Region 1 – Roanoke Far West

Ashley Plantation Country Club 

Ashley Plantation Country Club, Daleville, VA, is a hilly course. You’ll love the setting of this course near the Blude Ridge, but it’s not an easy walking course.

The design takes advantage of the Roanoke Valley views from almost every tee box. Each hole is unique, creating an opportunity to use every club in your bag. This is a ‘must play’ course. It’s affordable.

It’s only one of two courses in Virginia with a Par 6 – only 725 yards from the tips. The island green No 10, is just a little out of the way, but it’s challenging and a great opportunity for par! The views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains are spectacular, including the view on Hole 14. They say, you can see what resembles a sleeping giant on top of the mountain to the west.

Ashley Plantation is a genuine country club with a pool, tennis courts (which will soon be turned into pickle ball courts). One of our favorite holes besides Hole 5, Par 6 (it’s a beauty) is the Island Hole No 10, Par 3.

When you go to Ashley Plantation, tell them we sent you!

Botetourt Golf & Swim Club
Tucked away in a stunning landscape of mountains and valleys, Botetourt Golf & Swim Club, proposed to be renamed, Botetourt Golf Club, offers a breath of fresh air for players from all across the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Botetourt Country Golf & Swim Club opened in 1962 as a 9-hole golf course. From famed golf course architect, Andrew Green, the front nine layout/design is uncertain, but likely by a local player or pro. The back nine is newer and rumored to have been influenced by Buddy Loving about ten years later. Today, it’s a public course and is on the VSGA VIP list. 

The Superintendent, Steven Hansen, has turned the course around dramatically. The only challenges they are facing are the environmental elements. They have some dead trees to cut down and clean up, but they are in the process of cleaning up the course.

Their opportunities come along with the new pickleball courts and the closing of the pool. 

The tee boxes, fairways, rough, bunkers and the greens were in exceptional condition. This course is absolutely beautiful! It is full of trees that have been there forever. A pond and a creek run through the course.

They offer a variety of memberships – yearly, monthly, weekly, and weekends. A very affordable course.

Be sure and tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you. 

Ballyhack Golf Course
Ballyhack Golf Club has earned a spot near the top of golf courses in Virginia. We had another review team hosted on Thursday, July 15. As reported by our team – It’s beautiful, takes advantage of views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stay in the fairway, and you’ll stay out of trouble! The greens are perfect – fast and undulating. And…the staff: Matt, Ian and Bill are amazing to work with.

No doubt, Ballyhack Golf Club is one of the top courses in Virginia. The five tee boxes allow you to choose the level of challenge. Greg and I had a great time with Jason, a resent Bridgewater College grad and our host for the round. We also had our personalized forecaddie! Be prepared for a great experience at Ballyhack. While we were disappointed by the shortened round due to thunderstorms moving through the area, the opportunity to visit this Lester L George designed gem was worth our time.

Cliff View Golf Club

Cliff View is roughly halfway between two great courses – The Homestead and The Greenbrier Resorts. If you are looking for a modest priced golf experience, Cliff View has the perfect accommodations and golf experience to offer. It is a jewel on the road to discovery! The surrounding area provides activities such as hiking and biking trails, trout fishing, tubing/rafting on the Jackson River. These activities are within easy driving distance from the course. 

Cliff View is listed as the best kept secret in the Alleghany Highlands and we totally agree with that statement. If you are looking for a big name designer or perfectly manicured fairways, this is not your place. If you are looking for a great time on the golf course, Cliff View hits all the marks. Jen runs the course, cooks the food, maintains the Inn, and does not sleep. Jen wants you to customize your experience while at Cliff View. The Cliff View website has a tab called Digital Concierge. This will allow you to explore other activities in the area, fishing, floating, hiking, breweries, and many other things. An average golfer can score well here choosing the right tee box – then go home happy and look forward to returning for another round. 

Cliff View has been open since 1996. You can play tees that are 4515 to 6035 yards. It might be a little rough in some areas but I challenge you to find a better price or scenery. Cliff View is going to be a jewel in the future. You can play golf, eat delicious food, spend the night, and if you are lucky, catch live music. Give Cliff View a try. Have fun on the course.

The Homestead – Old Course & The Cascades
Our visit in Sept 2023 to the two courses at The Omni Homestead Resort – The Old Course and The Cascades Course was spectacular. Though they are pricy, these are two nationally ranked courses that should be on your bucket list. The Omni is investing millions in renovations and upgrades at The Homestead to make an even better experience. The Old Course: Built in 1892, with six holes, the first tee remains as the oldest first tee in continuous use in America. It’s unique design of 6 par 3s, 6 par 4s and 6 par 5s is unusual, but presents a great experience. From the tips it only plays 6,099 yards – not easy – but it’s walkable. The iconic hotel structure is visible from several tee boxes on this course, especially on Hole 14 tee. Favorite Holes: Par 4 8, Par 3 9, Par 5 13 and Par 4 17.

The Cascades Course: Built in 1923, this is undoubtedly one of the finest mountain courses in the country. It’s national treasure. Sam Snead was once the head pro at The Cascades. From the tips the course is 6,909 yards, And, plays longer, but it’s also walkable, even more than The Old Course. Challenging holes: Par 4, No 2 – side hill; Par 5, No 5 – a winding uphill, downhill fairway; Par 4, No 7 – elevated tee and elevated green with a big valley between; finishing holes: 16-18; two par 5s and a par 3 to finish the round. All for an excellent experience. Make sure you learn to know the starter, Lee Perry, he’s got a lot of great stories.

Mariners Landing Country Club
Mariners Landing Country Club is on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake and in the midst of a thriving residential community. An 18-hole golf course designed by the late Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course is built into the hills, shore lines and woods of this lakefront setting, creating a setting and golf experience that challenges and entertains the golfer and anyone who dares try to conquer it. It’s many undulations and carries from tee to fairway to green with bunkers placed along the way to add visual and careful shot planning!

This is a gem you’ll want to add to your play list. Brad Harman & Jeff Scott have it going! They’re working hard to bring this course back to it’s glory days – and piece by piece they’re getting it done: improved irrigation, cleaned up cart paths & bunkers. Their methodical process to address these issues improve the golfer experience tremendously – and, that’s not to say they don’t do that now. Our favorite holes: Hole 2, Par 3; Hole 5, Par 3 (Signature Hole, a great view of Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding hills); Hole 10, Par 5; Hole 13, Par 4; Hole 16, Par 3; Hole 18, Par 4.

We experienced the hospitality of Bruno’s for both lunch and dinner. Bruno’s after the round was hopping! Full of golfers and non-golfer neighbors from the community. It was amazing.

Get this course on your schedule and tell Brad Harmon, we sent you!

Ole Monterey Golf Club
Our team visited Ole Monterey Golf Club  in August 2024. This par 71 track was designed by William Flynn and built in 1920. It is the second oldest club in the Roanoke Valley.

Ole Monterey’s historical significance?  It’s the home of William Fleming, former governor of Virginia and a physician/officer during the American Revolutionary War is located on this property. And, Sam Snead apparently still holds the course record at 61. He and Arnold Palmer have both played friendly matches on this course in the early 60s.

In 1960 the course was purchased by Cy Bahakel, a Jewish golfer who wasn’t allowed to play at the other courses in the valley. It is still part of Cy N. Bahakel Enterprises.

We recommend Ole Monterey Golf Club focus on maintenance and upkeep for the foreseeable future. While it has good structural bones, it’s in much need of care. We heard prior to the review that this was the case, but until you really see it, you want to believe otherwise.

When you go – please tell the team Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you! There are really good people running the place.

The Waterfront Country Club
Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited with Aaron Dooley at The Waterfront Country Club near Moneta in August – September of 2022. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Having recently gone through renovations, you’ll notice the improvements along the way. The Zoysia grass fairways gives you a great lie for every shot. Aesthetically, the rolling fairways and undulating greens give enough challenge to golfers at any level. Water comes into play on six holes, creating some risk/reward opportunities. The Par 3, Hole 17 is a very cool downhill shot to a green protected by water in the front and the Waterfront logo on a hill in the back.

Region 2 – Lynchburg, Danville, Martinsville, Piedmont

Boonsboro Golf Club
Virginia Golf Course Reviews was hosted by Director of Golf, Aaron Marks at Boonsboro Country Club, Tuesday, Oct 13. Not only do the staff make you feel welcome, their members are amazing. This Fred Findlay designed course has 18 uniquely created holes to make your golf experience something very special. From the welcome in the pro shop to the experience in the bar following the round – a top drawer rating. The greens rolled so true, the bunkers well-kept and placed to create some challenges along the way. Good course management keeps you out of trouble and scoring well. Beth says, “A round played at Boonsboro is a day well spent.”

