Brickshire Golf Club

Brickshire Golf Club‘s Tom Clark design is a real CHALLENGE. Virginia Golf Course Reviews thoroughly loved playing this course. Brickshire is very demanding and a fun experience. Hole 18 is one of the most memorable golf holes by a long shot, nothing like it in the state! Their website has a description of all 18 holes – check it out. 

Tom Clark designed four holes that emulate other golf holes from around the world: No 1 to emulate Augusta National’s Hole 3; No 7 to emulate Pinehurst No 2, Hole 11; Hole 9 to emulate Hole 14 at St. Andrews Old Course and No 11 to emulate Hole 10 at Riviera CC. The other 14 holes were equally unique and challenging.

Our favorite holes: No 7 – a gentle uphill design with a few bunkers to navigate; Hole 9 – a great closing hole for the front nine that leaves you wanting more as you make the turn; and Hole 18 – just a great finishing hole, beautiful in every way – shot making, accuracy and shot options to fit your game.

Brookwoods Golf Course

The Director of Golf, Tim Cockrell, has been at Brookwoods since 2019, having previously known the superintendent and owner, Bob Friend. Bob purchased Brookwoods from the former owner, The Campbell family in 2019. 

Algie Pulley’s design (opening in 1976) is a gift to the community. It was the first golf course in New Kent County. The combination of doglegs, slight elevation changes, undulating greens, and tree-lined fairways makes this an experience you shouldn’t miss. His unique design includes 5 par 3s, 5 par 5s and 8 par 4s for a par 72 course. Playing this course often will not get old. 

Management is committed to growing the game with league play for men and women and the opportunity to develop junior youth programs is exceptional. Brookwoods is just off I-64 between Richmond & Williamsburg, sitting among some other golf courses. A great addition to a great weekend of golf with other courses in the area. 

They utilize the VIP card, and aside from this it’s a very affordable course to play, a major goal of theirs. In addition they’d like to keep the course in great shape. And, considering the heat of the last few weeks, the course was green! 

Other changes – they’re hoping to continue upgrading the bunkers, possibly reducing the number, but reducing the maintenance on the course is becoming a concern. 

Amenities: the clubhouse is comfortable and nicely equipped with plenty of seating, a grill and pro shop. By the way, the food is exceptional! And, the staff create a family friendly environment. 

Brookwoods is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown Richmond. It’s just a few miles from the Richmond Airport on route 60. Each hole has its own unique characteristics. The golf course layout includes many doglegs but the biggest challenge is the green complexes. Every green has a variety of slopes and rolls which provides a premium on shot location. The 34 bunkers are well placed around the greens. Players will find tight tree-lined fairways and water to avoid. Just about every hole at Brookwoods has its own secluded corridor away from the distractions of the other golfers.

Colonial Heritage Golf Club

Colonial Heritage Club, while in a gated residential community, is very accessible as a semi-private golf course. This Arthur Hills signature course opened in 2006. An 18-hole, par 72, championship course, measures 6889 yards from the tips and has 11 sets of tees - yes, 11 with the combination tees - so you get a range of 3142 to 6889 yards to play with. Other courses should take the time and effort to create these combo tees, giving golfers options beyond the traditional four or five tee sets.

Colonial Heritage practice facilities include putting and chipping areas, an adequate driving range near the tenth tee; a fitness room, pool, tennis and pickleball courts and a restaurant/bar with banquet and special event space for indoor and outdoor events. Membership rates are reasonable for both residents and community members.

Colonial Heritage Club is open to the public and one of the top, most difficult course designs and challenging layouts in Virginia. Missing a green on an approach, or rolling the ball through the green, sometimes leaves a very difficult shot back toward the hole. Fairways are noticeably tighter on the par 4's the closer you get to the hole (note Hole 12). Par fives have fairway bailouts near the green in case a player does not want to take on carries or bunkers. On par 4's, a great tee shot can be rewarded with a seemingly easy approach. But most of them require two excellent shots to play golf at par; one putts on these greens are rare unless you get close! Access to penalized areas like hills/woods/deep fairway bunkers are mostly made accessible with steps, paths, and stones. This course feels like it was carved out of land that could not have been used for any other purpose.

