The rolling terrain of Virginia makes the state one of the best places for golf.
That is why the state has quite a number of golf courses in the top 200 category. And the good thing is that some of the best golf courses have public access.
So, if you are looking for a place that offers affordable opportunities to play golf at an upscale public resort, then Virginia is the place.
You could play on some of the best public golf courses in Virginia, like Auburn Hills Golf Club.
Of course, there are several other top-notch courses you can sample. We have listed some of them here to help you select the best public golf course.
List of the Best Public Golf Courses in Virginia
- The Club at Viniterra
- Pendleton Golf Club
- Auburn Hills Golf Club
- Kiskiack Golf Club
- Kingsmill Resort, River Course
- Piankatank River Golf Club
- Bryce Resort Golf Course
- Wintergreen Resort, Stoney Creek
- Lake Chesdin Golf Club
- Blue Hills Golf Course
- Colonial Heritage
- The Golf Club at The Highlands
- Blue Ridge Shadows
- Lakeview Golf Course (Lake Course)
- Brickshire Golf Club
- Lake Monticello Golf Course
- Hobbs Hole Golf Course
- Laurel Hill Golf Club
- Lake of the Woods Country Club
- Stonewall Golf Club at Lake Manassas
- Independence Golf Club, Championship Course
- Shenvalee Golf Club
- Suffolk Golf Course
- Potomac Shores
- Cypress Point Country Club
The Best Public Golf Courses in Virginia
1. The Club at Viniterra
- Location: New Kent
- Length: 7,725 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead
- Year Established: 2009
- Championship: the 2019 CIAA Golf Championship; the 2024 KINGS Classic Golf Tournament; the PGA Championship in 2014
The Club at Viniterra is an 18-hole golf course located in the vicinity of Richmond.
We believe that it is one of the best public golf courses in Virginia because it is lovely and long, providing immense adaptability for players of all levels.
We were particularly impressed with its multiple tee angles and great variety of holes, strategically placed along a scenic landscape consisting of gentle hills and valleys.
Essentially, The Club at Viniterra is playable and picturesque.
2. Pendleton Golf Club
- Location: Ruther Glen
- Length: 7,093 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Thomas Walker
- Year Established: 2007
- Championship: The Pendleton Classic in 2024; Empowerhouse’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament in 2023
This is one of the most impressive courses in the Fredericksburg area, making it a favorite among many players in Richmond.
Many believe it is among the best public golf courses in Virginia because it is well-maintained and has a lot of open spaces.
As you head here, you might be fooled into thinking that you are heading to no man’s land, but as you get closer, you will discover that it is a beautiful jewel in the wilderness.
3. Kiskiack Golf Club
- Location: Williamsburg
- Length: 6,775 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): John Lafoy
- Year Established: 1997
- Championship: ‘Johnny Mac Day’ in 2023; the 2024 Kiskiack Golf Tournament
Kiskiack Golf Club is one of the most treasured jewels in Virginia because it is just a lovely course.
This masterpiece has diverse and challenging holes that are absolutely gorgeous.
One unique thing about it is that it features tree-lined fairways with several water features. It is also easily walkable.
4. Auburn Hills Golf Club
- Location: Riner
- Length: 6,534 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Algie Pulley
- Year Established: 1999
- Championship: the Lunch Pail Defense Golf Tournament in 2019; Alpha Sigma Phi in 2024; the Senior Tournament and Summer Showdown in 2024
Carved into a rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Auburn Hills Golf Club offers scenic views to golfers.
Some consider it Virginia’s most dramatic golf course, preferably because it is situated in the middle of a residential development and because of the way holes are spread throughout the course.
The scenic wetlands, tight corridors, and rolling hills will offer a much-needed challenge even to the most experienced golfers. No wonder it is sort of an expert avenue.
5. Kingsmill Resort, River Course
- Location: Williamsburg
- Length: 6,831 yards
- Par: 71
- Designer(s): Pete Dye
- Year Established: 1975
- Championship: the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship from 1981 through 2002
The Kingsmill Resort, River Course, features a perfectly manicured course blended into the breathtaking surroundings and natural landscape.
