Since August is National Golf Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about one of Colonial Williamsburg’s hidden treasures, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club!
Located on S. England St. near the Historic Area, the Golden Horseshoe features two 18-hole championship courses, the Gold Course and the Green Course, plus the 9-hole executive Spotswood Course.
THE GOLD COURSE
The signature Gold Course was designed by noted Golf Course Architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and opened in 1963. Jones called it his “finest design,” and it’s easy to see why. Unlike most modern day courses, you won’t see a house anywhere on the course, and you’re likely to see a wide array of wildlife, as the course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. I’ve spotted everything from deer and raccoons to ducks, turtles, and hawks. I’ve heard guests say, and I agree, that the course reminds them a little of Augusta National Golf Club with rolling green fairways, flowering trees, and towering pines. Jack Nicklaus has even played this course, setting the course record with a 67!
The Gold Course is home to four beautiful par-3 holes, all of them featuring a forced carry over water. The signature hole is the par-3 16th. The tee is situated on a hill overlooking a beautiful island green surrounded by five bunkers. You may feel like you’re playing the famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass which is also an island green. Before teeing off, you’ll definitely want to pause for a quick picture or two from the teeing area which is high above the green and offers spectacular views. As a matter of fact, according to Golf Magazine, the 16th and 17th holes are two of the “Top 500 Golf Holes in the World.” How cool is that?!
And if you can take your eye off of the beauty that surrounds you and focus on your next shot, you may even stand a chance at making a hole-in-one! Your best shot is the short, down-hill par-3 3rd hole. Pull out a short iron, take a couple of deep breaths, and let it fly. I haven’t been able to do it yet, but I’ve come close a couple times.
THE SPOTSWOOD COURSE
For families looking to enjoy a quiet round of golf, the Spotswood Course is a wonderful option. Consisting of one par-5, two par-4s, and six par-3 holes, this executive course lets golfers test their skills in a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for young kids to get started and learn the game. But make no mistake, this course is no pushover. With small, tricky greens, it’s a real challenge for players of all skill levels.
THE GREEN COURSE
The Green Course, located about a mile past the Gold Course down S. England St, is the third course at the Golden Horseshoe and should not be forgotten. Again, you won’t see a single house on the course. Indeed, you’ll enjoy the feeling of seclusion on each tree-lined fairway. The signature hole is the par-5 18th which features a forced tee shot over water as golfers make their way back up the fairway to the Green Course Clubhouse, where players who have finished their rounds enjoy a beverage and watch incoming shots to the green.
It’s a good idea to call ahead and book a tee time. If you play the Gold Course, plan on spending a good part of the day as the clubhouse is a delightful place filled with antique golf memorabilia, locker rooms, and a fully stocked pro shop. The practice range has recently been enhanced and features brand new hitting mats and Titleist golf balls. CW hotel guests now have complimentary access to the range, which is open until dark. Forgot your clubs at home? No worries. Rental clubs are also complimentary for CW hotel guests. You can even book a lesson from one of the club’s PGA professionals.
The lounge with a flat-screen TV is a great place to relax while reminiscing with your playing partners over the day’s round. There’s also a restaurant, the Gold Course Grill, where you can have a bite of lunch while enjoying gorgeous views of the 18th green.
So whether you’re an avid golfer like me, or just someone who enjoys getting outdoors and experiencing nature, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club should be a must see on your next trip to CW.
To book a tee time, call 1-800-648-6653 or 757-220-7696
Guest Blogger: Ryan Redding
Ryan Redding is a lifelong lover of Colonial Williamsburg. He started visiting with his parents when he was just a baby, so CW has always felt like a home away from home. He recently relocated to Williamsburg from Southern Michigan with his wife, Rhiannon. They love spending their free time in the Revolutionary City and enjoying everything it has to offer, including dining in our historic taverns!
Ryan is also a golf fanatic and enjoys writing for the Virginia Golf Report about golf in central Virginia. You can follow his Colonial Williamsburg adventures through his personal blog, The Dog Street Patriot.
Tell us, do you have any favorite rainy day activities Ryan didn’t share? Leave them for others in the comments below!
Thanks so much Scott! I really appreciate it!
Great blog…as always! Ryan is one of the best bloggers I follow. I look forward to all the Dog Street Patriot blogs. Keep up the great work, Ryan!