Don't live in this 55+ community behind the guard gate? No problem, just tell the guard you want to play; they'll let you in! It's that easy!

When you book your tee time - please tell the folks at Colonial Heritage we sent you!

Fords Colony - Blackheath Course

The Ford's Colony courses are a class act. Everything is done well. The second you enter the property, you experience the welcome and the quality. Our team played the Blackheath course and our tee time preceded the lady member's 9 hole league which was well-attended. The staff was diligent about making sure they were being supported both on the course and before and after the competition. We had a chance to chat with some of the ladies and they were very complimentary of the course and the staff. The staff met our vehicle upon arrival with efficiency and smiles.

The course was in great condition and enjoyable to play, and you can expect with heavy rain there might be issues to deal with. We particularly enjoyed the flow of the course which included a test of your various clubs and memorable holes that left us wanting to play them again. Dan Maples designed a course that is both fun to play and a challenge. Williamsburg has some quality golf in its vicinity. Ford's Colony is certainly among the top tier of courses in the area.

Ford's Colony has a very useful app that can be downloaded. Yardages, information and hole diagrams are available. Leave your caddy at home and download the app if you are playing.

The practice facilities were well cared for and more than sufficient to support the day's players. The restaurant had very good bar-type food with top shelf service. The pro shop was well stocked with applicable merchandise. We are happy to report that the golf is in good hands at Ford's Colony. The course is a quality course with a mix of holes that require the use of every club in the bag. Conditions were superior and the flow of the course was both interesting and enjoyable. It was fair to golfers of all abilities and played at a good pace. #experincevirginiagolf #virginiagolfcoursereviews #VirginiaGolf‍ ‍#fordscolonyblackheath

Ford’s Colony - Blue Heron Course

Ford’s Colony Golf Club has three different 18 hole courses. The courses have both individual memberships and daily play for individuals. This is also a destination golf club as there is a relationship between the club and the Marriott Hotel Corporation. Hotel accommodations are adjacent to the course. Reduced rates apply to both a stay and play rate. Discount rates to play are available. Public play costs are $85 - $95.

The Blue Heron course was designed by Dan Maples and is highly visual and a stunning course. Fairways are wide open but be aware of wetlands and bunkers coming into play near the greens. As with many courses in the area a lack of rain, winter snow and ice have had an effect on the course.

Ford’s Colony successfully meets 3 missions - a neighborhood course for its members, a resort course available for guests at the local Marriott resort, and a regional attraction for golfers from Virginia and beyond.

While the first hole hugs the resort boundaries, the remaining 17 holes roll through the woodlands and wetlands of the Virginia Tidewater, offering golfing challenges and scenic sight lines. As reviewers drove several hours to get to Ford’s Colony, as golfers, we’d happily drive 2 hours each way to play it again.

#experincevirginiagolf #virginiagolfcoursereviews #VirginiaGolf #fordscolonyblueheron

Ford’s Colony – Marsh Hawk Course

Our team enjoyed an early August 2026 visit to Marsh Hawk at Ford’s Colony Country Club. It opened in 1984 and is a classic Dan Maples design located in the heart of Williamsburg. The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, natural lakes, and subtle elevation changes that add both beauty and challenge to this traditional, tree-lined layout. Marsh Hawk's pedigree is evident in its tournament history, having hosted the Virginia State Open in 1998 and 1999, as well as serving for 12 consecutive years as a Monday Qualifier site for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship.

Recently opened to the general public after many years as a members-only facility, Marsh Hawk provides visitors with an excellent first impression both on and off the course. The club’s website offers a helpful overview of each hole, including yardages, brief descriptions, and aerial-style images highlighting key hazards and layout features. Upon arrival, our starter, a 24-year club veteran, spent time providing valuable insight into the course, sharing both its history and playing strategy. He noted that the majority of rounds are still played by members and golfers visiting Williamsburg as part of golf vacation packages, though public play has steadily increased since access was expanded.

