Augustine Golf Club

Augustine opened in 1996 and was recognized by Golf Digest as a 5th best public course to play. “The bones of this course are solid,” said Doug, and he’d like to get the course back in this same condition! There is opportunity for improvement as you’ll see in our notes, but Andy Sutherland, superintendent and Doug Walczak, Director of Golf, are doing as much as possible to make the necessary improvements to get the course back to the 1996 accolades. 

Jacobson Golf Course Design Group did a fabulous job of creating an experience for every level of golfer with 5 different tees from which to play. 

Almost every hole was framed by trees off the tee and on approach to the green. Hole 11 was especially memorable due to the distinct landing area and bunkering on the approach which made it a good risk/reward hole. A creek meanders through the course and comes into play several times. 

One of our favorites: Hole 18, Par 5 – A very good finishing hole. The tee box was slightly elevated to a beautiful view back to the clubhouse. Two fairway bunkers might get you, one on the right, one on the left on the 2nd shot. Bunkers in front of the green come into play on approach. The green slopes right and left from the center.  

Birdwood Golf Club

Birdwood Golf Course delivers a high-quality, strategically designed experience that balances challenge and playability. The course features exceptional conditions throughout, including immaculate bermuda tees, zoysia fairways that provide perfect lies, and fast, true bentgrass greens. Nearly every hole incorporates thoughtful risk/reward considerations, ensuring that golfers of all abilities remain engaged throughout their round.

The hospitality stands out, with welcoming and attentive staff at every touchpoint—from bag drop to restaurant service. The practice facilities add tremendous value, particularly the expansive 18-hole putting course and diverse short-game areas that prepare golfers well for the course ahead. Food and beverage offerings are strong, with high-quality grill fare, good pricing, and beautiful views of the mountains and practice greens. This is not your average public, resort golf course.

Birdwood’s new layout by Davis Love III features a strong mix of aesthetics and shot-making interest, especially in standout holes like 2, 5, 11, 12, 16, and the final approach into 18. Our team was one of the last of the day, enjoying a beautiful sunset as we made our way up hole 18. The variety in design keeps the round visually appealing and mentally stimulating. The wait until the first par-3 (hole 7) is a bit unusual, but overall the course ranks among Virginia’s top resort-public offerings and presents a standard worthy of a high-level collegiate training facility. When you go – tell them you heard about Birdwood through Virginia Golf Course Reviews. 

Cutalong at Lake Anna

Cutalong at Tributer Resort, near Lake Anna, with Tom Clark’s design just doesn’t get old. There’s something about seeing this course evolve over the last few years that lets you know Clark knew what he was doing with the natural contours of the land – and taking advantage of the unpredictable way the wind plays with the course. Ok…maybe he didn’t know that last part, but the wind is sneaky on this course. There are holes that test and reward well placed shots and others are wide open and play easier to keep you wanting more. The mix of “tough, but fair” holes led to an enjoyable experience.

The official course guide is especially helpful for newcomers. The recommendations in the guide were spot on and saved the reviewers multiple strokes throughout the round. The golf course was in excellent condition. The fairways look straight forward enough but a slight pull or fade or a mid bunker quickly derails the possibility of a good score on any hole.

The greens were running at 12 or so, and nothing could prepare us for the greens the way they rolled on the day of our visit. Hole 6 & 9 are ridiculously undulating and difficult to putt. The greens are mostly rounded so if your shot into the green was not precise (same level or area of the green as the pin), you were off the front, back or side chipping again.

The new clubhouse, practice areas and adjustments to the course make coming back to see the changes each year imperative. Yes, it’s not your average public course, it’s private and, yet, don’t be afraid to call and ask if you can get on the course. It’s also a walkable course – even with some longer walks. When you go, tell them you heard about Cutalong from Virginia Golf Course Reviews.

Fawn Lake Country Club

Fawn Lake Country Club is a private golf course located in a gated community near Spotsylvania, VA. There is little that compares with this in the area.

The course is a 30-year old Arnold Palmer design, featuring Zoysia fairways, large bent grass greens, and fescue rough. The course could favorably compete with the finer courses in the Charlottesville area, and the community would be unmatched.

