Don’t ‘Leave Virginia Alone’ – It’s A Great Golf Travel Destination

When Rod Stewart implored you to leave Virginia alone, he was certainly not talking about Virginia, one of the original 13 states. With golf courses spread far and wide and a host of entertainment avenues it would be hard for a discerning golf vacationer to do that. Add to the golf Virginia’s historical prominence in American history, its picturesque landscapes and you get a golf holiday no one wants to leave alone.

Virginia entered the Union in 1788 and was named for Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen of England. The ‘Old Dominion’ holds an important place in American history, as it was home to many of the founding fathers and four of America’s first five presidents. Today, Virginia is a popular golf tour destination and vacation spot where people can visit historic places such as Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate.

Even though Virginia is a cornucopia of recreational activities, golf tours add to the bulk of tourism in the state. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains, a Virginia golf holiday seduces you with its natural charms and a great weather all year round. Add to that some of the courses in the nation designed by the best in business and you have a smashing golf vacation.

Start your golf tour with the 18-hole Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot to hit the ground running. At 7,112 yards par 72, Kinloch will give you aching hamstrings if you are not fit but the accompanying view of the 70 – acre lake on the property is a sight for sore eyes. Designed by Lester George and Vinny Giles, Kinloch is less than a decade old and already gathering accolades from everywhere, including a # 29 ranking from Golf Digest. The undulating greens and the water hazards are demanding and require a skilled player. This stunning track is yours to play for $130.

Ranked fourth by Golf Digest in its 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, The Homestead is one of the oldest and best championship courses in America. Include this course in your golf tour for its stunning view of the Allegheny Mountains in the background and a testing layout that at $110 is unforgiving to a fault.

For the history buffs, one course that must be included in a golf package is the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg. At 6,817 yards par 71, this 18-hole course opened in 1963 and plays at a whopping $155 but that is a trifle when you think of the place’s historical importance. 

While you are on your Virginia golf holiday take out time to tee it off at the Robert Weed designed Olde Farm in Bristol ($150), the 18-hole Robert M. Lohmann designed Mattaponi Springs in Ruther Glen ($90) and the Pete Dye created River Course at Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg ($175).

One golf tour to Virginia may not be enough to pack in the best courses the state has to offer – there are just too many of them. But take a couple of days more to get a round or two at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond ($60), Palmer course and the Nicklaus courses at The Bay Creek Resort & Club in Cape Charles ($95 each).