Among the standout holes, the par-4 4th hole is particularly memorable, featuring a green that appears almost island-like with water running down the entire left side from tee to green, creating both a visually stunning and intimidating shot. Another favorite is the risk-reward par-4 13th, where aggressive players can challenge the water off the tee and take a direct line toward the green, potentially reaching it in one shot. Both holes showcase the strategic design elements that make Marsh Hawk an enjoyable and rewarding test for golfers of all skill levels.

Golden Horseshoe – Gold Course

Virginia Golf Course Reviews team members were at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Gold Course November 13. Our host, Jeff Winters, Director of Golf. His 20+ years at one place is exceptional service to the courses in his care. The Gold Course (1963), designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and redone in 2017 by Rees Jones, is a masterpiece. Hard to believe you’re playing less than a couple hundred years from downtown Williamsburg! Each hole has its own personality, challenges and unique contribution to the golf experience – we thoroughly enjoyed what we found on Holes 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 & 16. But, honestly, EVERY hole was just a pleasure to step on the tee box to see what the next hole brought. The views from the tee to green and back added so much to the experience; and the par 3s and water holes were especially fun. You’ll want to add this course to your list of courses to visit – and, don’t wait!

Golden Horseshoe – Green Course

Our reviewers stopped in at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Green Course November 14. This 1991 Rees Jones design is a gem. Some really nice features about the Green Course: You could play each hole and never know someone was on an adjacent hole, you’ll love the par 3s – No 7, 9, 11 and 17. Then, stepping on No 18 tee – the awesome view of the clubhouse in the distance. The bumps along the side of most of the fairways really help keep your ball in play, unless you hit the back side of the bumps – then, you can expect at least one or two extra strokes on the hole. Jeff Winters, Director of Golf, informed us there are plans to address the cart path and drainage issues on the course, both in the fairways and in the bunkers – in fact, likely removing around 24 bunkers. Mr. Winters 20+ years at The Golden Horseshoe courses bodes well for the care and attention they get.

Kingsmill - Plantation Course

Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay created a gem and the layout speaks for itself. Almost every hole weaves through the community with houses visible, but not close enough to be in play on most holes. There is ample woods space and well-marked OB lines on both sides of play. There are plenty of challenges here for every level of golfer.

You’ll have to pay attention to signage across the course due to the interwoven nature of the Kingsmill courses. On this course, you don’t return to the clubhouse after hole 9, ordering food from the grill and having it delivered is certainly an option. You might check with the clubhouse before you head out.

Our teams thoroughly enjoyed the Plantation Course experience. While there are always areas for improvement on any course, this is an enjoyable layout. There is little about this course not to like. Favorite holes: Hole 2 - a moderate length par 5 over a gully off the tee, a pond off to the left of fairway and bunkers challenging the approach to the green; Hole 8 - a double dogleg par 5 with excellent risk/reward shots on the way to the green. Cutting corners might help you, but that’s the risk; Hole 12 - another challenging, risk/reward par 5! The approach over a small ditch that separates the fairway from the green on approach is challenging - take enough club; Hole 18 - longer if you follow the dogleg left fairway, however, the challenge is to go for green over the trees on the left to an approachable 274 yards from the tips. Have fun!

When you visit - tell them VGCR sent you.

Kingsmill - The River Course

Our first visit to the Kingsmill River Course was a real treat. Pete Dye’s slight touches on this course highlight what makes this course a truly great experience. Located along the James River you’ll want to add this course to your wish list, if you haven’t already.

The River Course is a long-time PGA and LPGA competition site. While our experience wasn’t for a championship, it was nonetheless a good experience. Our favorite holes: Hole 2 - a challenging par 3 with large bunkers guarding the green short and right are especially in play; Hole 8 - a challenging par 4, dogleg right. The uphill approach to an elevated green will leave a lot of approaches short. Hole 10 - It’s just a great opening hole for the back nine! While the fairway is wide, the challenge with this hole is the cavernous drop off with water below, then rises back uphill about 120 yards out; Hole 15 - the only par 5 on the back at 473 yards, with a narrow fairway. But getting to the green you still have work!