Our team of reviewers went to Boonsboro Country Club for another review. Boonsboro gives the player a variety of very nice variety of holes and bunkers to work around. A beautiful piece of property. Thanks to Aaron Marks, Director of Golf, for hosting us today.

Our reviewers were hosted by Brooke Stuart at Sly Fox Golf Club in Middletown Monday, July 26. Playing from the blue tees (about 6200 yards) they found plenty of challenge – carries from the tee, a few blind shots and, being somewhat unfamiliar with the course, shots that ended up where they didn’t expect. The course has plenty of variety – length and shape of holes, and undulating, well-kept greens. The 19th hole is a great place to end the round! The owner is slowly re-creating a gem on the I-66 corridor.

The Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members were at Sly Fox Golf Club on Monday, June 21. Enjoyed the opportunity to play a new course, get acquainted with the staff. New owners purchased the course several years ago and are making some very nice improvements, but beware of the blind shots.

Colonial Hills Golf Club
Last June, 2023, Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited Colonial Hills Golf Club. It’s a gem! The new ownership has plans for modernizing – new driving range in construction, upgrading the clubhouse to get started. At the time of our visit, there was still some work to do on the cart paths, hole signs and a few spots in the fairways and approaches to the greens, you’d be hard-pressed to find greens that rolled better than these do. Kevin Wilmouth, PGA Professional, will make sure you have a great experience. Our favorite part of the course? The five-hole stretch on the back nine starting with Hole 13 – two par 3s, a par 4 and two par 5s – Get through this section with even par and you are lucky. The most beautiful hole on the course? Hole 14, a long Par 3 over water, with mountain views beyond the green. Par is good here! As a public course with a mission to remain affordable – make time to play Colonial Hills, it’s worth it.

Falling River Country Club
There’s a lot to love at Falling River Country Club – great service and a fun, challenging course that tests your short game. The rural ambiance, gently rolling hills and undulating greens give you all you need to have for a great golf experience. While the clubhouse and practice facilities are unpretentious, the course is well-conditioned, fairways in superb condition and the greens roll very nicely. A unique feature of Falling River CC: 9 consecutive par 4s from hole 5 – 13, varying lengths and designs! How great is that. They could claim two signature holes: the par 3, 3rd hole is directly downhill, guarded by water in front and a large roll off the back; the par 5, 18th is a risk-reward hole where a long 2nd shot could have you putting for eagle! If you miss – in the water! Our guys at Virginia Golf Course Reviews highly recommend this course following a visit in July 2022.

Ivy Hill Golf Club
‬On a recent visit to Ivy Hill Golf Club we found – hills! Yes, it’s aptly named. But what a pleasure to play this course. There is rarely a straight hole, unless it’s a par 3. It’s as beautiful as it is hilly. Ivy Hill has everything a country club would want – food & beverage is what you might expect, but the practice facilities are fabulous, the greens slightly above average and the fairways – there is rarely a flat spot, and the bunkers – generally in good shape. ‬

Both nines finish with great par 3s. You’ll love them.

Favorite holes?

Hole 6 – an elevated tee across a creek to a dogleg right, and an uphill fairway. All the challenge you’d enjoy for a Par 5.

Hole 12 – A narrow dogleg right hole – keep the driver in the bag. On the 2nd shot, cross the creek to the relatively flat green.

When you go – tell them you heard it from us.

London Downs Golf Course
Virginia Golf Course Reviews made a visit August 2022 to London Downs Golf Course. This semi-private course designed by Russell Breeden opened in 1991 to be ‘friendly’ and ‘easy’ to play. We found the staff friendly, but the challenge of this course isn’t necessarily easy! But it’s fun! Though relatively flat, the front nine is tight, with homes near the fairways and water in play on most of these holes. The back nine is more links style with many doglegs and one island green. This course is highly recommended.

Poplar Grove
Virginia Golf Course Reviews was hosted by Jacob Mast at Poplar Grove Golf Club on Tuesday, October 5. A few observations from the reviewers: Poplar Grove has first-class customer service. The course is challenging, but not difficult. The views were amazing. The greens are in pristine condition, rolling true and hold approach shots. The five tee boxes offer a course length for every level of golfer.

The endless beauty of the views make the course suitable for weddings and other celebrations. Poplar Grove offers a fantastic golf experience with nearly perfect fairways and greens.

Virginia Golf Course Reviews had a great time at Poplar Grove Golf Club Tuesday, June 8! Beautiful setting, exceptional improvements to make each hole unique. Jacob Mast, golf pro, runs a great operation!

Region 3 – Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, Lexington

Blue Ridge Shadows
Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club is near Front Royal, at the north end of the Shenandoah Valley. Tom Clark designed this public course that plays between 5000 – 7300 yards, with five (5) tee boxes.

The course opened in 2007 to numerous awards by Golf Digest, Virginia Golfer Magazine and others. Clark’s design takes advantage of the rolling hills, creeks and ponds on the property. Water comes into play on at least eight holes on the course. He’s also created a double green for Holes 11 & 13.It’s part of the Raspberry Golf Trail with four other Virginia courses and two in Pennsylvania. The fairways are generally wide with thick rough. The greens are large with bunkers protecting them. Clark’s ability to take advantage of the hills and the water really make this course a great experience. Bunker sand is well-groomed and plays well.

You can walk this course, but, expect a work out! The front nine starts across the road from the clubhouse, and rarely do adjacent holes interfere with play. The front nine features gradual hills and occasional residential views (not generally in play). Slight dog-legs, varied green shapes, and well-marked tree lines. There are numerous fairways where the terrain drops significantly off the right or left of the fairway, making it difficult to search for your ball – just give it up! 🙂The back nine is more open and features steep elevation changes – especially Hole 10 and 15 from the back tees. Overpowered drives suffer insufferable roughs, wastelands and in some cases penalty areas. While trees showcase the front nine, the back nine is more about water hazard mitigation.

Our favorite holes: No 1 (downhill approach to water guarded green); No 14 (par 5 that rewards a long drive and smart placed second shot); No 15 (Tee box is breath-taking); and the finishing hole No 18 (lofted “lawn dart approach” recommended for the narrow depth green that is wide left to right, crossing a creek)

Make sure you tell Brian Jones, GM that we sent you!

Bryce Resort
Bryce Resort is a unique mountain golf course; and will give you a great experience. Lead by Paul Lepler, the Bryce staff will treat you like gold and help you have a great time. The greens and fairways are in great shape – the bunkers were exceptionally well taken care of. There’s a big difference in Nine’s – the front is more open, the back is a little tight – but, it’s what you like in a golf course. No hole is like another. The one downside of the course – the driving range is 1.5 miles from the clubhouse. So, plan ahead. The uniqueness of this course is the 18-20 birdhouses (pictured) managed and cared for by resort residents, including the landscaping around them. It’s a nice touch!

Our team of Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members visited Bryce Resort. They had a wonderful time on this beautiful mountain resort course. The course was in great condition and the work around the bonkers was nicely done. Paul Lepler, Director of Golf, was a great host.

Caverns Country Club
We visited CCC in August 2022 Tucked away near the Blue Ridge Mountains and on the banks of the Shenandoah River, Caverns Country Club is a hidden gem of the northern Shenandoah Valley. With amazing views and holes featuring caves, this course will give you the challenges of a mountain golf course with a more open concept. With many blind shots from the tee and into the greens this is sure to spark the imagination of all levels of golfers. The course provides plenty of opportunities to score with challenging tee shots and fair greens.

With about 20,000 rounds last year this is a hidden destination for a golf experience. The unique element is the first hole tee shot. Keep your tee shot to the right side of the fairway or you’ll land in a cavern hole in the left middle of the fairway. The clubhouse, which is an older facility, certainly has charm and creates a rustic environment. You’ll enjoy this scenic experience. 

Lakeview Golf Course
A recent visit by the Virginia Golf Course Reviews team to Lakeview Golf Club proved worthwhile. Lakeview Golf Club has some of the best views of the Valley with the Massanutten Peak in full view from most of the Mountain Green’s tee boxes. Lakeview has three sets of nines.

