Places to Play Golf In Charlottesville
With weather that stays fairly consistent from spring through the fall – and even through warm days in winter – golf is a sport that draws many enthusiastic participants in the Charlottesville area.
From Putt-Putt for kids and kids at heart on Rio Road to the more traditional courses at Birdwood at Boar’s Head, Farmington and Keswick, there’s a course for any playing level and budget.
Just off Rio Road
Meadowcreek Golf Course was created to be used as the city’s main golf course after development plans for the one at Mcintire Park took out a few course holes and then closed it for good in recent years.
Named one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest magazine, the 155-acre course provides panoramic views, large, stately oak trees and flowering dogwood and cherry trees along the course.
A full service professional shop, including the latest in competitively priced golf merchandise and clothing is available, as well as the ”Meadowcreek Grill” and outdoor patio, driving range, club repair, and instructional services. The professional staff can accommodate small or large outings and arrange services to meet all your needs.
Carts are available for rent and rates range from $16 for a 9-hole course to $29 for an 18-hole course on the weekend. Lesson are also available.
The 18-hole course offers Par 3, 4 and 5. For more info: (434) 977-0615
Putt-Putt has been delighting families for about 57 years. The owner originally opened a location near where Kmart and Stonefield are located way back in 1959. In 1966, he moved to the current location on Rio Road. For reference the “Putt Putt” franchise started in 1955 in Fayetteville, NC.
Recently, a National Putt Putt tournament was hosted in honor of the owner Lloyd “L.F.” Wood being inducted into the Putt Putt Hall of Fame (yes it exists) for owning the course for so long.
Those who grew up in Charlottesville remember many fun summer afternoons and evenings trying to get that last hole in one to win a free game for the next visit. We also remember the times it’s been renovated and when animals were either added or taken away, but the orange railings have stayed the same.
Games are $6 with discounts given for multiple games purchased as well as for large groups and corporate or fundraising events. Many birthday parties have also been held there over the years. Hours are 10 am-9 pm. For more info: (434) 973-5509.
Keswick area
When Sir Bernard Ashley first purchased Keswick Hall in the early 1990s he asked Arnold Palmer to design his golf course – it opened in 1992. Recently, Keswick has asked Pete Dye to renovate the course to great acclaim – it was just named #3 in “Golfweek’s Best: State-by-State Courses You Can Play, 2016.”
The brand new 18-hole course traverses the scenic rolling terrain tumbling below Keswick Hall’s perch on the property’s high ground. Playing between 5,000 and 7,000 yards from the multiple tees, the course is thoroughly enjoyable for any and all golfing abilities.
With the exception of one hole, the greens have open fronts and are approachable either through the air or on the ground. Low old-school run-up shots are always an option for a safer path onto the putting surface. The riskier aerial route brings Dye’s ubiquitous penal bunkers and hazards into play.
This stately resort is 6.8 miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate and 7 miles from downtown Charlottesville. In addition to an 18-hole golf course, amenities include a spa (surcharge), tennis courts, a fitness center and 3 pools. There are upscale event facilities as well as multiple restaurants, including a fine dining choice with a traditional afternoon tea service, a poolside cafe and a tavern.
The course is mostly open for guests of Keswick Hall or members. For more info: 434-923-4301
West of Town
Boar’s Head’s Birdwood Golf Course is the first golf course you find just outside of town on Rt 250 West. According to their website: “Set on 500 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, Birdwood is a golf course rich in history. Its verdant hills were part of a 1739 ‘upland wilderness’ land patent, one of the earliest in the colony. The University of Virginia acquired the property in 1974, enlisting architect Lindsay Ervin in 1984 to transform Birdwood into the award-winning golf course it is today.
“With an emphasis on environmental stewardship, Birdwood Golf Course is a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, created and administered by Audubon International. Under the program we are focused on best management practices in environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical-use reduction and safety, water conservation and outreach and education.
“Home to the University of Virginia’s men and women’s golf teams, Birdwood reigns as one of the region’s finest golf courses.”
The golf course is available for daily green’s fees or by membership and the course is open from March through to mid-November. UVA Alumni enjoy special discounts. For more info: (434) 293-4653.
In a recent blog, we introduced our readers to Farmington Country Club. According to their website, “Avid and novice golfers alike will find Farmington a haven for the sport. Our 27 holes include the original South and North Nines laid out by Fred Findlay in 1927 plus our East Nine laid out in 1965 by Mr. Findlay’s grandson, Buddy Loving.
“The South and North Nines are consistently recognized as one of Virginia’s top, most challenging traditional golf courses while the East Nine provides a comfortable playing environment for those seeking a lesser challenge. Our driving range, short game practice area, practice greens and indoor hitting area provide a year-round facility for every skill level. Farmington’s commitment to providing the finest golf facilities for our members and their guests is unparalleled.”
Depending upon the weather the course closes from December through March. For more info: (434) 296-5661.
