Comprehensive guide to 200+ public and private golf courses across Virginia, from championship resorts to scenic mountain layouts
Virginia offers more than 200 public golf courses spanning diverse terrain from coastal links along the Chesapeake Bay to mountain layouts in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley. The state features historic courses dating to 1892, championship resort venues hosting LPGA Tour events, and affordable municipal options across major metro areas.
Virginia's golf legacy includes The Cascades Course at Omni Homestead Resort (1924), designed by William Flynn and played by Presidents, plus modern championship designs by Pete Dye, Donald Steel, Rees Jones, and Robert Trent Jones. With year-round play available along the coast and excellent spring-through-fall golf inland, Virginia provides exceptional variety for all skill levels and budgets.
📍 Williamsburg
The River Course at Kingsmill Resort hosts the annual Pure Silk Championship (formerly Kingsmill Championship), an LPGA Tour event. This par-71, 6,340-yard championship layout has welcomed the world's best women golfers since 2003, with past champions including Annika Sorenstam, Cristie Kerr, and Karrie Webb. The 2012 tournament featured a historic 9-hole sudden-death playoff, the second-longest in LPGA Tour history.
Tournament History: The venue has hosted LPGA events under various names including Michelob Light Open (2003), Michelob Ultra Open (2004-09), Kingsmill Championship (2012-18), and Pure Silk Championship (2019-21).
📍 Virginia Beach
Formerly TPC of Virginia Beach, this championship course was designed by Pete Dye for both tournament and public play. The 7,432-yard par-72 layout hosted the Virginia Beach Open on the Nationwide Tour until 2006. Located minutes from the oceanfront on Princess Anne Road, the course features classic Pete Dye design elements including strategic tee shots requiring risk-reward decisions.
Design Features: Native hardwoods provide mature aesthetics while varied grasses in out-of-play areas create unique visual interest. The ever-present coastal winds add challenge to shot-making decisions.
Facilities: Large grass driving range, practice bunker, multiple putting greens. The venue also offers special event space accommodating up to 200 guests.
Contact: 2500 Tournament Dr, Virginia Beach | 757-563-9440
📍 Meadows of Dan (Blue Ridge Mountains)
Ranked the #1 public course in Virginia by both Golf Digest and Golfweek, The Highland Course at Primland Resort showcases British architect Donald Steel's masterful use of mountainous terrain. Set within a 12,000-acre luxury resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this course has consistently appeared in Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public ranking.
Design: Steel and associate Martin Ebert created 18 exceptional holes using dynamite to shape the hilly landscape, producing dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking mountain views from every hole.
Stay & Play: Resort guests receive a round of golf per night booked. Special packages include the Highland Wine and Golf Classic with accommodations, partner play, and wine dinners.
📍 Hot Springs
Built by legendary architect William Flynn (designer of five of America's top 100 courses), The Cascades opened in 1924 and is regarded as one of Flynn's finest works. The mountain setting features natural elements including ponds, streams, and slopes, with fairways blasted through limestone rock. President Gerald Ford considered it among his favorite courses.
Historic Legacy: Glenna Collett, the greatest female golfer of her era, won the USGA Women's Open here in 1928. The course has hosted over 200 Virginia State Golf Association championships. The Old Course (1892) at the resort features the oldest first tee in continuous use in the United States.
Presidential Golf: Multiple U.S. Presidents have played here, including William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George H.W. Bush. Sam Snead began his professional career at the resort.
Virginia features an exceptional public-to-private ratio, with eleven courses on the state's best courses ranking open to public play—a ratio other states simply can't match. Here are the top-rated courses according to Golf Digest, Golfweek, and golfer reviews:
The Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Hampton, offers exceptional year-round coastal golf with courses designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and other renowned architects. The area features championship resort courses, affordable municipal options, and scenic waterfront layouts.
The Richmond metropolitan area features 42 golf courses within 15 miles of downtown, including 16 public courses and 15 private clubs. The region offers diverse layouts from championship resort courses to affordable municipal options, with a mix of 23 eighteen-hole courses and 4 nine-hole layouts.
Located 30 minutes east of Richmond, New Kent County is home to a concentration of championship golf courses including Royal New Kent, Viniterra, and Stonehouse. The area is marketed as a premier golf destination with excellent variety and value pricing.
Northern Virginia, spanning Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, Stafford, and Fauquier counties, offers more than 60 golf courses ranging from luxury clubs along the Potomac River to affordable county-operated facilities. The region provides year-round golf opportunities, weather permitting, with courses accessible to Washington, D.C. metro area golfers.
Loudoun boasts luxury golf clubs featuring courses designed by professionals, with breathtaking acreage along the scenic Potomac River:
Fairfax County offers more than a dozen meticulously designed courses, with several operated by the Park Authority:
Note: Fairfax County Park Authority courses offer special pricing for U.S. active duty and veteran military personnel.
The Shenandoah Valley offers spectacular mountain golf with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Massanutten Range, and Skyline Drive. Courses feature dramatic elevation changes, scenic beauty, and challenging layouts set against Virginia's most stunning natural backdrops.