The Mountain nine at 3,341 yards from the white tees is the longest and‬‭ requires hybrids and longer iron shots to several greens. On some holes the‬‭ OB stakes will come into play on shots that stray to the left of the cart path.‬‭ Attractive homes and yards border the course on some holes of this nine, but‬‭ most do not come into play.‬‭

The Peak nine at 3,123 yards from the whites offers varying elevations.‬‭ Golfers will also encounter several tree-lined fairways that require careful tee‬‭ shot placement. Holes four and five discussed below are highlights of the‬‭ Peak nine.‬ It’s a little tight around the fairways. ‭ The Lake nine plays at 3,030 yards, also from the whites, around two lakes‬‭ that add an attractive focus to a very traditional and playable layout.

The Lake‬‭ nine is open and inviting and would be a good choice for higher handicap‬‭ players.

The clubhouse features a small grill with GREAT BBQ sandwiches and two simulators that. include league play. Make sure to tell the staff we sent you.

Lexington Golf & Country Club
Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited Lexington Golf & Country Club on Tuesday, October 19. This Ellis Maples and Ed Seay design is challenging, taking advantage of the elevation changes of the property and weaving the course between the criss-crossing nature of Woods Creek. Director of Golf, Scott Frazier, was a great host. We highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a great outing.

Massanutten Resort – Woodstone Meadows Course
Massanutten Resort invited Virginia Golf Course Reviews back for a review of Woodstone Meadows Golf Course in November 2023. We thoroughly enjoyed the setting. The course was in great shape. The greens rolled so easily – and a little quick – and the bunkers were easy to hit from.

The practice facilities – driving range, putting and chipping areas are fabulous. Woodstone Meadows gets about 38,000 rounds of play – and the tee boxes showed it. On the day of our visit, there were 138 on players on the tee sheet. This course is a Par 65 short course with 9 Par 3s, 5 Par 4s and 2 Par 5s.

The original nine holes (8-16) were built in 1996. From the tips (blue tees) the course plays 5,065 yards; and from the yellow tees (not on the scorecard) it plays about 3,840 yards. This course, though short, should be on your ‘must play’ list. It’s fun, challenging and rewarding. The greens are NOT easy. You must land on the same level of the flag on the green to score well.

Favorite holes: Hole 5 is one of the most fun holes. A Par 4, 400 yard hole that has trouble all along the left, protected by a long fairway bunker and a creek. Keep it on the right side, and your approach (across the creek) to the green gives you an easy shot at birdie. Hole 17, Par 4, 361 – is straight away toward the green with trouble on the left. Keep your drive to right middle of the fairway for an easy approach to the green. Give the clubhouse a call – you’ll have fun!

Massanutten Resort – Mountain Greens Course
Massanutten Resort‘s Mountain Greens Golf Course is truly a mountain course. Virginia Golf Course Reviews did an initial review in November 2023 with the leaves falling! It was beautiful, but make sure you take extra balls in the fall – or just about anytime. Most of the fairways will slope away from the mountain, some more than others. Opened in the early 70s, this course has gone through at least one renovation to improve the sloped fairways, but you still must play the course as it’s designed – rarely should you use driver off the tee. As our proshop staff said, “Massanutten Resort is a resort with two golf courses, not a golf resort.”

The resort also has a water park, ski slopes, bike trails along with 2200 timeshares, 1100 homes (most of which have been converted to VRBOs or AirBnB facilities. There are also several really good eateries – namely Fareways Restaurant at the Mountain Greens Proshop. There is trouble awaiting on nearly every hole. Keep the ball in the fairway, using caution off the tee, and you’ll have an opportunity to score. If you blast away, you’ll likely loose your cool and your ball. There are great views from nearly every tee or green, along with wildlife throughout – especially deer, groundhogs and foxes. Make sure to pick up the yardage book before heading out to play – you’ll be glad you did. Favorite hole? No 7 – listed as the No 1 handicap. It’s a dogleg left 427 Yard, Par 4. Long hitters might actually blow through the dogleg. The approach to the green is over water. So, take enough club to make sure you get across the creek. Most challenging hole – No 4, 401 yard, Par 4 with an hour-glass shaped fairway with trouble on the left and right through the narrow part of the fairway. The approach to the green – trouble on the left with a creek, and protected on the right with several bunkers! Par is a gift! Prepare for beauty, challenge and lots of risk/reward opportunities.

Sly Fox Golf Club
Our team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited Sly Fox Golf Club Sunday, April 14 for a review session. “Its Slopey ” was the introductory description provided by the staff – and proved to be pretty accurate of the fairways and greens. Most of the holes have serious undulations or slopes. The greens and fairways have very few flat spots. Choosing your tee box carefully.

Our team was alerted that the “back nine gets a little tricky, but you’re gonna love it.” The views on the back nine offered some jaw dropping sites. The stretch between holes 10 green, 11 and 12 in particular offered the best views on the course. Hole 10 with its rolling left-slope and elevated green could be the signature hole. The 11th with its drop across the water to a large green could also be a signature hole! Hole 12 is just a great hole design. A fun, challenging hole.

Four tee boxes offer plenty of challenge for all levels of handicappers, those playing from the forward tees get a break from some of the difficult angles presented from the back tees. The two middle tees vary, sometimes near each other and sometimes 75-100 yards apart. All the Par 3s are just fun to play.

The course is well cared for – but, be warned, there are few flat lies in the fairway or the greens. There is a limited menu in the grill. Hot dogs are recommended and six taps and a wide selection of canned craft beer is waiting for you at the end (or beginning) of your round. Very affordable!

Shenvalee Golf Resort
Shenvalee has the destination hub concept down. They have all the amenities to make a golf destination happen – clubhouse, restaurant, bar, hotel, views, grills for guests, and the opportunity to network. The variety provided by the three nine-hole configurations, gives golfers options for at least two days worth of golf. In addition, the proximity to Caverns Country Club, Packsaddle, Heritage Oaks and Lakeview make Shenvalee a place to come back to after spending several days in the Valley. This is a special place with the Robert Trent Jones hitting the first tee shot in 1927.

Shenvalee has three distinctly different sets of 9s. Before hitting the links, we hit a few balls off the range – conveniently located next to the No 1 tee of the Creek Course. Overall, the course was in excellent shape. Tee boxes were well marked. Fairways are wide and as you get to the green – they get more narrow and challenging, leading to large accommodating greens. The sand traps/bunkers are well kept, clean and the sand was plentiful, soft and took some getting used to, but we love the way Shenvalle takes care of the bunkers – especially around the greens. Hole 6 (Par 4 over the water) tempts you to go for the green over water!  

The Miller Course is a unique experience, and not an easy walking nine, although we saw some. The distance between holes can be 150 – 300 yards (between Holes 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 7-8. But, I love the design of this nine – the views, blind shots (while we don’t particularly like them, we didn’t mind them). The bunkers guarding Miller Hole 7 in front and back of the green are well-placed; giving the green a much narrower feel. The Miller nine is a challenge from the first tee to the last – from a reachable par 5 (No 1) in two to a driveable par 4 (No 9) this course has everything to challenge the golfer. Hole 6 is my favorite Par 4 ever! It’s length and slight uphill makes it a challenge to get par.

The Olde Course – the original 9 – is the shortest of the three nines, and the hardest due to the size of the green’s – they are just slightly smaller. The fairways are a little tighter as well. It’s a fairly easy walking nine, except for hole 8, it’s a good uphill walk to the green. This is a fun, short nine.  

The variety of lengths of the holes on all three nines was challenging and I ended up using all the clubs in my bag – finding sand occasionally really helps that as well!

Spotswood Country Club
Spotswood Country Club is a premier course in the Shenandoah Valley. Established in 1926 and designed by Fred Finley and Edmond Ault, the course retains much of its original design. About three miles from downtown, today its within city limits and retail centers are next door. However, with large evergreens, apple and oak trees throughout the course, it still feels as if you’re “out in the country”.

Hole 16 is the signature hole. It may be the longest par three in the Shenandoah Valley with the back tees stretching as much as 235 yards for this challenging and elevated green. A deep bunker to the right guards the green, and the grass ‘bunker’ to the left catches most misses toward the 9th green.

The Blue Ridge, Allegheny and Massanutten Mountain ranges provide a nice backdrop for numerous holes throughout the course. There are 4 sets of tees and also a combination of white/red tees to provide a fifth set of tees. With youth tees, this is a family friendly course.

One of our favorite holes: Hole 18 – A great finishing Par 5 – straightaway from the tee. The approach to the green is slightly uphill to a narrow opening over a deep right front bunker.

