Virginia is home to several exceptional public golf courses that offer a perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and top-notch amenities.
Here are the top five: Royal New Kent, The Cascades at Omni Homestead, Kingsmill’s River Course, Laurel Hill, and Golden Horseshoe’s Gold Course.
Keep reading for a more detailed look at each course and why they stand out.
Royal New Kent Golf Club – Providence Forge, VA
Royal New Kent Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the most unique and challenging public courses in Virginia.
Designed by the legendary Mike Strantz, this course combines bold design with a playing experience that mimics the dramatic landscapes of Irish links courses.
It’s a favorite among golfers who crave a test of skill in an unforgettable setting.
Course Design and Layout
Royal New Kent’s layout is an architectural masterpiece, heavily influenced by the rugged charm of Ireland’s famous links-style courses.
Designed by Mike Strantz, known for his artistic and daring approach, the course is filled with dramatic elevation changes that create a dynamic and visually stunning round of golf.
You’ll encounter rolling hills, vast bunkers, and natural hazards that make each hole feel like its own unique adventure.
The fairways are generous but strategically deceptive, requiring you to carefully consider your shots, while the greens are meticulously contoured, offering challenges for even the most experienced putters.
Strantz’s design rewards creativity and thoughtful play, giving golfers the feeling of being transported to the rugged Irish coast, all within the heart of Virginia.
Difficulty
Royal New Kent is known for its difficulty, making it a must-play for golfers who enjoy a serious challenge.
The layout requires more than just raw power—you’ll need strategy and precision to navigate the twists, turns, and elevation shifts.
Every hole presents a new challenge, whether it’s a blind tee shot, a forced carry over natural hazards, or the intricately sloped greens that can make even short putts demanding.
The course’s design emphasizes risk-reward decisions, with opportunities to score big if you play boldly but punishing mistakes if you aren’t careful.
Even experienced golfers will find themselves tested by the layout, particularly on windy days when the course’s links-like characteristics are fully in play.
Scenery and Setting
Set amidst rolling hills and framed by dense woodlands, Royal New Kent is often praised for its striking resemblance to the landscapes found in Ireland.
The course weaves through an undulating, picturesque terrain, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
The elevation changes not only enhance the challenge but also create stunning vantage points where you can pause to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
The natural beauty of the course is enhanced by its well-maintained bunkers and greens, which seamlessly blend into the environment.
It’s an immersive experience, where the scenic setting becomes as much a part of your enjoyment as the golf itself.
Amenities and Maintenance
Royal New Kent offers a full range of amenities to make your golfing experience both comfortable and convenient.
The course’s maintenance is top-notch, with pristine greens and well-manicured fairways ensuring an enjoyable round.
After your game, you can take advantage of the pro shop, which is stocked with a wide range of golf equipment, apparel, and souvenirs.
Practice areas are available to warm up before your round, with a driving range and putting green to fine-tune your swing and short game.
If you’re looking for a post-round meal or a place to relax, the clubhouse offers dining options where you can unwind and reflect on your round.
Why Play Here
Royal New Kent consistently ranks as one of the top public courses in Virginia, and for good reason.
It offers a rare combination of challenge, beauty, and history that is hard to find elsewhere.
This course appeals to golfers who are looking for more than just a round of golf; it offers an experience that tests your skill and strategy while immersing you in a scenic, thoughtfully designed landscape.
Whether you’re a low-handicap golfer looking for a challenge or simply someone who enjoys playing in a stunning natural setting, Royal New Kent will not disappoint.
Its unique layout, inspired by the great links courses of Ireland, ensures that no two rounds are ever the same, making it a course that you’ll want to return to again and again.
The Cascades at Omni Homestead Resort – Hot Springs, VA
The Cascades at Omni Homestead Resort is a classic gem of a golf course, blending rich history with a stunning natural environment.
Designed by William S. Flynn, this course has been a favorite among golfers for decades, offering a challenging and scenic round nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains.
Course Design and Layout
The Cascades course, designed by renowned architect William S. Flynn, is one of Virginia’s most historically significant golf courses.
Opened in 1923, its design reflects the traditional style of the golden age of golf architecture, emphasizing strategic play and precision.
The tight fairways require accuracy off the tee, as wide landing zones are not a luxury here.