There are six tennis courts, both clay and grass are part of a $1 million capital improvement project. The clubhouse is a separate building from the restaurant, located across the parking lot. The restaurant is a popular community full-menu restaurant and bar, with outdoor seating overlooking the 18th green, TVs inside and out. Near the clubhouse is a large practice green, a chipping green, and a large, very fine driving range. The range features measured targets including sand, wooden storage ball boxes, water station, and wooden dividers and benches all matching. There are at least twenty hitting stations.

The general manager, Bret Shifflett, has been there seven years, leading a team that includes Drew Falvey, Director of Golf (who is leaving at the end of Oct ’24 for Farmington CC), and David Smith, Superintendent, a 25 year veteran of Fawn Lake. There isn’t much he hasn’t touched or improved on the course since his arrival.

The large Palmer greens require extra care. The fairways and greens don’t look like they have the annual play of 24,000 rounds. We could play this course every week! This was an exceptional experience.

If you can get on take it! It’s worth it! When you call, just tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Forest Greens Golf Club

Forest Greens Golf Club is an excellent value, public golf club near Quantico‬ ‭Military Base.

We arrived on a perfect fall day with clear skies, no‬ wind, brilliant foliage and perfect playing conditions. The course was‬ in excellent shape, with greens, fairways and tees lush and well‬ maintained.‬

The management team has two active programs for involving‬ local youth, and is focused on adding the PGA for youth in 2025.‬ The team is rightfully proud of the recent upgrade in bunker quality – reviewers‬ found bunkers throughout the course to be soft, consistent and‬ attractive.

The official course guide was especially helpful for the‬ newcomer. The recommendations in the course guide were spot on and‬ saved the reviewers multiple strokes throughout the round.‬ One of our favorite holes: #18 – a great finishing hole view‭. A par 5, dogleg left, filled with challenges.‬ There’s a bunker about 100 yards short of the green, and a large one‬ in front to make you think about your approach. The view on your‬ approach is uphill toward the clubhouse – an awesome way to finish.

When you go play, tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you.

Gauntlet Golf Club

The Gauntlet Golf Club is an awesome PB Dye course; a shot makers course. Accuracy off the tee will be your best friend throughout the course. While the fairways are generous, there is room for stray shots but straight is the goal. You’ll find lots of trees; it’s the way golf should be, away from stresses of life and relaxing. You will not hear road noise, (maybe a little construction from encroaching development) but, this is a beautiful, peaceful setting. An opportunity to get away.

There is a sign before the first tee to help you choose the right tee - pay attention to this and you’ll enjoy your round so much more. The course was in great shape. Fairways, greens and tee boxes were in great shape. However, the fairways are not level - hills about throughout the course. The greens are equally undulating and challenging. Our experience says to look at the putt from both sides before taking aim. Our biggest challenge was hole 8 - a 470 yard straight uphill and then down to the green, par 4! Really! For our average hitters, that’s a three shot green!

Besides the condition of the course, the staff make the experience at Gauntlet very special. Everyone from the clubhouse to the maintenance staff are exceptional. If Brendon is still at the bar, he’ll never forget you and neither will you forget him. When you go - tell them VGCR sent you!

Hobbs Hole Golf Course

Our Virginia Golf Course Reviews team visited Hobbs Hole Golf Course (Tappahannock, VA) for review sessions June & August of 2023. We enjoyed Jeffrey Timmons’ course design and the tweaks to the course the last few years. Hobbs Hole is very playable and an easy walking course. The undulations of the fairways and greens, and the placement of the bunkers create challenges for the best of players. It was fun to play and with no two holes the same – it was interesting as well. No two holes are the same! Pace of play is expected to be under 3 1/2 hours, or the locals get upset!

Holes of note: Hole 7, Par 3, 195 yd (Signature Hole); Hole 8, Par 4, 446 yd – fairway undulations, bunker placement; Holes 8 & 9 are great finishing holes for the front nine. On the back: Hole 13, Par 4, 421 yd & Hole 14, Par 5, 555 yard; Hole 17, Par 3, 169 yd.

There are distance marker discs in the middle of the fairway. Colored stakes in the rough or birdhouses at 150 or 100 yards) would also be helpful. The restaurant, Prince St. Cafe, is one of the best we’ve experienced. We enjoyed two menu items worth a trip to Tappahannock, even if you don’t play golf: Eggs Rappahannock and Eggs Avocado with Smoked Salmon. You just have to go and find out!

