Top 10 Best Public Golf Courses in Virginia, Must-Visit in 2024/25
Virginia is a state rich in history, natural beauty, and golfing opportunities. For golf enthusiasts, the state offers an array of public courses that provide challenging layouts, scenic views, and top-notch facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, the best public golf courses in Virginia offer something for everyone. Below is a detailed look at some of the top public courses that should be on every golfer’s bucket list.
Must-Play Golf Courses in Virginia
1. Royal New Kent Golf Club (Providence Forge, VA)
Royal New Kent Golf Club
Royal New Kent Golf Club, designed by the legendary Mike Strantz, is often hailed as one of the best Virginia golf courses. Drawing inspiration from the iconic links courses of Ireland, particularly Royal County Down and Ballybunion, Royal New Kent offers a uniquely challenging and visually stunning golfing experience.
The course is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and large, undulating greens that require precision and creativity. The par-72 layout stretches over 7,300 yards from the tips, offering a tough but rewarding test for golfers of all skill levels.
Royal New Kent’s rugged beauty and meticulous maintenance have earned it a place among the top public courses in the state. A round at this club is sure to be a memorable experience, whether you’re navigating the tight fairways or enjoying the breathtaking views.
2. The Omni Homestead Resort – Cascades Course (Hot Springs, VA)
The Omni Homestead Resort – Cascades Course
The Cascades Course at The Omni Homestead Resort is a historic gem nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. Designed by William S. Flynn in 1923, this mountain course is often ranked among the best public golf courses in Virginia and the entire United States. The course’s classic layout features tight fairways, small greens, and significant elevation changes, providing a challenging but fair test for golfers.
The Cascades is known for its pristine conditioning and stunning mountain views, with the surrounding natural beauty enhancing the overall experience. The course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the NCAA Championships.
Playing a round at The Cascades is not just about golf; it’s about stepping back in time and enjoying a piece of golfing history in one of the most beautiful settings in the country.
3. Kingsmill Resort – River Course (Williamsburg, VA)
Kingsmill Resort – River Course
The River Course at Kingsmill Resort is a Pete Dye masterpiece that has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including PGA and LPGA events. Located along the banks of the James River in Williamsburg, the course offers a blend of challenging play and scenic beauty that makes it one of the top public golf courses in Virginia.
The River Course is famous for its meticulously maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens that test even the most skilled golfers. The course’s design takes full advantage of its riverside location, with several holes offering stunning views of the water. The signature 17th hole, a par-3 that plays over the river, is a highlight that demands both precision and nerve.
In addition to the challenging layout, Kingsmill Resort offers a full range of amenities, including luxury accommodations, fine dining, and a world-class spa, making it a perfect destination for a golf getaway.
4. Stonewall Golf Club (Gainesville, VA)
Stonewall Golf Club
Stonewall Golf Club, situated in Northern Virginia, is a Tom Jackson-designed course that offers a picturesque and challenging golfing experience. The course is laid out around Lake Manassas, providing stunning water views on many holes.
This course is known for its rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large, fast greens that challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course’s design emphasizes strategy and shot placement, with several holes requiring careful navigation of water hazards and undulating terrain.
The par-72 course stretches over 7,000 yards from the back tees, offering a stern test for even the most experienced golfers. It is also famous for its excellent service and well-maintained facilities, including a fully stocked pro shop and a clubhouse that offers fine dining with lake views.
5. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Gold Course (Williamsburg, VA)
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Gold Course
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s Gold Course is a classic design by Robert Trent Jones Sr. that has stood the test of time. Often ranked among the top public golf courses in Virginia, the Gold Course is known for its challenging layout and beautiful setting.
It features narrow fairways lined with mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens that require precision and strategic play. The layout is routed through a dense forest, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop for a round of golf. One of the course’s most famous holes is the par-3 16th, which plays over a pond to a well-protected green.
The Gold Course is meticulously maintained, with fast greens and pristine fairways that make for an exceptional golfing experience. In addition to the golf, Golden Horseshoe offers a range of amenities, including a clubhouse with dining facilities and a well-stocked pro shop.
