Virginia is known as the Old Dominion state because of its former royalty to the English crown. That unquestioning loyalty may be long gone but the state still features some of the most royal scenic views in the country. The top courses in Virginia feature scenic rides through unrivaled country landscapes and foliage only seen in the national parks. Virginia in the fall offers incredible foliage views and refreshing mountain air for the perfect weekend escape for individual golfers and groups. Discover these scenic golf courses and don’t forget to bring your best golf shoes for this trip.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Urbanowicz
Cascades Golf Course at The Omni Homestead—Hot Springs
The Omni Homestead’s Cascades Golf Course provides the seclusion of the Appalachian Mountains without sacrificing amenities or course quality. It’s a location in the low Appalachians with stunning elevation changes and incredible forestry incomparable to other resorts in the area. Most tee shots are met with pristine views of towering robust pines lining each side of the fairway. The front nine delights golfers with challenging holes and incredible views only to be outdone by the sensationally designed back nine.
During the cool fall months, morning rounds feature crisp fresh air that provides golfers with views of wonderful color palettes from the changing tree lines. Golfers will experience incredible course conditions as the greens crew at the Omni Homestead makes it a point to assure optimal playing conditions throughout the fall months.
The Omni Homestead has world-class accommodations, including fine dining, expansive staterooms, and amenities ranging from boutique shops to luxurious massages. The cozy decor makes you feel comfortable regardless of the temperature. Dining accommodations and excellent services available to all guests create an easy transition from golf to relaxation. There is a range of packages available to suit each golfer and their spouse to make sure they are comfortable on the course or in the hotel.
The Olde Farm—Bristol
The Olde Farm rests on the southern border of Virginia only a few miles above the North Carolina border in the rolling hills of the Appalachian mountain chain. Unlike other courses in the mountains, the design does have several holes lined with a thick brush instead of large pine or oak trees. Designer Bobby Weed continues his minimalist design on courses to avoid distracting golfers while also challenging even the best players. Multiple tee locations give this course playability for each golfer regardless of skill level.
On-site are several different accommodations to meet the needs of each golfer and group. Between the cabins, cottages, and long barn, your golf trip can be made whole with accommodations to suit individual golfers or groups. The Olde Farm has dedicated itself to growing sourcing local produce to the point of growing vegetables on site.
During the fall, the on-site restaurants feature the freshest seasonal vegetables and fruits harvested in the region to give golfers the best local cuisine. If golfers are looking for elite accommodations, there are a variety of lodging and housing types that offer exquisite views overlooking the course on several different holes. Multiple dining selections and lounge areas allow patrons to enjoy fine dining and superb high-class lounge services.
The Highland at Primland—Meadows of Dan
The Highland’s name is backed up by its location and views. Sitting atop a plateau in the Virginia mountain ranges, the views are exclusive and selective to this region and course. During the fall months, the foliage leads to incredible three hundred and sixty-degree panoramic views only available at the highland at Primland. An immaculate course designed by Donald Steel that features a scenic tour of elevation changes, hazards, and heavily sloped greens is complemented by the views of rolling hills and October tree color schemes blanketing the background of each tee and fairway shot.
The location of Primland is near some of the best vineyards in the area since the altitude contributes to fruitful and delicious grapes. A secluded mountain escape is complemented by five-star dining, drinking, accommodations, and style. Outside of the golf course, there are luxurious spa treatments available as well as sport shooting and a wide array of outdoor activities built for the perfect weekend retreat. During their stay, golfers are welcomed with pristine course conditions with unparalleled mountain views of foliage and accommodations that suit even the most discerning guests.
Kinloch Golf Club—Manakin-Sabot
Only just outside of Richmond, Kinloch Golf Club is home to breathtaking views and an escape from the hustle of city life. Tall ancient pines line the fairways, with several fairway shots offering awe-inspiring tree lines uncharacteristic for the Richmond area. Early rounds are met with rising dew clouds, making your first tee shot picturesque.
Unlike other golf clubs in Virginia, there are several tee distances at Kinloch, making the course accessible to all ages and skill levels. Kinloch takes great pride in making sure that the greens and fairways consistently remain in championship condition. The world-class caddie staff takes excellent care of your clubs, and their knowledge of the course and game of golf helps golfers lower scores and enjoy the game. The Tudor-style clubhouse has incredible amenities to suit each member and guest’s needs, from watching their favorite sports game to getting a delicious meal from the excellent in-house restaurant.
For golfers looking to receive the full Kinloch experience, there are exquisite cottages near the clubhouse that combine premiere service with VIP landscape and luxurious comforts. The cottages lend themselves for the perfect golfers’ retreat of eight. The Kinloch is the perfect escape from the busy city lifestyle without having to drive or fly to a remote part of the country. The world-class accommodations, surreal landscaping, and unrivaled service creating an incredibly relaxing secluded atmosphere minutes from the capital city.