Each hole presents its own challenge, often forcing golfers to carefully consider their club selection and shot placement to avoid hazards.
The greens are small and quick, demanding a well-executed short game, while the undulating fairways often create uneven lies, making approach shots a test of both skill and strategy.
The classic design gives golfers a feeling of stepping back in time, while the thoughtful layout ensures that no two holes feel the same.
Difficulty
The Cascades is best suited for players who appreciate precision over power.
While there are opportunities to use a driver, the tight fairways and small greens make accuracy far more important than distance.
Water hazards come into play on several holes, adding to the complexity, while the fast greens reward those who can handle subtle breaks and control their putts.
The challenges increase as you approach the greens, with many tucked into natural surroundings that require you to thread approach shots through trees or over water.
Golfers who enjoy a mental challenge and value strategy will find this course particularly satisfying.
It’s a course that rewards patience and thoughtfulness, while punishing errant shots or aggressive play that isn’t backed by precision.
Scenery and Setting
One of the most breathtaking features of The Cascades is its setting in the Allegheny Mountains.
Surrounded by lush forests and rolling mountain vistas, the course offers a truly serene golfing experience.
Each hole is framed by towering trees and natural landscape features, with mountain streams running through portions of the course, adding to both its beauty and its difficulty.
The standout views come on several elevated tee boxes, where you can take a moment to appreciate the sweeping mountain vistas that serve as a backdrop to your round.
The tranquility of the surroundings makes it easy to lose yourself in the game, with the natural beauty enhancing your experience from start to finish.
It’s not just a round of golf—it’s an immersive experience in nature.
Amenities and History
Being part of the Omni Homestead Resort, The Cascades comes with all the luxury amenities you’d expect from a world-class resort.
After your round, you can enjoy fine dining, spa services, or relax at the resort’s pools.
The course is kept in excellent condition year-round, with well-maintained fairways and greens.
Its history adds to its allure, having hosted prestigious events like the U.S. Women’s Open and numerous national amateur tournaments.
This long-standing reputation as a premier tournament course only reinforces its standing as one of the best in the state.
The club also offers a well-stocked pro shop, professional instruction, and practice facilities for those looking to sharpen their skills before hitting the course.
Why Play Here
The Cascades offers golfers a rare combination of history, challenge, and scenery that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to test your precision or someone who simply wants to enjoy a round surrounded by mountain beauty, this course delivers.
Its rich history, having hosted some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, makes it a must-play for anyone serious about the game, while the natural setting and luxury resort amenities ensure that your experience will be memorable on and off the course.
If you’re looking for a course that challenges your skill while offering a peaceful, scenic environment, The Cascades should be at the top of your list.
Kingsmill Resort – River Course – Williamsburg, VA
Kingsmill Resort’s River Course is a stunning and challenging course that blends Pete Dye’s iconic design with beautiful riverside views.
Located along the James River in Williamsburg, VA, this course offers golfers a strategic and scenic experience that has attracted both casual players and professionals alike, thanks to its history of hosting PGA and LPGA events.
Course Design and Layout
Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, the River Course at Kingsmill Resort focuses on precision, with water playing a prominent role in the course’s overall layout.
The design includes several riverside holes, making the James River a central feature of the playing experience.
Dye’s signature style is evident in the strategic placement of hazards, narrow fairways, and complex green designs.
The course encourages golfers to think carefully about each shot, balancing risk and reward.
While it offers opportunities for aggressive play, precision is essential, as numerous bunkers, water hazards, and tight landing areas can punish even small mistakes.
The riverside holes, particularly the back nine, offer both scenic beauty and additional complexity, as the wind coming off the river often adds a further challenge.
Difficulty
The River Course is renowned for its difficulty, making it an exciting choice for experienced golfers.
The layout demands accuracy from tee to green, with narrow fairways requiring well-placed drives and water hazards appearing frequently throughout the round.
Several of the holes play along the river, adding not just visual beauty but also technical difficulty, especially when wind conditions come into play.
The greens are fast and undulating, requiring a strong short game to avoid three-putting.
While the course is playable for golfers of all skill levels, its combination of water, sand, and Dye’s trademark tricky green complexes ensures that even low-handicap players will find it a true test.