Keswick Golf Course

The experience Keswick starts the moment you enter the pro shop. High quality shirts, hats and golf equipment awaits. The locker room has 3 separate locker rooms, not counting the sauna! Walk ahead to the grill, and grab a REAL meal before you golf, or just enjoy some ambience at the bar. Walk downstairs to back of the clubhouse and you can experience their robust practice facilities – 3 rows of practice tees under regular rotation to keep the facilities fresh, or work on your short game at chipping areas or practice bunkers.

Service is attentive, prompt yet respectful. You are NOT at your local public course – you are at Keswick , and (trust me) you’re going to enjoy your day.

A late Pete Dye course, the design takes full advantage of the contour of the land, and will meet (or exceed!) your highest expectations. The tees, fairways and rough are lush and well tended. The course is very walkable despite the elevation changes, in large part because tees are usually only a few steps from the previous greens. The five sets of tees allows the golfer to select their appropriate level of challenge, and challenges await on most every hole – sometimes from the tee, sometimes planning your approach, and sometimes reading the greens (which rolled remarkably true, btw). And for those that appreciate the beauty of a well architected golf course, keep your camera out for pictures of stacked slate tee construction, timbers and piling in strategic locations, and the occasional tree displaying gorgeous fall colors.

Yes, it will cost you more to play Keswick than your local municipal course, but when you’re done, you will have a memory of golf that will last a lifetime. It is that good. Don’t forget to tell them you heard about Keswick from Virginia Golf Course Reviews. 

Lake Monticello Golf Course

Lake Monticello Golf Club offers everything a golfer would want in a home course: a variety of tee‬ boxes, reasonable fees, friendly staff, game improvement areas, restaurant and bar,‬ and challenging, scenic golf. Not only that, it’s well run, managed and the‬ superintendent, Jim Prucnal, does a fantastic job of preserving the course, even in dry‬ heat. In fact, his reputation around other superintendents is well known. Lake Monticello‬ is fortunate to have him.‬

Our reviewers were there in July 2024 in the middle of a heatwave. To preserve the course, greens take priority, but water is everything. They’ve been‬ transferring water to their reservoir for the last few weeks in an effort to take care of the‬ course.‬

Lake Monticello Golf Course is a Buddy Loving design, opened in 1969. About 65% of‬ the residents are members at Lake Monticello. There’s a tee box for every level of play,‬ from 5610 yards to 6930 yards – nine different tee box combinations. You might take‬ extra balls for this course – you might need them (we did). The challenge is on the‬ undulating greens.

A walkable course for those wanting to walk. There are‬ approximately 30,000 rounds per year, and 200 members.‬ Favorite holes: Hole 3, Par 3; Hole 7, Par 5; Hole 9, Par 4, and Hole 18, Par 5.‬ The course is accessible – VSGA VIP card as well as a pretty descent price for a public golf course. When you go – tell them Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Lake of the Woods Golf Club

General Manager, Eric Barnes, is a ‘walk around’ manager. The day we visited, he was moving between the front desk, the starter and the superintendent to make sure things were running smoothly. Recent updates on the course – Hole No 10 and bunkers around the course are in progress. 

Orange County Virginia has a cluster of golf courses and Lake of the Woods Country Club, designed by Algie Pulley, is certainly worthy of your time to explore. A semi private club within a gated community, the primary golf traffic is local residents but those looking for a well-maintained track near Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania will be delighted by this track. Snuggled within a residential community, the tight fairways and small greens favor the accurate golfer. Big hitters will find little forgiveness for stray rounds and will flirt with OB on several holes. Small greens make this a shot maker’s delight and the well-maintained bunkers are fun to escape. While the extreme heat has taken its toll on many courses, Lake of the Woods was surprisingly green with only slight signs of dirt patches on a few spots. There are six tees from which to choose.

The signature hole is No 10 is a great dogleg right start on the back nine, with a visual that intimidates golfers. The bunker system on this hole, challenges the presence of the lake right to choose a narrow section of the fairway. Then…the green is nasty hard with multiple tiers to navigate. 