You will certainly enjoy this experience on this historically celebrated course.

When you visit - tell them VGCR sent you.

Kingsmill - The Woods Course

Kingsmill’s The Woods Course is a challenging, yet short walkable course at any level of golfer. Everything about the course from tee to green is in excellent shape. No doubt, this course and the management team treat you to a fabulous experience. This is Kingsmill's private course - only used by resort guests when the other two courses are packed. Everyone is personable, friendly and want you to have a great experience - that’s the team goal!

Practice facilities are exceptional - a large practice green with practice chipping and bunkers nearby to fine-tune your game before heading to the short, but well equipped driving range (limited to about 200 yards). The greens and fairways are exceptionally well cared for. Our favorite green complex - the shared on holes 12 & 15. Bunkers were also in great shape. Favorite holes: Hole 7 - a potentially driveable hole from the tips at about 280 yards; Hole 18 - a great finishing hole with the pond in front of the green and a beautiful view of the clubhouse.

If you go - tell them VGCR sent you!

Kiskiack Golf Club

First of all, congratulations to Nick Zanka for hanging in at Kiskiack for over 20 years. That says a lot about commitment. The Kiskiack golf community is grateful. The course is one of the finest conditioned, consistently groomed courses we’ve encountered.

While the course is well maintained, the bunkers were being worked on. The practice facilities are well maintained and the driving range had well-defined targets to practice your distances. Kiskiack was designed by John LaFoy and opened in 1997. There are five sets of tees ranging from 4900 - 6800 yards, enough challenge for any level of player. Fairways are Bermuda.

There are plenty of risk-reward opportunities on this course. Our favorite holes: Hole 1 - an opening par 5 right out of the clubhouse! Hole 4 - is a little quirky. From the tee, there’s a drop off about 150 yards out, so aim a little left to play into that. If you end up in the bottom of this drop off, you’ll have about 100 yards to an elevated green, with bunkers in front. Take plenty of club to get to the green! Hole 11 - the signature hole and it’s a challenge. From the tips - just over 200 yards over water, a large bunker to the green. Have fun on Hole 18. It’s a 503 yard par 5, double dogleg over water and up the hill - it’s a tough hole, but rewading if you make par or birdie!

When you go - tell them VGCR sent you.

Royal New Kent Golf Club

Royal New Kent features a stunning 300+ acre layout that delivers both visual drama and a demanding test of golf. Designed by the late Mike Strantz, this course showcases his signature style throughout—bold shaping, strategic angles, and striking site lines. Royal New Kent has earned recognition as a Top 10 course in Virginia and has previously been ranked among the 20 toughest public courses in the nation. While unquestionably challenging, the routing and variety keep golfers eager to return, rewarding thoughtful play and precise shot-making into multi-tiered greens for a challenging yet truly enthralling experience.

In recent years, ownership has invested approximately $2 million to restore the course closer to Strantz’s original vision. Improvements have included enhanced drainage throughout the property, the installation of Bermuda greens, upgraded carts with GPS in 2025, and extensive tree removal and land enhancements designed to improve playability and aesthetics. These land improvements are especially noticeable on holes 8 and 14, where increased visibility has dramatically enhanced both strategy and visual appeal. A continued priority is the removal of vegetation not originally envisioned by Strantz, and the results of this restoration effort are already clearly evident across the course.

Enhancing the destination appeal, Royal New Kent offers Shamrock Hill, a stay-and-play option that comfortably accommodates approximately eight adults, making it ideal for group trips and extended golf weekends.

The course maintains a small membership base of roughly 20 members and partners with Viniterra to offer an Associate Membership. This package provides three rounds with cart at each location and is available annually from October through December. It represents a strong value proposition for local golfers looking to enjoy high-caliber golf at very reasonable rates. Overall, Royal New Kent hosted approximately 21,800 rounds last year, underscoring both its growing popularity and sustained demand."

This course requires managing every shot, on every hole and gives the opportunity to use every club in the bag. Overall, one of the best courses we have ever played. Mike Strantz – nothing else really needs to be said! Make sure you tell the folks at Royal New Kent we sent you!