Scenery and Setting
One of the standout features of Kingsmill’s River Course is its stunning setting along the James River.
The natural beauty of the riverfront is fully integrated into the course design, with several holes offering panoramic views of the water.
This peaceful setting, combined with the meticulously maintained fairways and greens, creates a truly immersive experience for golfers.
The river not only provides a beautiful backdrop but also adds to the strategic elements of the course.
The serene environment, surrounded by mature trees and water, gives golfers a sense of seclusion and tranquility, making each round as relaxing as it is challenging.
The signature par-3 17th hole, which plays directly alongside the river, is particularly memorable for both its difficulty and its breathtaking view.
Events and Amenities
Kingsmill Resort’s River Course has a rich history of hosting high-profile golf tournaments, including multiple PGA and LPGA events, adding a sense of prestige to the course.
For many golfers, playing on a course where professionals have competed adds an extra layer of excitement.
The resort itself offers a range of luxury amenities that complement the golf experience.
After your round, you can enjoy world-class dining, stay in elegant accommodations, or relax at the full-service spa.
Kingsmill also offers a variety of practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, to help you warm up before tackling the challenging course.
For those looking to make a full getaway out of their golf trip, the resort’s amenities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Why Play Here
Kingsmill’s River Course is a must-play for golfers seeking a balance of professional-level challenge and natural beauty.
The course's mix of strategic design and stunning riverfront scenery makes it a favorite for those who appreciate both the mental and physical aspects of the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a new challenge or a player seeking a scenic and peaceful round, the River Course delivers an unforgettable experience.
Add in the prestige of playing a course that has hosted major professional tournaments, and you have a golfing destination that stands out among Virginia’s best public courses.
Laurel Hill Golf Club – Lorton, VA
Laurel Hill Golf Club offers a unique and challenging golf experience just outside of Washington, D.C.
Built on the grounds of a former prison, this course has quickly gained a reputation as one of Northern Virginia's finest public courses, combining strategic design with a serene and secluded setting.
Course Design and Layout
Laurel Hill stands out not only for its history but also for its carefully crafted layout.
Built on the site of the former Lorton Reformatory, the course takes full advantage of the natural rolling terrain, providing an engaging and dynamic round of golf.
The design focuses heavily on strategic bunkering, with large, deep bunkers placed in ways that challenge players to think about their shot placement from the tee to the green.
The greens themselves are large and fast, requiring precise approach shots and skillful putting to navigate.
Each hole is thoughtfully laid out, blending the natural landscape with the strategic elements to create a course that is as enjoyable as it is challenging.
The course rewards smart play and risk management, with wide fairways in some areas but challenging approaches that make you carefully consider each shot.
Difficulty
Laurel Hill is designed to be both challenging and fair, making it accessible to players of various skill levels while still offering a solid test for more experienced golfers.
The bunkering throughout the course plays a significant role in its difficulty, forcing you to make smart decisions from the tee box and throughout each hole.
While the fairways are generous, the placement of bunkers and natural hazards means that errant shots can quickly lead to trouble.
The large greens are fast and undulating, making putting an additional challenge.
However, the course remains playable for less experienced golfers, as there are multiple tee options to adjust the length and difficulty of each hole.
It’s a course that emphasizes course management and strategy over brute strength, allowing golfers to choose whether to play conservatively or take on more risk.
Scenery and Setting
One of the most appealing aspects of Laurel Hill is its peaceful and secluded setting.
Located in Northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C., the course is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, providing a tranquil environment for your round.
The seclusion of the course makes it easy to forget you’re so close to the hustle and bustle of the city, as the natural landscape and thoughtful design create a sense of quiet escape.
The rolling terrain not only adds to the beauty of the course but also enhances the playability, offering a variety of lies and elevation changes that keep things interesting.
The scenic views and well-maintained surroundings make it a visually enjoyable course to play, adding to the overall experience.
Amenities and Conditions
Laurel Hill is known for its excellent course conditioning, with consistently well-maintained fairways, bunkers, and greens.
The club takes great care in ensuring that the course is in top shape year-round, providing a high-quality playing surface regardless of the season.