Though private, the course is accessible through the VSGA VIP card – mostly winter – but there are other ways to get on with members or friends. Just tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

The Club at Ironwood
Our team of reviewers made our visit toThe Club At Ironwood. Eric Hooke’s team was exceptional and welcomed us warmly. This William F. Gordon design was in really good shape. Ironwood is about a 7-iron from I-81, with easy access, convenient and a must play if you’ve got a little time to experience the rolling fairways and undulating greens. One of the distinctive features of this course – mountain views from most tees and greens. And, no hole is like any other. While it’s not a particularly long course, you can expect a challenge from any of the tee boxes you choose to play from. There are plenty of surprises on the course with at least 7 holes with blind shots.

‭The Club at Ironwood is a fun layout and the new superintendent has done a great job‬ of refurbishing the course, creating a much more enjoyable experience.‬ We notice a new commitment to improving the course and it shows. All fairways are‬ verticut, mowed around greens for easier runoff, and managed the deep rough in a‬ more organized manner. All efforts to improve the experience are moving the right‬ direction. The greens are in fantastic condition, which makes them the best greens in the Shenandoah Valley. Contouring on the greens is challenging but fair. The bunkers are well‬ maintained, but lack consistency in depth of sand. When you go, make sure you tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Region 4 – Charlottesville, Fredericksburg

Augustine Golf Club
Augustine opened in 1996 and was recognized by Golf Digest as a 5th best public course to play. “The bones of this course are solid,” said Doug, and he’d like to get the course back in this same condition! There is opportunity for improvement as you’ll see in our notes, but Andy Sutherland, superintendent and Doug Walczak, Director of Golf, are doing as much as possible to make the necessary improvements to get the course back to the 1996 accolades. 

Jacobson Golf Course Design Group did a fabulous job of creating an experience for every level of golfer with 5 different tees from which to play. 

Almost every hole was framed by trees off the tee and on approach to the green. Hole 11 was especially memorable due to the distinct landing area and bunkering on the approach which made it a good risk/reward hole. A creek meanders through the course and comes into play several times. 

One of our favorites: Hole 18, Par 5 – A very good finishing hole. The tee box was slightly elevated to a beautiful view back to the clubhouse. Two fairway bunkers might get you, one on the right, one on the left on the 2nd shot. Bunkers in front of the green come into play on approach. The green slopes right and left from the center.  

Birdwood Golf Club
Our reviewers visited the newly renovated Davis Love design at Birdwood Golf Course, Charlottesville, VA, last Friday. Everything from the clubhouse atmosphere and pro shop staff to how the course was cared for was excellent. Thank you Martin and Melissa for hosting our team and to Richard, the starter for giving a few highlights about the course. This course is challenging, yet fun to play.

The Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members were hosted by Martin Winters at the new Davis Love designed Birdwood Golf Course, Charlottesville, Thursday, June 9. Love’s new design deserves a place in Virginia top tier of courses. Challenges and views abound from any tee box.

Fawn Lake Country Club
Fawn Lake Country Club is a private golf course located in a gated community near Spotsylvania, VA. There is little that compares with this in the area.

The course is a 30-year old Arnold Palmer design, featuring Zoysia fairways, large bent grass greens, and fescue rough. The course could favorably compete with the finer courses in the Charlottesville area, and the community would be unmatched.

There are six tennis courts, both clay and grass are part of a $1 million capital improvement project. The clubhouse is a separate building from the restaurant, located across the parking lot. The restaurant is a popular community full-menu restaurant and bar, with outdoor seating overlooking the 18th green, TVs inside and out. Near the clubhouse is a large practice green, a chipping green, and a large, very fine driving range. The range features measured targets including sand, wooden storage ball boxes, water station, and wooden dividers and benches all matching. There are at least twenty hitting stations.

The general manager, Bret Shifflett, has been there seven years, leading a team that includes Drew Falvey, Director of Golf (who is leaving at the end of Oct ’24 for Farmington CC), and David Smith, Superintendent, a 25 year veteran of Fawn Lake. There isn’t much he hasn’t touched or improved on the course since his arrival.

The large Palmer greens require extra care. The fairways and greens don’t look like they have the annual play of 24,000 rounds. We could play this course every week! This was an exceptional experience.

If you can get on take it! It’s worth it! When you call, just tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Forest Greens Golf Club
Forest Greens Golf Club is an excellent value, public golf club near Quantico‬ ‭Military Base.

We arrived on a perfect fall day with clear skies, no‬ wind, brilliant foliage and perfect playing conditions. The course was‬ in excellent shape, with greens, fairways and tees lush and well‬ maintained.‬

The management team has two active programs for involving‬ local youth, and is focused on adding the PGA for youth in 2025.‬ The team is rightfully proud of the recent upgrade in bunker quality – reviewers‬ found bunkers throughout the course to be soft, consistent and‬ attractive.

The official course guide was especially helpful for the‬ newcomer. The recommendations in the course guide were spot on and‬ saved the reviewers multiple strokes throughout the round.‬ One of our favorite holes: #18 – a great finishing hole view‭. A par 5, dogleg left, filled with challenges.‬ There’s a bunker about 100 yards short of the green, and a large one‬ in front to make you think about your approach. The view on your‬ approach is uphill toward the clubhouse – an awesome way to finish.

When you go play, tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you.

Hobbs Hole Golf Course

Our Virginia Golf Course Reviews team visited Hobbs Hole Golf Course (Tappahannock, VA) for review sessions June & August of 2023. We enjoyed Jeffrey Timmons’ course design and the tweaks to the course the last few years. Hobbs Hole is very playable and an easy walking course. The undulations of the fairways and greens, and the placement of the bunkers create challenges for the best of players. It was fun to play and with no two holes the same – it was interesting as well. No two holes are the same! Pace of play is expected to be under 3 1/2 hours, or the locals get upset!

Holes of note: Hole 7, Par 3, 195 yd (Signature Hole); Hole 8, Par 4, 446 yd – fairway undulations, bunker placement; Holes 8 & 9 are great finishing holes for the front nine. On the back: Hole 13, Par 4, 421 yd & Hole 14, Par 5, 555 yard; Hole 17, Par 3, 169 yd.

There are distance marker discs in the middle of the fairway. Colored stakes in the rough or birdhouses at 150 or 100 yards) would also be helpful. The restaurant, Prince St. Cafe, is one of the best we’ve experienced. We enjoyed two menu items worth a trip to Tappahannock, even if you don’t play golf: Eggs Rappahannock and Eggs Avocado with Smoked Salmon. You just have to go and find out!

Lake Monticello Golf Course

Lake Monticello Golf Club offers everything a golfer would want in a home course: a variety of tee‬ boxes, reasonable fees, friendly staff, game improvement areas, restaurant and bar,‬ and challenging, scenic golf.  Not only that, it’s well run, managed and the‬ superintendent, Jim Prucnal, does a fantastic job of preserving the course, even in dry‬ heat. In fact, his reputation around other superintendents is well known. Lake Monticello‬ is fortunate to have him.‬

Our reviewers were there in July 2024 in the middle of a heatwave. To preserve the course, greens take priority, but water is everything. They’ve been‬ transferring water to their reservoir for the last few weeks in an effort to take care of the‬ course.‬

Lake Monticello Golf Course is a Buddy Loving design, opened in 1969. About 65% of‬ the residents are members at Lake Monticello. There’s a tee box for every level of play,‬ from 5610 yards to 6930 yards – nine different tee box combinations. You might take‬ extra balls for this course – you might need them (we did). The challenge is on the‬ undulating greens.

A walkable course for those wanting to walk. There are‬ approximately 30,000 rounds per year, and 200 members.‬ Favorite holes: Hole 3, Par 3; Hole 7, Par 5; Hole 9, Par 4, and Hole 18, Par 5.‬ The course is accessible – VSGA VIP card as well as a pretty descent price for a public golf course. When you go – tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Lake of the Woods Golf Club 

General Manager, Eric Barnes, is a ‘walk around’ manager. The day we visited, he was moving between the front desk, the starter and the superintendent to make sure things were running smoothly. Recent updates on the course – Hole No 10 and bunkers around the course are in progress. 

Orange County Virginia has a cluster of golf courses and Lake of the Woods Country Club, designed by Algie Pulley, is certainly worthy of your time to explore. A semi private club within a gated community, the primary golf traffic is local residents but those looking for a well-maintained track near Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania will be delighted by this track. Snuggled within a residential community, the tight fairways and small greens favor the accurate golfer. Big hitters will find little forgiveness for stray rounds and will flirt with OB on several holes. Small greens make this a shot maker’s delight and the well-maintained bunkers are fun to escape. While the extreme heat has taken its toll on many courses, Lake of the Woods was surprisingly green with only slight signs of dirt patches on a few spots. There are six tees from which to choose.