6. Laurel Hill Golf Club (Lorton, VA)
Laurel Hill Golf Club
Laurel Hill Golf Club, located in Lorton, Virginia, is one of the newer public courses in the state, but it has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best. Designed by Bill Love, the course is set on rolling terrain that offers a mix of wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and large, undulating greens.
The course’s layout requires a variety of shots, with water hazards and elevation changes adding to the challenge. Laurel Hill is known for its excellent conditioning, with fast greens and well-manicured fairways that are maintained to tournament standards.
Laurel Hill is also notable for its history; it was built on the site of the former Lorton Reformatory, and the design incorporates several historic elements into the layout. With its challenging design and beautiful setting, Laurel Hill is a must-play for golfers in the Northern Virginia area.
7. Virginia Beach National Golf Club (Virginia Beach, VA)
Virginia Beach National Golf Club
Virginia Beach National Golf Club, designed by Pete Dye and Curtis Strange, is a top public course located in the heart of Virginia Beach. The course features a traditional layout with wide fairways, large greens, and strategically placed bunkers that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Virginia Beach National is known for its excellent conditioning, with fast, true greens and well-maintained fairways that provide a great playing experience. The course’s design emphasizes shot placement and strategy, with several holes requiring careful navigation of water hazards and bunkers.
The signature hole is the par-5 18th, which plays around a large lake to a well-protected green, providing a dramatic finish to the round. In addition to the golf, the club offers a full range of amenities, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and a clubhouse with dining options.
8. Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head Resort (Charlottesville, VA)
Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head Resort
The Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville is a hidden gem that has recently undergone a major renovation by Davis Love III. The redesign has transformed Birdwood into one of the top public golf courses in Virginia, offering a challenging and scenic layout that appeals to golfers of all skill levels.
The course is set on rolling terrain with wide fairways, large greens, and strategic bunkering that requires thoughtful shot-making. The layout incorporates several new holes that take advantage of the natural beauty of the area, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Birdwood is known for its excellent conditioning, with fast greens and well-maintained fairways that provide a great playing experience. In addition to the golf, Boar’s Head Resort offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and a range of recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for a golf getaway.
9. Independence Golf Club (Midlothian, VA)
Independence Golf Club
Independence Golf Club, located just outside of Richmond in Midlothian, is a Tom Fazio-designed course that offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience. The course features wide fairways, large greens, and strategically placed hazards that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Independence Club is known for its excellent conditioning, with fast, true greens and well-manicured fairways that provide a great playing experience. The layout emphasizes shot placement and strategy, with several holes requiring careful navigation of water hazards and bunkers. The signature hole is the par-5 16th, which plays along a lake to a well-protected green, providing a dramatic finish to the round.
In addition to the golf, Independence Golf Club offers a full range of amenities, including a short course, practice facilities, and a modern clubhouse with dining options. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Independence provides a memorable golfing experience in a beautiful setting.
10. Wintergreen Resort – Stoney Creek Course (Nellysford, VA)
Wintergreen Resort – Stoney Creek Course
The Stoney Creek Course at Wintergreen Resort is a Rees Jones-designed course that offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course features rolling fairways, large greens, and strategic bunkering that require thoughtful shot-making. The layout is routed through a mix of open meadows and dense forests, providing a variety of challenges and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Stoney Creek is known for its excellent conditioning, with fast greens and well-manicured fairways that provide a great playing experience. The course’s design emphasizes strategy, with several holes requiring careful navigation of water hazards and bunkers.
In addition to the golf, Wintergreen Resort offers a full range of amenities, including luxury accommodations, fine dining, and a variety of recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for a golf getaway in Virginia.
These Virginia golf courses represent the best of golfing in this state, each offering a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and top-notch facilities. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these courses will never regret your experiences. From the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains to the scenic shores of Lake Manassas, these best public golf courses in Virginia are sure to impress any golfer.
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