📍 Front Royal
Located 8 miles north of Front Royal, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club spans 250 acres with two 18-hole courses. Golf Digest named it one of the 10 best places for a round of Virginia golf. The facility includes the top-ranked Virginia Golf School.
The Titus Course delivers an immersive Blue Ridge Mountain experience at the base of the mountains. The redesign by Rees Jones enhances the scenic beauty visible from every hole, with views encompassing Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge, and Massanutten ranges.
A welcoming, player-friendly layout at the foot of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. The Old Course provides accessible mountain golf with dramatic scenery.
Virginia features exceptional golf resort destinations combining championship courses with luxury accommodations, spa facilities, and comprehensive amenities. These resorts offer stay-and-play packages providing significant value for multi-day golf trips.
📍 Meadows of Dan, Blue Ridge Mountains
Luxury 12,000-acre resort featuring The Highland Course (#1 public course in Virginia), lodge and cabin accommodations, observatory, zip lines, sporting clays, and fine dining.
Golf Package: One round per night booked. Highland Wine and Golf Classic includes three nights luxury accommodations, two rounds partner play, wine dinners.
Rates: Resort packages from $400+ per night including golf
📍 Hot Springs, Allegheny Mountains
Historic resort featuring The Cascades Course (William Flynn, 1924) and The Old Course (1892, oldest first tee in continuous U.S. use). Includes spa, hot springs, activities.
Golf Packages: Multi-round packages with accommodations, breakfast, resort activities. Courses played by Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Bush; Sam Snead began career here.
Rates: Stay-and-play packages from $250+ per night
📍 Williamsburg
Three championship courses including LPGA Tour venue River Course. Full-service resort with spa, marina, restaurants.
Packages: Golf packages with accommodations, breakfast, three rounds available
📍 Newport News
Golf Advisor award-winning course with resort accommodations. Excellent value for Hampton Roads golf vacation.
Packages: Stay-and-play with villa accommodations
Contact: 757-874-2600
📍 New Market, Shenandoah Valley
Classic mountain resort golf with motel accommodations. Family-friendly with multiple activity options.
Season: April-November mountain golf
Affordable stay-and-play option
Best Value Seasons:
What's Typically Included:
Virginia offers numerous budget-friendly public golf courses with green fees ranging from $25-50, providing excellent value without sacrificing quality. Municipal courses, county-operated facilities, and daily-fee courses make golf accessible across the state.
Excellent courses in the $40-60 range:
Coastal Region (Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads):
Inland & Mountain Regions:
Championship/Resort Courses:
Premium Public Courses:
Value/Municipal Courses:
Major Airports:
Golf Trail Itineraries:
⚠️ Weather Policies:
💳 Payment & Cancellation:
📱 Resources:
The Highland Course at Primland Resort consistently ranks as Virginia's #1 public golf course according to both Golf Digest and Golfweek. Designed by British architect Donald Steel, this 12,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain resort course appears regularly in Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public ranking. The course showcases dramatic elevation changes, mountain vistas, and exceptional conditioning.
For historic significance, The Cascades Course at Omni Homestead Resort (1924) is considered one of William Flynn's finest designs and has hosted over 200 VSGA championships. The resort also features The Old Course (1892) with America's oldest first tee in continuous use.
Other top contenders include Kinloch Golf Club (private), Robert Trent Jones Golf Club (private), and Kingsmill Resort's River Course (public, LPGA Tour venue).
Virginia green fees range dramatically based on course type and season:
Premium Resort Courses ($150-275): Primland Highland Course ($225-275), The Cascades at Homestead ($150-200), Kingsmill Resort River Course ($125-195). These courses offer championship conditions and exceptional amenities.
Quality Public Courses ($65-125): Royal New Kent ($75-125), Golden Horseshoe ($65-115), Shenandoah Valley Golf Club ($55-85), Independence Golf Club ($50-80). These courses provide excellent value with solid conditions.
Municipal/Budget Courses ($25-60): Virginia Beach municipal courses ($30-50), Fairfax Park Authority courses ($35-60), Pohick Bay ($30-45), county courses statewide ($25-55). These affordable options make golf accessible to all budgets.
Money-Saving Tips: Twilight rates (after 3pm) offer 30-50% savings. Winter coastal golf (November-March) provides 40% discounts. Weekday rates typically run $10-20 less than weekends. Online booking through TeeOff.com or GolfNow can save up to 50%.
Coastal Virginia (Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Eastern Shore): Yes, year-round golf is available thanks to mild winters. Temperatures typically range from 40-60°F November through March, enabling comfortable play most days. Many coastal courses remain open 12 months, though occasional closures occur during severe weather. Winter rates offer excellent value with 30-40% savings.
Richmond and Central Virginia: Golf is typically available March through November, with occasional December and February play during mild spells. Some courses close December-February for maintenance.
Northern Virginia: Most courses operate March through November, weather permitting. December through February play is possible on warmer days (50°F+), but courses may close temporarily for frost or snow.