The grill is a popular place for patrons who compared notes on their rounds and enjoyed cold beverages. Though there isn’t a driving range, there is a generous putting area to warm up. They utilize the VSGA VIP card and affordable pricing. 

Meadowcreek Golf Course

Our team visited Meadowcreek Golf Course, a public municipal course owned by the City of Charlottesville. The first nine awas built in 1974 by Raymond Loving. An additional nine was later added by Bill Love of Ault, Clark & Assoc to create a Par 71 course. In March 2024, Troon Golf assumed management and has been in charge of maintenance since 2019. Troon is set to make some important adjustments that will benefit the course and its amenities.

The new GM, Chandler Marshall, arrived in March from Cedar Point. His priorities as outlined: upgrading an outdated irrigation system and a bunker renovation or replacement. Of immediate concern is getting the snack bar back in operation. Locally, Meadowcreek competes with some of the finest, upscale courses in the state.

Meadowcreek is fun and challenging. There are no clothing standards, so seeing teenagers playing in tee-shirts is not uncommon. The greens are incredibly consistent. There were black spots on a number of elevated greens, but they did not impact the speed or roll of the putt. The fairways were great. No weeds, no dirt spots. On a course that has so much elevation change and 50,000 rounds per year, this is impressive. Despite the elevation changes, the course is walkable. Rates are really good when walking, so young people take full advantage.

A few years ago, Meadowcreek switched its nines. The former front nine is now the back nine. The former number 10 was a downhill par 3 next to water and over a creek with trees to the right. It was converted to Hole 1, a par 4 with a blind uphill tee shot to a downhill 2nd shot across a creek toward the green. This is a tough way to start the round because any shot off the fairway to the left is in the driving range and is a lost ball. The reason for the switch – the original Hole 9 was deemed a better Hole 18. You be the judge! Otherwise, every hole is different in length, style, and contour. There is a lot of trouble for errant shots, but keeping the ball in play will keep scores low. It is not long from the back blue tees, but they bring more challenge for keeping it in play.When you go play – let the team know Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you!

Meadows Farms Golf Course Course

Meadows Farms is a kick in the pants! This course, designed by Bill Ward, Jr., has unique, creative layouts and is well kept. Meadows Farms Golf Course used to be a farm and has a history of Civil War battlefield hospital and memorials to loyal staff and dedicated golf members throughout. While the Island, Longest Hole, and Waterfall are the 3 signature holes, and also serve as the name of 3 different 9-hole courses, there are 3 or 4 other holes that could claim “signature” or “unique status.” Not found in too many places – a warmup hole, a baseball outfield par 3, landscaped slats that protect bunkers, a unique set of mounts that separates two holes, and several greens that are constructed and tucked in around ponds and streams.

A fun course that gives off a family friendly vibe. All will feel welcome in this one of a kind 27 hole experience. Everything about this course is unique. Before it was a golf course, it was a cattle ranch.

Check out the large bull from the cattle ranch in the clubhouse.

Memberships are available for a variety of pricing. Individual pricing for daily rounds depends on day of the week, time of teeing off, and season of the year. There is a very reasonable fee to play the third nine holes. The greens are large and give plenty of opportunity for several putts – bogey or more!. 

This is a fun course which will be enjoyed by all levels of play. When you finish playing you will want to make a tee time for the next time you come back. Meadows Farms Golf Course should be on your bucket list. It’s accessible with the VSGA VIP card. 

Old Trail

Old Trail Golf Club, Crozet, Virginia sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a few miles from access to Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway. The Zoysia grass fairways make for a great lie every time you keep the ball in play on the fairway! You’ll want to treat yourself to a round of golf with the folks at Old Trail.

Our reviewers found Old Trail Golf Club in great shape and a beautiful spot in Virginia to enjoy a round of golf. A shout out to the staff for hosting us and for their hospitality. The course was in really good shape, with mountain views and challenges for every level of golfer on every hole.

We enjoyed the challenges of Old Trail – length, forced carries, zoysia grass and the way the course treats the golfer. You really must think about every shot as their are very few straight holes – maybe Hole 8, a par 5 heading back toward the clubhouse. And, it’s reachable in two! We enjoyed the variety of design on each hole, along with  the generous wide fairways. If you miss the fairway, you are truly penalized by the grasses beyond the rough. Ok…confession: we missed a fairway or two! 

