Virginia is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country, offering scenic landscapes, challenging layouts, and championship-level experiences. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a serious competitor, Virginia’s golf courses provide world-class fairways, historic designs, and breathtaking views from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.
This guide highlights the 9 best golf courses in Virginia, including private, public, and resort-style courses that cater to all skill levels.
Table of Contents
- Why Virginia is a Top Golf Destination
- The Omni Homestead (Cascades Course) – Best Historic Course
- Primland Resort (Highland Course) – Best Scenic Mountain Course
- Kingsmill Resort (River Course) – Best for PGA-Level Play
- Keswick Hall (Full Cry Course) – Best for a Luxury Golf Experience
- The Olde Farm – Best Private Club Experience
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Club – Best Tournament-Level Course
- Ballyhack Golf Club – Best for a Scottish Links-Style Challenge
- Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Gold Course) – Best for Historic Williamsburg Golf
- Trump National Golf Club – Best for Waterfront Golf & High-End Amenities
- Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip in Virginia
- Conclusion
Why Virginia is a Top Golf Destination
Virginia offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and top-tier course design, making it one of the premier golfing states on the East Coast.
✔ Diverse Course Landscapes – Golf along mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceanfront.
✔ Championship-Caliber Courses – Virginia is home to PGA, LPGA, and USGA tournament venues.
✔ Four-Season Golfing – Mild winters allow for year-round golf in many parts of the state.
✔ Luxury Golf Resorts – Stay-and-play options include world-class accommodations and fine dining.
Whether you’re playing a historic course designed by Donald Ross or testing your skills on a modern PGA Championship course, Virginia delivers an exceptional golf experience.
1. The Omni Homestead (Cascades Course) – Best Historic Course
🏆 Why It’s Special
The Cascades Course at The Omni Homestead is a classic, world-renowned course designed in 1923. Ranked as one of the best mountain courses in the U.S., it has hosted multiple U.S. Amateur and PGA events.
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Designed by William S. Flynn, one of America’s top architects.
- Challenging mountain terrain with fast, undulating greens.
- Historic setting in the Allegheny Mountains.
📊 Quick Facts:
- Location: Hot Springs, VA
- Par: 70
- Yardage: 6,667 yards
- Public or Private: Resort (Guests Only)
📍 Why Play Here? If you want a historic, championship-level mountain course with breathtaking scenery.
2. Primland Resort (Highland Course) – Best Scenic Mountain Course
🏔 Why It’s a Must-Play
Ranked among the Top 50 Public Golf Courses in America, the Highland Course at Primland features stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views and a challenging layout designed by Donald Steel.
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views.
- Scottish-inspired design with rolling fairways and deep bunkers.
- High-end resort amenities including luxury spa and fine dining.
📊 Quick Facts:
- Location: Meadows of Dan, VA
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,053 yards
- Public or Private: Resort (Open to Guests & Public)
📍 Why Play Here? If you love mountain golf with high-end accommodations and stunning scenery.
3. Kingsmill Resort (River Course) – Best for PGA-Level Play
⛳ Why It’s Special
Kingsmill Resort’s River Course is a former PGA and LPGA Tour stop, offering a professional-level golf experience along the scenic James River.
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Designed by Pete Dye, known for his strategic bunkering and undulating greens.
- Hosted the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship and LPGA events.
- Signature hole: Par-4 16th hole overlooking the James River.
📊 Quick Facts:
- Location: Williamsburg, VA
- Par: 71
- Yardage: 6,831 yards
- Public or Private: Resort (Guests & Members)
📍 Why Play Here? If you want a tour-level challenge on a scenic waterfront course.
4. Keswick Hall (Full Cry Course) – Best for a Luxury Golf Experience
🏌 Why It Stands Out
The Full Cry Course at Keswick Hall is a Tom Fazio-designed masterpiece, offering pristine fairways, fast greens, and an elite golf experience.
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Award-winning renovation making it one of Virginia’s top resort courses.
- European-style golf experience with rolling terrain and strategic bunkers.
- Luxury resort with fine dining and a five-star spa.
📊 Quick Facts:
- Location: Charlottesville, VA
- Par: 71
- Yardage: 6,810 yards
- Public or Private: Resort (Guests & Members)
📍 Why Play Here? If you want a premium golf and resort experience with top-tier amenities.
5. The Olde Farm – Best Private Club Experience
🌟 What Makes It Special?
As one of Virginia’s most exclusive private golf clubs, The Olde Farm is known for impeccable course conditions, a peaceful setting, and world-class service.
📍 Location: Bristol, VA
⛳ Private Course – Invitation Only
6. Robert Trent Jones Golf Club – Best Tournament-Level Course
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Hosted multiple PGA Tour Presidents Cups.
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
- Located along Lake Manassas for stunning water views.
📍 Location: Gainesville, VA
⛳ Private Course
7. Ballyhack Golf Club – Best for a Scottish Links-Style Challenge
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Dramatic elevation changes and deep bunkers.
- One of Virginia’s toughest layouts.
- Exclusive private club experience.
📍 Location: Roanoke, VA
⛳ Private Course
8. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Gold Course) – Best for Historic Williamsburg Golf
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Perfectly manicured fairways and greens.
- Located in Colonial Williamsburg.
📍 Location: Williamsburg, VA
⛳ Public Course
9. Trump National Golf Club – Best for Waterfront Golf & High-End Amenities
🌟 Course Highlights:
- Sweeping views of the Potomac River.
- Tournament-level layout and luxurious clubhouse.
- Signature hole: Par-3 18th along the river.
📍 Location: Sterling, VA
⛳ Private Course
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip in Virginia
✔ Book tee times early – Top courses fill up quickly.
✔ Plan for the best weather – Spring and fall offer ideal playing conditions.
✔ Stay at a golf resort – Resorts like The Homestead, Primland, and Keswick Hall offer stay-and-play packages.
Conclusion
Virginia offers some of the best golf experiences on the East Coast, with championship layouts, breathtaking scenery, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a historic challenge, or a private club experience, these top 9 golf courses provide unforgettable rounds for every golfer.
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