Thinking about hitting the links in Virginia? You're in luck, because the state offers a fantastic variety of courses that are open and waiting for you. This guide will walk you through exactly how to know which courses are open and ready for play, and then highlight some of the best public-access tracks from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shores of Virginia Beach.
Unlike states in the deep south, Virginia's weather is a mixed bag, which can affect course availability. But with a little know-how, you can almost always find a place to play. Here's what you need to consider before you book a tee time.
Many golfers assume courses in Virginia shut down for the winter. While some mountain courses do, a vast majority of tracks, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state, remain open 365 days a year, weather permitting. The a primary "season" runs from April through October, when conditions are prime.
However, the different seasons bring different challenges and considerations:
This is the single most important piece of advice I can give you. While website booking engines are convenient, they don't always reflect real-time conditions. A quick call to the pro shop can save you a wasted trip.
Here’s what to ask:
The staff deals with these realities every day and will give you the straight scoop. It’s the smartest move you can make before heading out.
Virginia boasts some incredible golf that is accessible to everyone. Here is a breakdown of some top-tier courses by region that you can almost always get on.
Just outside the nation's capital, you'll find a high concentration of excellent daily-fee courses.
This course is a visual treat, set right on the shores of Lake Manassas. It has the feel of a high-end private club but is fully public. The layout requires you to think your way around, with water and well-placed bunkers demanding smart shot selection. The conditions are consistently some of the best in the region, making it well worth the fee.
Designed by Gary Player, Raspberry Falls brings a taste of Scotland to Virginia's horse country. It's known for its rolling terrain, beautiful views, and distinctive "stacked sod" bunkers, which can be quite punishing. It's a challenging but memorable round of golf where you'll likely use every club in your bag.
If you're looking for a solid, reliable, and fun round of golf, Pleasant Valley is a local favorite. It doesn't have the dramatic vistas of some other courses, but it delivers an endlessly playable layout that's always in good shape. It's a fair test of your game without beating you up, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend four-ball.
This historic area is one of the premier golf destinations on the East Coast.
The Golden Horseshoe is iconic. The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Gold Course is a masterpiece of classic golf architecture, consistently ranked among America's best public courses. Every hole is framed perfectly, and the set of par-3s is world-class. If you're a student of the game, playing here is like visiting a museum. The Rees Jones-designed Green Course is also a fantastic track and a great experience in its own right.
What's cooler than playing a championship course that winds its way through a working vineyard? This Rees Jones design offers a muscular test with large, undulating greens and strategically placed hazards. It’s located between Richmond and Williamsburg, making it a great meeting spot, and the unique setting provides an unforgettable backdrop for your round.
Prepare for an adventure. Mike Strantz, the architect, was a true artist, and Royal New Kent is one of his boldest canvases. Inspired by Irish links like Royal County Down, the course features massive, blind shots, and wildly contoured fairways and greens. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you embrace the challenge, it's one of the most exciting and talked-about golf experiences you'll ever have.
Mountain golf brings stunning elevation changes and unmatched scenery. Just remember to check for winter closures at higher altitudes.
The Cascades Course at the Homestead is pure Virginia history. Designed by William S. Flynn and dating back to the 1920s, it's a timeless mountain classic that has hosted numerous USGA championships. The course flows naturally through the Allegheny Mountains, and you’ll be faced with constant uneven lies and elevation changes. It's a special walk and a must-play for any golfer visiting the region.
Wintergreen offers two distinct experiences. Up top is Devils Knob, which claims the title of Virginia's highest golf course. It's much cooler in the summer months but closes for the winter season. Down in the valley is Stoney Creek, a 27-hole Rees Jones layout that stays open year-round. Stoney Creek is a fantastic and more traditional design in a beautiful setting, making it the go-to choice for off-season play.
Playing well in Virginia means adapting to its varied topography and turf conditions. Here are a few simple coaching points to keep in mind.
When you're playing in the Blue Ridge or Alleghenies, remember this simple rule: uphill shots play longer. That beautiful par-3 over a valley that measures 150 yards might play more like 165. Conversely, a downhill shot will play shorter. Trust the old caddie wisdom: a little extra club is almost always the right call on an uphill approach.
Flat lies are a luxury in mountain golf. To handle them, adjust your setup.
These small adjustments make a huge difference.
In the summer, many courses in Central and Tidewater Virginia feature Bermuda grass greens and fairways. Around the greens, this grass can be tough and grainy. The ball won't release as much on chips and pitches. My advice is to be a little more aggressive. Use a little less loft (try an 8-iron instead of a sand wedge for a bump-and-run) and make a firm, confident stroke to get the ball rolling to the hole.
Virginia golfing landscape is rich and diverse, offering incredible year-round options for players of all skill levels. From historic mountain tracks to modern coastal designs, there is always a great course open and ready for you, so long as you do a little homework and call the pro shop first.
Of course, finding an open course is just the first step, playing it well is the real challenge, especially when you're on unfamiliar ground. When I'm facing a tough decision on a new course - like picking a target on a blind tee shot or deciding what club to hit from a weird lie in the trees - I turn to tools like Caddie AI. You can get instant, expert advice on strategy for any hole and even get a recommendation for a tricky shot by taking a photo of your ball's lie, taking the guesswork out of the game so you can swing with confidence.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
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