In addition to the course itself, the club offers modern facilities to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Practice areas, including a driving range and putting green, allow you to warm up before your round, while the clubhouse provides dining options and a pro shop stocked with everything you might need for your game.
Its convenient location near Washington, D.C., makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors looking for a high-quality golf experience close to the city.
Why Play Here
Laurel Hill Golf Club appeals to golfers who appreciate strategic course design and a well-maintained, peaceful environment.
Its combination of challenging bunkering, large greens, and a serene setting makes it a favorite for players seeking a thoughtful round of golf.
Whether you're a local looking for a regular course or a visitor to the D.C. area, Laurel Hill offers a unique and rewarding golf experience that blends history, strategy, and natural beauty.
The course’s proximity to the nation’s capital, coupled with its high level of conditioning and thoughtful design, ensures that every round played here is memorable.
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club – Gold Course – Williamsburg, VA
The Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA, is a renowned course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. With its classic design and historical significance, this course offers both a challenging round of golf and a serene escape in a stunning natural setting.
Course Design and Layout
Robert Trent Jones Sr. crafted the Gold Course to be a masterpiece of strategic golf design.
The layout emphasizes precision over power, with narrow, tree-lined fairways that require accurate driving.
The course is dotted with tricky bunkers placed in locations that force golfers to think carefully about shot placement, particularly on approach shots.
Each hole is uniquely designed, incorporating the natural landscape of the region, and the layout challenges golfers to navigate various elevation changes and well-protected greens.
The par-3 16th hole, with its island green, is a standout and embodies Jones’ philosophy of rewarding risk-taking while punishing mistakes.
The course feels timeless, offering golfers an experience rooted in classic golf architecture while maintaining modern standards of playability.
Difficulty
The Gold Course is known for its challenging layout, which tests even experienced golfers.
The narrow fairways demand accuracy from the tee, and the tree-lined nature of the course leaves little room for error on errant drives.
Golfers must also contend with strategically placed bunkers that protect both the fairways and the greens, making each hole a test of precision and course management.
The greens are fast and undulating, requiring a sharp short game and the ability to read subtle breaks to avoid three-putts.
While the course offers multiple tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels, the overall design requires thoughtful decision-making and accuracy at every stage.
For those looking to sharpen their strategic game, the Gold Course presents a formidable and rewarding challenge.
Scenery and Setting
Set within a dense forest, the Gold Course offers golfers a quiet and peaceful environment, making it an ideal escape from the bustle of daily life.
The natural surroundings contribute significantly to the course’s beauty, with mature trees framing each hole and creating a sense of seclusion.
As you move through the course, you’ll encounter rolling terrain, water features, and lush greenery that enhance the overall experience.
The serene setting, combined with the course's immaculate conditioning, makes each round not only a test of golf but also a chance to connect with nature.
The course’s tranquil atmosphere allows golfers to focus on their game while enjoying the natural beauty that Williamsburg is known for.
Amenities and Tradition
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, as part of the historic Colonial Williamsburg area, offers more than just a round of golf—it provides a sense of tradition and history that few courses can match.
The Gold Course is the crown jewel of the club, and its historic significance adds to the appeal for many golfers.
After your round, you can relax in the well-appointed clubhouse, which offers dining options and a place to unwind.
The course's rich history, coupled with the tradition of excellence in course maintenance and design, makes it a memorable experience for golfers.
Golden Horseshoe also offers a range of amenities including practice areas, a pro shop, and dining facilities, making it easy to enjoy a full day of golf without needing to leave the resort.
Why Play Here
The Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe is perfect for golfers who appreciate a blend of history, natural beauty, and challenging golf.
Its narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens make it a course that rewards precision and smart play, while its peaceful forest setting provides a calming environment for a round of golf.
For players who enjoy a thoughtful, strategic game and appreciate the nuances of classic golf course design, this course offers everything you need.
Whether you're a serious golfer looking for a challenge or someone who enjoys a scenic and quiet round of golf, the Gold Course delivers an experience that is both timeless and rewarding.
Conclusion
Virginia’s top public golf courses offer a diverse range of challenges, scenic beauty, and memorable experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
From the strategic design of Royal New Kent to the serene setting of the Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe, each course provides something unique.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging test or a peaceful escape, these courses are must-plays for any golfer visiting the state.