Stonehouse Golf Club

Stonehouse Golf Club opened in 1996 to accolades as “Best New Upscale Public Course in the Nation” by Golf Digest and “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine, and more. Following the market drop of 2008 it started losing it’s status and closed for a brief period before being purchased in December 2018. Stonehouse LLC was formed with the major backing of J. Sanders Construction to bring the property back to its former glory. And, they have succeeded in bringing it back! The new owners honor the work of Mike Stranz.

Stonehouse is a gorgeous, fun and challenging property and needs to be back on your list of ‘must play. There are plenty of ravines, fairway bunkers and visual distractions to bring you to your knees, but you’ll enjoy the challenge. The fairways seem to keep your ball in the fairway, even if you miss slightly to the left or right ON the fairway. Notice Hole 12. The ravines are breath-taking and are at times intimidating. And No 17, Par 3 is just amazing! 

The greens…wow…the greens. BIG, rolling and fair, with some false fronts and major undulations. Though built in a residential community, the course feels like it is just the golfer and nature. Playing the course, you don’t see another fairway and homes never come into play.

One of the few downsides to this course – it’s not for walkers – distances from green to tee are often 100-200 or more yards. Stonehouse Grill, located behind the 18th green, has stunning views of the final hole. The Bang Bang Shrimp and crab cakes (flakey and seasoned just right) are a great choice. The wide open space in the restaurant/grill building would make an ideal place to host a tournament. There is plenty of room, good food and a variety of draft beers on tap.

The Club at Viniterra

The Club at Viniterra is a well-managed, Rees Jones design golf course. This course takes advantage of the local landscape to carve out the fairways and greens. Rees Jones has created an exceptional golf experience with elevation changes on nearly every hole – from tee to green; from green to next tee.

Our team made a recent visit to Viniterra and enjoyed the opportunity play the course again. Staying ahead of the amount of play the course receives is a challenge, but they do a great job! Playing from the tips at 7500 yards (although we didn’t) is a different experience. The sight lines are very different, and rewarding. You don’t have to play from the tips to enjoy this course. They have everything from 4529 – 7513 yards to suit your game. You wouldn’t want to walk this course, unless you like walking 10 miles of cart paths! The distance between green and tee box is often several hundreds of yards.

This is a well bunkered course with 81 bunkers on the course! Stay in the fairway, and you score well. There are seven tee boxes (or combos) to play and could lead to different experiences as you play the course more often. the ladies league is just getting started; and Viniterra participates with several otehr courses in area in the 2026 Viniterra-Williamsburg Cup. There are twelve matches through the summer.

While there is no longer water provided on the course, water bottles are provided by Viniterra at the clubhouse before the round, at the turn and again at the end. Viniterra is a challenging course – choose the appropriate tee box and you’ll have a pleasant round of golf.

When you go, let Charlie Burch and his team know we sent you!

Williamsburg National Golf Course

Williamsburg National Golf Course has two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – Jamestown & Yorktown Courses, offering unique opportunities for golfers.

The Jamestown Course is a Jack Nicklaus designed course and the layout speaks for itself. Almost every hole weaves through the comunity with houses visible, but not in play. And, there are plenty of challenges for every level of golfer. This course has hosted numerous PGA qualifiers and was named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest. This course has Bermuda greens, including the practice greens – and they were in excellent shape. There are a minimal number of bunkers – with 6 holes have none to get in your way.

The Yorktown Course, designed by Tom Clark in 2007, will challenge every aspect of your game, regardless of which tee box you play. Bunkers (all 58 of them) will give you visual challenges off the tee and as you approach the green. Good luck! These greens are undulating and challenging – your aim is to be below the hole as much as possible. The management team is highly focused on maintenance, growing the game and developing programs for younger golfers. Make time to get to Williamsburg National Golf Club – you certainly won’t be disappointed. And, when you go, let them know you heard about them through Virginia Golf Course Reviews.

Be sure and tell the folks at Williamsburg National Golf Club we sent you!