When you go – let them know we sent you! 

Somerset Farms Golf Club

Somerset Farms Golf Club is part of the Meadows Farms Golf Course family of courses. They are making significant improvements over the next few years, starting with the greens. Everyday is an improvement. The fairways‬ are in good shape. Somerset is a solid public course. The front nine is not long, and not difficult. Off-line shots are recoverable. However, the fairways are close together and it’s possible to play from a neighboring fairway.

The design of the course is good, with fairway bunkers well-placed. With four tee boxes, players of multiple skill levels can be‬ challenged. On the front nine‬, Holes 8 and 9 require well placed shots – and hint at what the back nine is like. The back nine is a little tighter – with trees, houses and water that come into play. The par 5’s aren’t necessarily long just challenging if you’d like to get there in two! For example, Hole 10 green is protected with water all the way. Tight tee shots? Leave the driver in the bag on Holes 12 & 14. The Par 3s, except Hole 6, are fairly short.

Hole 18 is a great closing hole – A very tight uphill fairway. Eight bunkers – two impact the tee shot, three that potentially get your 2nd shot and three that protect the green. Fun hole! We reviewed this course about four weeks ago in the middle of a major heat wave and still found the course very playable.

Somerset is accessible from Richmond, Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville. Like other courses – the heat is playing a number on the course. The course is very walkable, affordable and fun to play. Use the VSGA VIP card and enjoy the round. When you go, tell them we sent you!

South Wales Golf Club

South Wales Golf Club’s commitment to customer experience is exemplified by its readiness to make continuous improvements. Managed by the Thompson family, their leadership seems to be heading the right direction. The bones of this course designed by Tom Clark are solid. The course has a bright future, if the plans the owners have are implemented as outlined. Even with current conditions (cart paths need attention, tee boxes were a little rough) the course is playable, walkable and there plenty to enjoy.

Some of our favorite holes: Hole 2 - a very beautiful par 3, over water! The forward tees don’t need to go over water, but it’s still a beautiful hole. Hole 10 has a wide open fairway with a creek along the left side of the fairway up to the green. Visually challenging. Hole 13 from the tips is a thrill and visually challenging. While there are no bunkers on this hole, there is a creek to deal with. And, finally, Hole 18 is a great finishing hole at 677 yards from the tips. Mostly downhill to the green.

When you go to South Wales, let them know Virginia Golf Course Reviews sent you.

The Greene Hills Club

The team from Virginia Golf Course Reviews made a visit to The Greene Hills Club. Greene Hills is an outstanding private golf club that allows VSGA VIP card holders to play Monday – Wednesday each week.

There are a number of blind shots and plenty of water, but not much that comes into play. Holes 4 & 5 both have blind landing areas. Hole 5 has significant elevation changes. Hole 6 is a beautiful Par 3 with water short and left. The best shot is center of the green. Hole 7, a slight dog-leg right has the unusual – a huge oak tree planted firmly in the middle of the fairway. Hole 15 is a whopping 466 yards, Par 4 and is the No 1 handicap hole on the course. Have fun with this!

The Greene Hills Club is a beautiful fun course that will challenge your mental and physical game from start to finish. It’s definitely worth the scenic drive at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and just off US 29 north of Charlottesville. 

Wintergreen – Devil’s Knob

Devils Knob Golf Course Wintergreen, Virginia is a beast! This Ellis Maples designed course is difficult but so much fun to play. Narrow fairways off the tee are a real challenge. The strategically placed fairway and green-side bunkers require careful shot considerations at every turn. The design of this course requires every club in the bag. This is not a bomb and wedge course. The greens are quick and run true. The number of dogleg holes offer plenty of variety. Of particulate interest – the 545 yard, uphill, Par 5, No 7. Truly the Number 1 handicap hole in the area, not just at Devils Knob!

You’ll want to play this course again and again – it’s so breathtakingly inviting.

Wintergreen – Stoney Creek

Geoff Redgrave hosted Virginia Golf Course Reviews at Stoney Creek Golf Course at Wintergreen Resort, October 23. They played Monocan and Tuckahoe courses and loved the varying lengths of the Par 4s and Par 5s. The views are breathtaking! The fairways are nice and wide, with the rough not terribly penalizing. You’ll want to come back soon to play again!