It is also one of the best public golf courses in Virginia because the greens are always good and the course is generally well maintained.
Actually, it is premium for keeping the ball along the fairway when rough is up in the summer.
6. Piankatank River Golf Club
- Location: Hartfield
- Length: 6,658 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Algie Pulley
- Year Established: 1996
- Championship: St. Patrick’s Day Tournament in 2024; Piankatank River Golf Club Anniversary Tournament in 2024
You will have your best time at this beautiful and unique golf course with a funny name.
Some people claim that it is the most beautiful golf course in the whole state.
We also agree that it is one of the best public golf courses in Virginia because it is lined with trees and is deeply rooted in its heritage.
The front is challenging and hilly, while the back is longer and flatter.
Another impressive thing about the golf course is that it is superbly maintained, even during the summer. On top of this, the place is beeming with lots of wild animals.
7. Bryce Resort Golf Course
- Location: Basye
- Length: 6,260 yards
- Par: 71
- Designer(s): Ed Ault (1972) and Tom Clark (1997)
- Year Established: 1965
- Championship: FPSC 3rd Annual Golf Tournament in 2022
This golf course features several tree-lined holes and fairway bunkers.
The Ed Ault masterpiece is also the perfect mountain for a summer getaway.
Moreover, it offers one of the most picturesque golf views in the region.
Besides this, many golfers believe it is the best public golf course in Virginia because it has several natural features.
For instance, the course blends well with meandering streams, lakes, and rolling terrain.
8. Wintergreen Resort, Stoney Creek
- Location: Nellysford
- Length: 6,679 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Rees Jones (1988, 1998) and Keith Evans (1988).
- Year Established: 1998
- Championship: the 2024 Wintergreen Club Championship; the Championship at Wintergreen Resort in 2012
Despite its prestige, appearance, and service, this golf course is open to all to play.
Many would remember it as one of the best public golf courses in Virginia because of its natural beauty, breathtaking views, and challenging fairways.
It offers the best of the Wintergreen area, which also happens to have a 20-acre lake with a staffed swimming beach.
9. Lake Chesdin Golf Club
- Location: Chesterfield
- Length: 6,951 yards
- Par: 72
- Designer(s): Brian Tuck and Ault Clark
- Year Established: 1999
- Championship: 2024 VSGA One-Day Event; Lake Chesdin Golfers Club (Tour Championship) in 2022
Lake Chesdin Golf Club is another enjoyable and challenging golf course in Virginia that is open to players of all levels.
One likeable thing about this golf course is that it is family-oriented, so it can be the best place to chill out with your loved ones even if you are not going to play.
Overall, it is one of central Virginia’s well-kept golf courses that is open to the public.
10. Blue Hills Golf Course
- Location: Roanoke
- Length: 6,453 yards.
- Par: 71
- Designer(s): Clarence King
- Year Established: 1920
- Championship: the 1956 PGA Championship; the PING/Welch’s Classic on the LPGA tour from 1991–1997
Blue Hills Golf Course is a perfect golf course and adventure place for the modern family.
The course prohibits alcohol and offers scenic views.
We include it in this list of the best public golf courses in Virginia simply because of its beautiful surroundings and technical layout.
A player has to deal with the challenging front nine with technical maneuvering. Likewise, the back nine will also test you thoroughly.
Nonetheless, the course is truly player-friendly and well-groomed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As mentioned above, Virginia boasts quite a number of beautiful courses in the country.
In total, there are about 370 golf courses in the state, including 199 public courses, 121 private courses, and 50 municipal courses.
Over 70 courses in the state are on the PGA Tour Champions list each year.
Some of these courses include the James River Course and the Country Club of Virginia.
Virginia is one of the states with a moderate climate.
So, if you are looking to play golf here, the state offers an exceptional year-round golfing experience.
Closing Remarks
Virginia is blessed with many beautiful golf courses, including top public courses, which also count as PGA courses.
With almost 200 public courses, you will have endless choices of where to play affordable golf.
The good thing is that we narrowed down the list for you to only the 10 best public golf courses in Virginia.
Some courses, like the Club at Viniterra and Pendleton Golf Club, offer a prestige golf experience despite having public access.
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