Mountain Regions (Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia): Peak season runs May through October. Higher elevation courses like Primland typically close November through March due to snow and frost. Lower elevation valley courses may extend to April-November.
May and September-October offer optimal conditions statewide: comfortable temperatures (60-75°F), lower humidity, and excellent course conditions following spring/summer maintenance. October adds spectacular fall foliage in mountain regions.
Spring (April-May): Courses emerge from winter with fresh conditions. Temperatures range 55-75°F. April can be rainy but offers lower rates and smaller crowds. Azaleas bloom at many courses.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather (75-95°F) and highest rates. Morning tee times recommended to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Coastal courses benefit from ocean breezes. Mountain courses offer cooler alternatives.
Fall (September-November): Best overall conditions. September offers summer-like weather with less humidity. October features peak fall colors in mountains. November brings excellent value pricing.
Winter (December-March): Coastal golf provides best winter value with mild temperatures (40-60°F) and 40% rate reductions. Inland courses have limited availability but occasional warm spells enable play.
The River Course at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg has hosted LPGA Tour events since 2003. The tournament has operated under various names including the Michelob Light Open (2003), Michelob Ultra Open (2004-09), Kingsmill Championship (2012-18), and Pure Silk Championship (2019-21).
Course Details: The par-71, 6,340-yard championship layout has welcomed golf's best female players including past champions Annika Sorenstam (2008), Cristie Kerr (2005, 2009), Karrie Webb (2006), Suzann Pettersen (2007), Se Ri Pak (2004), and Grace Park (2003).
Historic Moment: The 2012 Kingsmill Championship featured a dramatic 9-hole sudden-death playoff between Jiyai Shin and Paula Creamer, the second-longest sudden-death playoff in LPGA Tour history. The playoff took place entirely on the 18th hole.
Public Access: The River Course at Kingsmill Resort is open to resort guests and public play. Tee times can be booked through the resort, with rates ranging $125-195 depending on season. Stay-and-play packages include accommodations and golf rounds.
Virginia offers numerous budget-friendly options with green fees under $50:
Most Affordable Options ($25-45):
Quality Value Courses ($40-60):
Additional Savings: Senior rates (typically 55+) save $5-15. Military discounts available at many courses. Twilight rates (after 3pm) offer 30-50% off. Online booking through TeeOff.com provides up to 50% discounts with no booking fees.
Virginia Beach and surrounding Hampton Roads area feature 20+ golf courses:
Championship Courses:
Municipal/Public Courses:
Nearby Resort Courses (30-45 minutes):
Yes, Virginia features several Pete Dye designs and renovations:
Virginia Beach National Golf Club (formerly TPC of Virginia Beach) - Pete Dye's signature design for tournament and public play. This 7,432-yard par-72 championship layout hosted the Virginia Beach Open on the Nationwide Tour until 2006. The course showcases classic Dye elements including strategic tee shots with risk-reward options, railroad ties, and dramatic bunkering. Located minutes from the oceanfront (2500 Tournament Dr, Virginia Beach, 757-563-9440).
Keswick Hall Golf Club (Charlottesville) - Pete and Alice Dye renovated this Arnold Palmer-designed course in 2014. The renovation earned Golf Digest ranking inside Virginia's top 20 courses. The club is part of the Keswick Hall resort experience.
Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech (Radford) - University facility along the New River featuring Dye's strategic design philosophy. The course serves Virginia Tech students, alumni, and public play.
Dye's architectural influence emphasizes strategic decision-making, with risk-reward elements, dramatic bunkering, railroad tie bulkheads, and thoughtful use of water hazards. His Virginia courses showcase these signature elements while incorporating the state's natural terrain and beauty.
The Old Course at Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs holds the distinction as Virginia's oldest golf course and features the oldest first tee in continuous use in the United States.
History: The first 6 holes opened for play in 1892, making 2024 the course's 132nd year. The original first hole remains in use today, unchanged from 1892. This historic tee has been played by numerous U.S. Presidents including William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George H.W. Bush.
The Cascades Course (1924) - The resort's second course, designed by legendary architect William Flynn, opened in 1924 and is considered one of Flynn's finest works. The Cascades hosted the 1928 USGA Women's Open won by Glenna Collett and has held over 200 Virginia State Golf Association championships. The mountain setting features natural ponds, streams, and slopes with fairways blasted through limestone rock.
Presidential Golf: The Homestead has welcomed multiple Presidents as golfers. President Gerald Ford, an avid golfer, considered The Cascades among his favorite courses. Sam Snead, one of golf's all-time greats, began his professional career at the resort.
Today: Both courses remain open for public play as part of the Omni Homestead Resort experience. Stay-and-play packages include accommodations, meals, and golf on these historic layouts. Green fees for The Cascades run $150-200, with The Old Course offering a more accessible price point.
Online Booking Platforms: Most Virginia courses accept online reservations through multiple platforms:
Phone Reservations: Call courses directly for personalized service, group bookings (8+ players), or special requests. Phone numbers listed on course websites. Most courses answer 7am-6pm daily during season.
Advance Booking Windows:
Best Practices:
Last updated on November 24, 2025