The signature hole is No 10 is a great dogleg right start on the back nine, with a visual that intimidates golfers. The bunker system on this hole, challenges the presence of the lake right to choose a narrow section of the fairway. Then…the green is nasty hard with multiple tiers to navigate. 

The grill is a popular place for patrons who compared notes on their rounds and enjoyed cold beverages. Though there isn’t a driving range, there is a generous putting area to warm up. They utilize the VSGA VIP card and affordable pricing. 

Meadowcreek Golf Course 

Our team visited Meadowcreek Golf Course, a public municipal course owned by the City of Charlottesville. The first nine awas built in 1974 by Raymond Loving. An additional nine was later added by Bill Love of Ault, Clark & Assoc to create a Par 71 course. In March 2024, Troon Golf assumed management and has been in charge of maintenance since 2019. Troon is set to make some important adjustments that will benefit the course and its amenities.

The new GM, Chandler Marshall, arrived in March from Cedar Point. His priorities as outlined: upgrading an outdated irrigation system and a bunker renovation or replacement. Of immediate concern is getting the snack bar back in operation. Locally, Meadowcreek competes with some of the finest, upscale courses in the state.

Meadowcreek is fun and challenging. There are no clothing standards, so seeing teenagers playing in tee-shirts is not uncommon. The greens are incredibly consistent. There were black spots on a number of elevated greens, but they did not impact the speed or roll of the putt. The fairways were great. No weeds, no dirt spots. On a course that has so much elevation change and 50,000 rounds per year, this is impressive. Despite the elevation changes, the course is walkable. Rates are really good when walking, so young people take full advantage.

A few years ago, Meadowcreek switched its nines. The former front nine is now the back nine. The former number 10 was a downhill par 3 next to water and over a creek with trees to the right. It was converted to Hole 1, a par 4 with a blind uphill tee shot to a downhill 2nd shot across a creek toward the green. This is a tough way to start the round because any shot off the fairway to the left is in the driving range and is a lost ball. The reason for the switch – the original Hole 9 was deemed a better Hole 18. You be the judge! Otherwise, every hole is different in length, style, and contour. There is a lot of trouble for errant shots, but keeping the ball in play will keep scores low. It is not long from the back blue tees, but they bring more challenge for keeping it in play.When you go play – let the team know Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Meadows Farms Golf Course Course

Meadows Farms is a kick in the pants! This course, designed by Bill Ward, Jr., has unique, creative layouts and is well kept. Meadows Farms Golf Course used to be a farm and has a history of Civil War battlefield hospital and memorials to loyal staff and dedicated golf members throughout. While the Island, Longest Hole, and Waterfall are the 3 signature holes, and also serve as the name of 3 different 9-hole courses, there are 3 or 4 other holes that could claim “signature” or “unique status.” Not found in too many places – a warmup hole, a baseball outfield par 3, landscaped slats that protect bunkers, a unique set of mounts that separates two holes, and several greens that are constructed and tucked in around ponds and streams.

A fun course that gives off a family friendly vibe. All will feel welcome in this one of a kind 27 hole experience. Everything about this course is unique. Before it was a golf course, it was a cattle ranch.

Check out the large bull from the cattle ranch in the clubhouse.

Memberships are available for a variety of pricing. Individual pricing for daily rounds depends on day of the week, time of teeing off, and season of the year. There is a very reasonable fee to play the third nine holes. The greens are large and give plenty of opportunity for several putts – bogey or more!. 

This is a fun course which will be enjoyed by all levels of play. When you finish playing you will want to make a tee time for the next time you come back. Meadows Farms Golf Course should be on your bucket list. It’s accessible with the VSGA VIP card. 

Somerset Farms Golf Club 
Somerset Farms Golf Club is part of the Meadows Farms Golf Course family of courses. They are making significant improvements over the next few years, starting with the greens. Everyday is an improvement. The fairways‬ are in good shape. Somerset is a solid public course. The front nine is not long, and not difficult. Off-line shots are recoverable. However, the fairways are close together and it’s possible to play from a neighboring fairway.

The design of the course is good, with fairway bunkers well-placed. With four tee boxes, players of multiple skill levels can be‬ challenged. On the front nine‬, Holes 8 and 9 require well placed shots – and hint at what the back nine is like. The back nine is a little tighter – with trees, houses and water that come into play. The par 5’s aren’t necessarily long just challenging if you’d like to get there in two! For example, Hole 10 green is protected with water all the way. Tight tee shots? Leave the driver in the bag on Holes 12 & 14. The Par 3s, except Hole 6, are fairly short.

Hole 18 is a great closing hole – A very tight uphill fairway. Eight bunkers – two impact the tee shot, three that potentially get your 2nd shot and three that protect the green. Fun hole! We reviewed this course about four weeks ago in the middle of a major heat wave and still found the course very playable.

Somerset is accessible from Richmond, Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville. Like other courses – the heat is playing a number on the course. The course is very walkable, affordable and fun to play. Use the VSGA VIP card and enjoy the round. When you go, tell them we sent you!

Old Trail
Old Trail Golf Club, Crozet, Virginia sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few miles from access to Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway. The Zoysia grass fairways make for a great lie every time you keep the ball in play on the fairway! You’ll want to treat yourself to a round of golf with the folks at Old Trail.

Our reviewers found Old Trail Golf Club in great shape and a beautiful spot in Virginia to enjoy a round of golf. A shout out to the staff for hosting us and for their hospitality. The course was in really good shape, with mountain views and challenges for every level of golfer on every hole.

We enjoyed the challenges of Old Trail – length, forced carries, zoysia grass and the way the course treats the golfer. You really must think about every shot as their are very few straight holes – maybe Hole 8, a par 5 heading back toward the clubhouse. And, it’s reachable in two! We enjoyed the variety of design on each hole, along with  the generous wide fairways. If you miss the fairway, you are truly penalized by the grasses beyond the rough. Ok…confession: we missed a fairway or two! 

When you go – let them know we sent you! 

The Greene Hills Club
The team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews made a visit in November & December of 2023 to The Greene Hills Club. Greene Hills is an outstanding private golf club that allows VSGA VIP card holders to play Monday – Wednesday each week.

There are a number of blind shots and plenty of water, but not much that comes into play. Holes 4 & 5 both have blind landing areas. Hole 5 has significant elevation changes. Hole 6 is a beautiful Par 3 with water short and left. The best shot is center of the green. Hole 7, a slight dog-leg right has the unusual – a huge oak tree planted firmly in the middle of the fairway. Hole 15 is a whopping 466 yards, Par 4 and is the No 1 handicap hole on the course. Have fun with this!

The Greene Hills Club is a beautiful fun course that will challenge your mental and physical game from start to finish. It’s definitely worth the scenic drive at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and just off US 29 north of Charlottesville. 

Wintergreen – Stoney Creek

Geoff Redgrave hosted Virginia Golf Course Reviews at Stoney Creek Golf Course at Wintergreen Resort, October 23. They played Monocan and Tuckahoe courses and loved the varying lengths of the Par 4s and Par 5s. The views are breathtaking! The fairways are nice and wide, with the rough not terribly penalizing. You’ll want to come back soon to play again!

Wintergreen – Devil’s Knob
Devils Knob Golf Course Wintergreen,Virginia is a beast! This Ellis Maples designed course is difficult but so much fun to play. Narrow fairways off the tee are a real challenge. The strategically placed fairway and green-side bunkers require careful shot considerations at every turn. The design of this course requires every club in the bag. This is not a bomb and wedge course. The greens are quick and run true. The number of dogleg holes offer plenty of variety. Of particulate interest – the 545 yard, uphill, Par 5, No 7. Truly the Number 1 handicap hole in the area, not just at Devils Knob!

You’ll want to play this course again and again – it’s so breathtakingly inviting.

Region 5 – Northern Virginia

Bristow Manor Golf Club

Bristow Manor Golf Club, opened in 1993 and named one of Golf Digest’s Top 100 Golf Courses to play in the late 90s. It has that colonial charm combined with some of the best course conditioning in Northern Virginia. The Zoysia-grass fairways, bent greens, and the signature 467-yard seventh hole earns it’s No 1 Handicap rating. 

Located just outside of Washington D.C. this Par 72 Championship Golf Course tops out at 7,102 yards. There’s a tee for every level of play! Have fun – or bring your gutsy self and work it from the tips! 

