Virginia is home to some of the most scenic and well-designed golf courses on the East Coast, offering breathtaking views, championship layouts, and world-class amenities. Whether you’re looking for a challenging PGA-level course, a relaxing resort-style experience, or a historic club, Virginia has outstanding golf courses for every skill level.
In this guide, we highlight the 9 best golf courses in Virginia, covering private clubs, public courses, and top golf resorts.
1. The Olde Farm – Exclusive & Prestigious
📍 Location: Bristol, VA
⭐ Best For: Private, elite golf experiences
⛳ Course Type: Private
Why Play Here?
Ranked among the best private golf courses in the U.S., The Olde Farm offers an exclusive, highly-rated course known for its pristine conditions and scenic layout. Designed by Bobby Weed, the course provides rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and top-tier service.
Course Highlights:
✅ Classic links-style design with wide fairways and deep bunkers.
✅ Member-exclusive experience with luxurious clubhouse amenities.
✅ Ranked among Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses in America”.
🎟️ Membership Required – Invitation only.
2. The Cascades at The Omni Homestead – Best Mountain Golf Course
📍 Location: Hot Springs, VA
⭐ Best For: Golf & luxury resort experience
⛳ Course Type: Resort/Public
Why Play Here?
Designed by William S. Flynn, The Cascades is considered one of the top-ranked public courses in Virginia, featuring stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and challenging elevation changes.
Course Highlights:
✅ Historic course dating back to 1923.
✅ Challenging layout with water hazards, tree-lined fairways, and fast greens.
✅ Part of The Omni Homestead Resort, offering world-class dining, a luxury spa, and natural hot springs.
🎟️ Rates: $195 – $225 per round
3. Kinloch Golf Club – Most Exclusive Private Course
📍 Location: Manakin-Sabot, VA
⭐ Best For: Private golf club with elite membership
⛳ Course Type: Private
Why Play Here?
Kinloch Golf Club is Virginia’s most exclusive private club, ranked among the Top 100 courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest. The Tom Fazio-designed course offers perfectly manicured fairways, strategic bunkers, and a peaceful setting.
Course Highlights:
✅ Highly selective membership with world-class amenities.
✅ Expertly maintained course with immaculate greens.
✅ Perfect blend of challenge and playability for serious golfers.
🎟️ Membership Required – By invitation only.
4. Ballyhack Golf Club – Best for Championship Golf
📍 Location: Roanoke, VA
⭐ Best For: Private golf & championship-level play
⛳ Course Type: Private
Why Play Here?
Designed by Lester George, Ballyhack is a links-style championship course featuring large fairways, massive greens, and stunning Appalachian Mountain views. It is part of the Dormie Network, offering world-class private golf experiences.
Course Highlights:
✅ Top-rated private golf experience in Virginia.
✅ Scottish-style design with rolling hills and deep bunkers.
✅ Exclusive access for Dormie Network members.
🎟️ Membership Required – Private club.
5. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Gold Course) – Best Public Course
📍 Location: Williamsburg, VA
⭐ Best For: Public play with a PGA-style challenge
⛳ Course Type: Public
Why Play Here?
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe is a legendary public golf course that challenges even the best players with its narrow fairways, fast greens, and water hazards.
Course Highlights:
✅ Ranked among the Top 50 public courses in the U.S..
✅ Signature hole: Par-3 16th with an island green.
✅ Resort-style experience with luxury accommodations nearby.
🎟️ Rates: $150 – $185 per round
6. The Club at Viniterra – Best Golf & Wine Experience
📍 Location: New Kent, VA
⭐ Best For: Golf & vineyard lovers
⛳ Course Type: Public/Semi-Private
Why Play Here?
Nestled between Williamsburg and Richmond, this Rees Jones-designed course is known for its gorgeous fairways and proximity to Virginia’s top wineries.
Course Highlights:
✅ Rolling fairways and natural wooded landscapes.
✅ Perfect for wine lovers—close to New Kent Winery.
✅ Premium, well-maintained greens and a peaceful setting.
🎟️ Rates: $80 – $120 per round
7. The River Course at Kingsmill Resort – Best for Waterfront Views
📍 Location: Williamsburg, VA
⭐ Best For: Scenic riverfront golf & resort experience
⛳ Course Type: Resort/Public
Why Play Here?
Designed by Pete Dye, this championship-level course features stunning views of the James River, challenging bunkers, and rolling fairways.
Course Highlights:
✅ Hosted the LPGA Tour’s Kingsmill Championship.
✅ Signature hole: Par-4 17th along the riverbank.
✅ Part of Kingsmill Resort, offering a full luxury experience.
🎟️ Rates: $160 – $225 per round
8. Spring Creek Golf Club – Best Affordable Championship Course
📍 Location: Zion Crossroads, VA
⭐ Best For: Affordable championship-style golf
⛳ Course Type: Public
Why Play Here?
Spring Creek Golf Club is one of the best-value golf courses in Virginia, offering a PGA-level course at affordable rates.
Course Highlights:
✅ Championship course with scenic rolling hills.
✅ Ranked as one of the best public courses in Virginia.
✅ Great mix of risk-reward holes with challenging greens.
🎟️ Rates: $75 – $110 per round
9. Bay Creek Resort – Best for Oceanfront Golf
📍 Location: Cape Charles, VA
⭐ Best For: Oceanfront golf with resort amenities
⛳ Course Type: Resort/Public
Why Play Here?
Bay Creek Resort offers two courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, featuring breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Course Highlights:
✅ Coastal golf experience with stunning water views.
✅ Mix of links-style and traditional golf layouts.
✅ Luxury resort accommodations nearby.
🎟️ Rates: $130 – $180 per round
🏆 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Golf Course in Virginia
Virginia offers world-class golf experiences, from private elite clubs to stunning public courses with championship-level play. Whether you want a mountain golf retreat, a historic resort, or a waterfront course, Virginia has it all.
- For the best private club → Play at Kinloch Golf Club or The Olde Farm.
- For luxury resort golf → Stay at The Cascades or Kingsmill Resort.
- For the best public course → Try Golden Horseshoe or Spring Creek.
- For stunning coastal views → Tee off at Bay Creek Resort.
For more golfing insights, luxury experiences, and exclusive travel recommendations, visit CarValor for expert guides and reviews.
