996 as one of the top five new public golf courses in the country—but its commitment to accessibility. The club operates on a yield management pricing model (book early, save more) that keeps golf affordable for everyone. And forget about stuffy atmospheres; the team at Augustine has cultivated a warm, welcoming environment where players of all skill levels feel at home.Marketing Manager Dominique, herself a former collegiate golfer, has championed programs specifically for women—the fastest-growing demographic in golf. The club also runs robust junior programs throughout the year, investing in the next generation of golfers. Under Leporati 's leadership since 2023, membership has grown by 30%, course conditions have improved dramatically, and the club is steadily reclaiming its former glory.Beyond exceptional golf, Augustine offers surprisingly upscale dining, event hosting for weddings and celebrations, and a genuine community feel. As Leporati summarizes their philosophy: "We're not in the golf business, we're in the people business." Whether you're a seasoned player or holding a club for the first time, Augustine Golf Club invites you to experience golf as it should be—accessible, enjoyable, and decidedly unstuffy. Visit www.golfaugustine.com or drive to 76 Monument Drive in Stafford to discover this local treasure for yourself.Ron Leporati and Dominique BatacAugustine Golf Clubgolfaugustine.com+1 [email protected] Monument Dr, Stafford, VA, United States, Virginia