Bristow Manor is the tale of two nines that are quite different in difficulty. The front 9 is more challenging with water coming into play on 5 of the nine holes. The two par 3’s on the front nine were favorites. The 3rd hole is a 142 yard hole with all carry over water. Number 8 is a long par 3 which was a 212 yarder with a back flag into a breeze.The back 9 is more open and allows the golfer to relax a bit after the front. Very challenging Par 4 18th hole that requires an accurate tee shot and difficult 2 due to water and sand protecting the green. Par is a good score. 

What sets this golf course apart was the zoysia fairways. During the heat of the summer while other courses are fighting to keep the fairways green, Bristow Manor is unaffected and remains green and playable. The zoysia fairways clearly enhance the play of the course – especially in hot, dry conditions. 

The course has a nice variety of open, tight and shorter, longer holes. There is good use of doglegs and hazards to add to the need for accurate placement of both tee shots and approach shots – especially on the front 9. The #1 rated Par 4, 7th is particularly interesting as the golfer can choose to cut off more or less on the tee shot over water still leaving an approach over hazard area to the elevated green. Several golfers were seen playing right of the water, leaving a shorter approach requiring a high shot over trees to get to the green.

Favorite Holes Noted: Hole 10 – a fun relaxing hole to get started (we started on the back nine!) 

Be sure and tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you! 

Bull Run Golf Club

Virginia Golf Course Reviews arrived at Bull Run Golf Club on a cool, breezy, and just slightly wet Monday (March 11) to review Rick Jacobson’s designed public golf course. It was early spring – but, this course played well in these early spring conditions. There were only a few areas of the course that were a little wet, otherwise the course drained really well. The greens were firm, rolling exceptionally well. As Mr. Jacobson describes, Bull Run is “a course where you can spray it a little and not be punished too severely.” Fairways are wide enough and forgiving. As you approach the green, there are often bail out options to play it safe. This course is walkable, even with the distance from the 9th green to the 10th tee box!

Some holes of note: Hole 1 – out of the gate, you have water! Hole 6 – a short Par 3 with bunkers protecting both sides of the green. Hole 8, a dogleg right down to the water. Big hitters have a chance to cut the corner. But, don’t get too greedy. Hole 9, a beautiful, over water, front nine closing hole. A favorite of ours. Hole 13, a slight dogleg right hole with a fairway bunker at the right spot to keep you from danger on the right! Hole 14, a long par 5 with a 240 yard carry from the tips to the fairway. Hole 16 – another favorite Par 3 over water! And, finally, hole 18 – a downhill par 5, with the green reachable in two, across the water – if you dare. We noted the curbing around the greens, to keep the carts on the path. Mike Tate, GM, has assembled a great team to manage the golf course. With a background in the hospitality industry, he is oriented to how people experience the whole place – special events, proshop, clubhouse and the golf course. Give Mike a call – set up your next round of golf!

Creighton Farms
Virginia Golf Course Reviews was hosted at Creighton Farms by Director of Golf, Robert Blumer. They can’t stop talking about their experience. Creighton Farms is a special Jack Nicklaus designed course, offering incredible experience. No two holes are the same. Bunkers are strategically located to make you think about every shot. From every aspect of the golf experience – this is one of the best! The course is challenging, but fun and fair. Practice facilities prepare you for the round like few courses do. Selecting the right tee box is important or this course will make it difficult. From tee to green and back up the fairway – beautiful views. The front nine is carved out of farmland – the back nine out of forest property.

Robert Blumer and the staff at Creighton Farms hosted Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members at Creighton Farms. This is one of the top private courses in Virginia. The Jack Nicklaus design is exceptional. The six tee box choices give any level golfer a challenge. The greens roll true, the bunkers are well placed presenting challenges off the tee and on approach shots to the green. Favorite holes: No 3, No 7, No 9, and Nos 12-14. Each hole is unique, appealing to the eye, and, of course, challenging. You wouldn’t expect anything less for a top-notch golf course. Creighton Farms is one of the best courses we’ve played this year!

Old Hickory Golf Club 
Old Hickory Golf Club is an enjoyable design by Tim Freeland, that players of any skill level can play – from skilled to less skilled players. But, like a fading, hard living, down-on-their-luck movie star, it is showing it’s age and diminished condition. It is a part of the Raspberry Falls management group. Doug Walczak is the GM of this course, as well as Augustine. 

The management group is committed to both Augustine and Old Hickory. In the case of Old Hickory, there are numerous issues at hand, none of which involve the clubhouse and restaurant. They are in a solid, comfortable building that can accommodate more than just golf. Although the locker rooms aren’t to the standard they could be, the bones are solid. 

The staff couldn’t be nicer or more forthwith about the issues identified. 

The front and back nines also couldn’t be more different in design or amenities. The front has full housing development around a strategically laid out course. The course winds through, somewhat directionally confusing, but sensible. The beginning set up is unique. The first tee box is also proximate to holes four and five, with a usable snack shack, restroom facility, and putting green. The starter, Bobbie, is stationed here and is more than helpful and upbeat. Housing on the back only encroaches on a couple of holes; however on hole 14, after finishing, the cart path comes directly back in the line of fire from approach shots from groups approaching the green; a dangerous and poor design. 

The finishing holes on nine and eighteen are both very worthy of their spots on the card. Strategic and difficult, as well as scenic.

Potomac Shores Golf Club 
Potomac Shores is one of the finest, unknown courses in Virginia. A hidden gem that you’ll want to play again and again. The course was in excellent shape, and never detracted from a tough, strong Nicklaus design.

Opened in 2014, this course only gets about 23,000 rounds per year. Potomac Shores is a public course with just 35 members and reasonable NOVA rates. Unlike most courses that come back to the clubhouse after nine holes, Potomac Shores does not. In spite of this, the course has received many accolades from GolfWeek through the years.

Virginia Golf Course Reviews spent some time there and discovered a great Nicklaus layout and a great team. Our favorite hole – No 8 – a sharp dogleg right Par 5 with a bunker at the turn and an approach with trouble to make you pick your shot carefully.

Our review team would like to come back again! If you go, tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you.

Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club
Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club meets the definition of a great course – execute flawlessly, you get an outsized reward; hit a good shot, leaving some challenging work. but if you miss your target, you are penalized. Willy August Lutz and his team at Raspberry Falls have the right mix to create the best golfer experience.

Our favorite holes on this review session: Hole 9, Par 5 – 531 yards from the tips, 392 from the forward tees that zigzags past fairway bunkers, over a small stream to the green. The green is tucked to the right and protected by a left greenside bunker. Hole 10, Par 4 – 460 yards from the tips, 286 from the forward tees with water down the left side of the fairway, bunkers on the right, toward an intimidating approach shot to the green protected by a pot bunker!

If you’re looking for something Raspberry Falls needs to improve – maybe adding family tees for young players would be helpful. There’s not much hear to complain about. Raspberry Falls is an amazingly well-designed Gary Player course with the stacked sod bunkers to emulated Irish courses. Of the courses in the Raspberry Falls Golf Trail – don’t miss experiencing this course.

Prince William Golf Club
Opened in 1978, the course was designed and built by a group of farmers. Prince William County Parks now owns this course, but it’s managed by Troon Golf. Dan Wagner, GM, and Mark Murphy do a great job of managing this NOVA treasure. Touting several youth programs, Prince William Golf Course offers a great experience. While it’s not your elite golf course, it’s a well-kept, well-managed, affordable, public golf course. Prince William County also hosts Forrest Greens and Lake Ridge Golf Courses. A par 70, the course plays 6266 yards from the tips (blue tees) with a 70.7 slope/132 rating. The course plays fair and there is enough variety to keep all levels of play satisfied while particularly offering novice golfers a track to hone their skills. 

As 7 and 18 handicap reviewers played the course, fresh off a rain shower and cart-path only instructions, the course to be in good shape. Recently punched greens on the front nine and dressed greens on the back nine made us want to come back after the seasonal maintenance.

The course handles about 45,000 rounds of golf a year on a walkable, junior friendly course. The team knows golf carts are the next investment and then the club house, but their care for the grounds and playability was their first priority. The greens are poana grass, and the fairways are bentgrass .

We counted only two fairway bunkers (Holes 10 and 18) and determined the signature feature was the clean bunkers that usually came front left and front right of greens approach. Some had one, others had three, but mostly two green side bunkers on each hole. The sand, wet from a recent rain, was fun to play out of. No signs of pooling or drainage problems, the bunkers had a light-colored sand that sprayed a light dusting onto the green of successful shots. Greens were good sized and frequently offered slight breaks that required consideration.

As we finished playing the 18th hole we could hear good energy and laughter coming from near the club house. Young voices chanted “USA! USA!” As we got closer, we saw a youth putting clinic and these future golfers, inspired by the Olympics cheered each other on as they practiced putting drills. 

If you go to Prince William – tell them we sent you! 

Region 6 – Williamsburg, Norfolk, Virginia Beach

Brickshire Golf Club
Brickshire Golf Club‘s Tom Clark design is a real CHALLENGE. Virginia Golf Course Reviews thoroughly loved playing this course. This is THE place to play. Brickshire is very demanding and a fun experience. Hole 18 is the most memorable golf hole by a long shot, nothing like it in the state! Gorgeous. Their website has a description of all 18 holes – check it out. 

Tom Clark designed four holes that emulate other golf holes from around the world: No 1 to emulate Augusta National’s Hole 3; No 7 to emulate Pinehurst No 2, Hole 11; Hole 9 to emulate Hole 14 at St. Andrews Old Course and No 11 to emulate Hole 10 at Riviera CC. The other 14 holes were equally unique and challenging.

Our favorite holes: No 7 – a gentle uphill design with a few bunkers to navigate; Hole 9 – a great closing hole for the front nine that leaves you wanting more as you make the turn; and Hole 18 – just a great finishing hole, beautiful in every way – shot making, accuracy and shot options to fit your game.

Brookwoods Golf Course 
The Director of Golf, Tim Cockrell, has been at Brookwoods since 2019, having previously known the superintendent and owner, Bob Friend. Bob purchased Brookwoods from the former owner, The Campbell family in 2019. 

Algie Pulley’s design (opening in 1976) is a gift to the community. It was the first golf course in New Kent County. The combination of doglegs, slight elevation changes, undulating greens, and tree-lined fairways makes this an experience you shouldn’t miss. His unique design includes 5 par 3s, 5 par 5s and 8 par 4s for a par 72 course. Playing this course often will not get old. 

Management is committed to growing the game with league play for men and women and the opportunity to develop junior youth programs is exceptional. Brookwoods is just off I-64 between Richmond & Williamsburg, sitting among some other golf courses. A great addition to a great weekend of golf with other courses in the area. 

They utilize the VIP card, and aside from this it’s a very affordable course to play, a major goal of theirs. In addition they’d like to keep the course in great shape. And, considering the heat of the last few weeks, the course was green! 

Other changes – they’re hoping to continue upgrading the bunkers, possibly reducing the number, but reducing the maintenance on the course is becoming a concern. 

Amenities: the clubhouse is comfortable and nicely equipped with plenty of seating, a grill and pro shop. By the way, the food is exceptional! And, the staff create a family friendly environment. 

Brookwoods is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Richmond. It’s just a few miles from the Richmond Airport on route 60. Each hole has its own unique characteristics. The golf course layout includes many doglegs but the biggest challenge is the green complexes. Every green has a variety of slopes and rolls which provides a premium on shot location. The 34 bunkers are well placed around the greens. Players will find tight tree-lined fairways and water to avoid. Just about every hole at Brookwoods has its own secluded corridor away from the distractions of the other golfers.

Colonial Heritage Golf Club
Colonial Heritage Golf Club is very accessible semi-private golf course in a gated community. This Arthur Hills signature course opened in 2006. An 18-hole, par 72, championship course, has 11 sets of tees – yes, 11 including the combo tees. You get a range of 3142 to 6889 yards to play with. The property amenities include a practice putting and chipping area, a driving range fitness area, pool, tennis and pickleball courts and a restaurant/bar with banquet and special event space for indoor (meetings) and outdoor events. Membership fees are very affordable. Daily fees for a gated community golf course are better than you might think!Colonial Heritage Club is one of the top, most difficult course designs our team has encountered. Missing a green on an approach, or rolling the ball through the green, leaves a very difficult shot back toward the hole. Fairways are noticeably tighter on the par 4’s the closer you get to the hole. Par fives have fairway bailouts near the green. On par 4’s, a great tee shot can be rewarded with a seemingly easy approach. But most of them require two excellent shots to play golf at par; one putts on these greens are rare unless you get close! Access to penalized areas like hills/woods/deep fairway bunkers are mostly made accessible with steps, paths, and stones. This course feels like it was carved out of land that could not have been used for any other purpose. What’s not to like? If you don’t long carries over ravines – don’t come; but you’ll mess an amazing challenge and beauty that is unmatched on most courses.

Ford’s Colony – Blue Heron Course
A team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews went to Ford’s Colony Country Club Blue Heron Course July 2022. What stood out to these reviewers were the Par 3s scenic value to the golf experience and the welcoming staff. With wide fairways, receptive greens and a variety of tees to accommodate every level of play – this course has everything you’d enjoy about a round of golf. We recommend this course for your next trip to Williamsburg.

Ford’s Colony – Blackheath Course
A team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited Ford’s Colony Country Club Blackheath Course July 2022. The rain didn’t keep them from experiencing a course that tests your limits or the course’s. From the 1st hole to the 18th, you can play more difficult shots that bring sand, water and trees into play, or you can take a more conservative approach and reduce the challenges the course presents. Each hole is unique and offers many risk-reward opportunities. Course conditions were very good, in spite of the rain. Greens were firm and rolled true. We highly recommend adding this course to your play list.

Ford’s Colony – Marsh Hawk Course
A team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews visited Ford’s Colony Country Club Marsh Hawk in July 2022. Marsh Hawk is the 3rd of three courses we reviewed. It has a little of everything – narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes to create the challenge for each level of golfer. You’ll love their friendly staff – from the parking lot to the clubhouse to the starter, and the members they encountered – all were super helpful. The beauty and challenge of the first four holes, sets the stage for what you can expect to experience throughout the course. We recommend it. In fact, we’d like to come back when it’s not raining!

Golden Horseshoe – Gold Course
Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members were at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Gold Course November 13. Our host, Jeff Winters, Director of Golf. His 20+ years at one place is exceptional service to the courses in his care. The Gold Course (1963), designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and redone in 2017 by Rees Jones, is a masterpiece. Hard to believe you’re playing less than a couple hundred years from downtown Williamsburg! Each hole has its own personality, challenges and unique contribution to the golf experience – we thoroughly enjoyed what we found on Holes 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 & 16. But, honestly, EVERY hole was just a pleasure to step on the tee box to see what the next hole brought. The views from the tee to green and back added so much to the experience; and the par 3s and water holes were especially fun. You’ll want to add this course to your list of courses to visit – and, don’t wait!

Golden Horseshoe – Green Course
Our reviewers stopped in at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Green Course November 14. This 1991 Rees Jones design is a gem. Some really nice features about the Green Course: You could play each hole and never know someone was on an adjacent hole, you’ll love the par 3s – No 7, 9, 11 and 17. Then, stepping on No 18 tee – the awesome view of the clubhouse in the distance. The bumps along the side of most of the fairways really help keep your ball in play, unless you hit the back side of the bumps – then, you can expect at least one or two extra strokes on the hole. Jeff Winters, Director of Golf, informed us there are plans to address the cart path and drainage issues on the course, both in the fairways and in the bunkers – in fact, likely removing around 24 bunkers. Mr. Winters 20+ years at The Golden Horseshoe courses bodes well for the care and attention they get.

Royal New Kent Golf Cl ub
A Mike Stranz design is always quite unique. He used the topography that was there for the layout, creating a course where no two holes are the same or take the same shape. Royal New Kent is a shot makers course, it shows you the shot you need to make, now you need to execute. The fault will be in the shot, not the design. The variety of shapes of greens, their size, undulations, and protective bunkers makes approach shots critical for every hole.  

This course requires managing every shot, on every hole and gives the opportunity to use every club in the bag. Overall, one of the best courses we have ever played. Mike Stranz – nothing else really needs to be said! 

Stonehouse Golf Club
Stonehouse Golf Club opened in 1996 to accolades as “Best New Upscale Public Course in the Nation” by Golf Digest and “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine, and more. Following the market drop of 2008 it started losing it’s status and closed for a brief period before being purchased in December 2018. Stonehouse LLC was formed with the major backing of J. Sanders Construction to bring the property back to its former glory. And, they have succeeded in bringing it back! The new owners honor the work of Mike Stranz.

Stonehouse is a gorgeous, fun and challenging property and needs to be back on your list of ‘must play. There are plenty of ravines, fairway bunkers and visual distractions to bring you to your knees, but you’ll enjoy the challenge. The fairways seem to keep your ball in the fairway, even if you miss slightly to the left or right ON the fairway. Notice Hole 12. The ravines are breath-taking and are at times intimidating. And No 17, Par 3 is just amazing! 

The greens…wow…the greens. BIG, rolling and fair, with some false fronts and major undulations. Though built in a residential community, the course feels like it is just the golfer and nature. Playing the course, you don’t see another fairway and homes never come into play.

One of the few downsides to this course – it’s not for walkers – distances from green to tee are often 100-200 or more yards. Stonehouse Grill, located behind the 18th green, has stunning views of the final hole. The Bang Bang Shrimp and crab cakes (flakey and seasoned just right) are a great choice. The wide open space in the restaurant/grill building would make an ideal place to host a tournament. There is plenty of room, good food and a variety of draft beers on tap.

The Club at Viniterra
The Club at Viniterra is a well-managed, Rees Jones design golf course. This course takes advantage of the local landscape to carve out the fairways and greens. Rees Jones has created an exceptional golf experience with elevation changes on nearly every hole – from tee to green; from green to next tee.

Staying ahead of the amount of play the course receives is a challenge for Superintendent Ryan Dwyer’s team, but they do a great job! One of our reviewers played from the Black tees (7513 yards-crazy, we know) to experience what the architect might have intended, there were numerous challenges to get to the fairway – but what a great design. The sight lines were very different from the tips. You don’t have to play from the tips to enjoy this course. They have everything from 4529 – 7513 yards to suit your game.

This is a well bunkered course with 81 bunkers on the course! Stay in the fairway, and you score well. There are seven tee boxes (or combos) to play and could lead to different experiences as you play the course more often. The course guide book was very helpful, as was the hole-by-hole description found on the course website prior to the review session.

While there is no longer water provided on the course, water bottles are provided by Viniterra at the clubhouse before the round, at the turn and again at the end. Viniterra is a challenging course – choose the appropriate tee box and you’ll have a pleasant round of golf.

When you go, let Charlie Burch and his team know we sent you!

Region 7 – Virginia Beach-Bay Area

Bay Creek Golf Club
A recent visit to Bay Creek Golf Course by Virginia Golf Course Reviews was a fantastic experience in all aspects of a golf destination. While this is a private community, it’s possible to play the course.

Everything‬ flowed from the clubhouse to the practice areas, the three nines, and the unique feature of the‬ Nature Preserve. The opportunity for Bay Creek – is to make more of this destination type‬ experience available for non-residents. The practice facilities are like nothing you’ve ever seen before – an extremely large driving range with real bunkers and water hazards, a short course to play, and a practice putting green.

The greens, fairways and bunkers were in excellent condition on all three nines. There is a Jack Nicholas Nine, and an Arnold Palmer 18 hole course to enjoy. Plus there’s the former Nicholas nine turned Nature Preserve. Bay Creek is a very unique experience. And, the staff couldn’t be more accommodating.

Favorite holes? Nicholas No 9 final hole – a great finishing Par 5 – water, bunkers and a slight dogleg all make several risk-reward opportunities. Palmer No 3 – It’s a beauty. Two-hundred yards to the end of the fairway before water. Then, you’re treated to a beautiful approach across the water to the green.

Make sure you tell them we sent you!

Region 8 – Richmond Area

Independence Golf Club
Virginia Golf Course Reviews experienced a very warm welcome at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, VA on Tues, May 25. Among the surprises we experienced – hybrid Lexus cars on the course as ‘beverage cars’, a garden for farm to table vegetables, golf carts equipped with Bluetooth and PXG signage planted in the middle of the fairway to mark the target point of your drive off the tee. Gil Breed and Drew Clements have set the stage for the golf course of the future – the quality of our experience was exceptional.

Lakeside Park Club
Lakeside Park Club is a gem of Donald Ross and a crown for the Richmond golf landscape. From Lakeside Park Club’’s website – “Lakeside was the very first course developed in Richmond in 1896. Lewis Ginter, a prominent Richmond businessman, development and hotelier, philanthropist and world-traveler, created Lakeside Park.”

Lewis Ginter invited Donald Ross to create 9 holes on his zoo property; then 9 more holes were added shortly after the course opened to complete the 18 hole format we see today.

Lakeside Park Club (LPC) is a private club. You can get on the course if you play with a member or play a tournament. LPC is actively engaged with the local community – hosting charity events and member involved activities that benefit the broader community.

Unique to this course are the zoo cage for bear and the alligator pit on Hole 4, and ten holes with blind tee shots. The bear logo represents their unique history with the zoo, the lake and golf. This course is designed like a Scottish-style course where you don’t return to the clubhouse after nine holes.

Ross’s creation has five tee box choices ranging from 5132 yards to 6302 yards – some of the more challenging 6300 yards you’ll play!

Our reviewer’s favorite holes: No 5 – short par 4 with two green side bunkers protecting the green; Hole 12, Par 3 – a short, turtle-backed green; and Hole 18, Par 5 – a great closing hole with that narrowing approach to the green, and the possibility of playing it from the No 1 fairway!

Make sure you tell them we sent you when you get on!

Magnolia Green Golf Club
This combo Nicholas & Clark design makes a fascinating experience. The driving range, putting and chipping practicing facilities are amazing – top of the line. The greens are challenging, undulating and rarely flat. The fairways were typically wide open, with well placed bunkers scattered throughout. Green side bunkers were large and deep. The condition of the fairway bunkers could be improved – and the management team has a plan to address this. Speaking of management – they have it going! It’s a great team and they have programs to keep 38,000-40,000 visitors per year coming back.

The 18th hole – a mid-length, par-4 with a receptive landing area – is Magnolia Green’s signature hole. A downhill second shot into a well-protected green sloping back to front gets your attention! There are more bunkers than necessary – but this Nicklaus design is a must play – before they take out some of these bunkers. This course is quite friendly to the left to right shot maker. 

Marc Desisto is the detail man, knows the golf business, creates his own rating system and teaches Callaway fitters across the country. His team is amazing. We appreciated hearing about the goals to clean up the bunkers (noted below) and work at continuous improvement on the golfer experience. 

Make sure you tell them we sent you when you get on!

The Golf Club at The Highlands
The Golf Club at Highlands sits in the middle of a housing development – but you’d never know it playing the course. The clubhouse and fitness center have everything you want in a golf club – food, exercise equipment and The Bunker – an indoor teaching station to improve your game! 

The owners are growing their own Zoysia for the fairways and will change them out in 2025. They have already changed out the greens to Bermuda, and they play exceptionally well. In addition, improvements will be made to the driving range following the changes to the fairways and greens. The owners also provide all their own bread from their bakery, Buffa Bakery. April, the Manager of The Reserve, was engaging and efficient. Both of us enjoyed the Reuben!  

You will want to play multiple times. We enjoyed the uniqueness of the course – five Par 3s and five Par 5s and the design by Steve Smyers was interesting, challenging and fair. 

This course is accessible on a number counts – through the VSGA VIP card, and their fee structure as a semi-private course. 

The course isn’t that long (6565 yards from the back tees) and has six sets of tees. We would have enjoyed playing from the back, except it was raining when we started the round and decided to play from blue at 6176 yards. Wise choice!

One of our favorites: Hole 9 is the former finishing hole. This dogleg left hole earns its Handicap No 1 rating. The tee shot is a narrow tree-lined shot, but goal one is to hit the fairway. The 2nd shot is quite challenging with fairway bunkers and three bunkers protecting the severely undulating green. Enjoy! 

The  Golf Club  at Mattaponi Springs
The Golf Club at Mattaponi Springs is a great golf experience you’ll want to add to your list of ‘must play’ courses. While we visited in spring, course conditions were superb. Greens were a little slow, but the fairways rolled very well. This is a course with lots of elevation changes from tee to green. Go to their website for a detailed hole-by-hole description. It’s great preparation.

Hole 11 is our favorite – a double fairway, with risk-reward opportunities on both fairways, to an elevated green, sloping back to front! Holes 13-17 are generally flat by comparison (with the Par 3, 14 being an exception).

While they could add yardage markers on the driving range and a few yardage notices around the course to avoid ravines, this is a great experience waiting for you. Mattaponi Spring’s superintendent, Kevin, is a highly qualified and experienced individual who is making all the right adjustments for playability, fairness and lines of site. His team has removed lots of trees, note Hole 9 on the right side to open the fairway and adding additional sod to soften the blow not so well hit tee shot.

Give John Thomas, GM, a call and tell him that  Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!