When traveling throughout the state of Virginia you will find various geographical elements. Starting in the low mountains in the southwest, up the Appalachian Trail to the Blue Ridge Mountains, follow the James River through the middle farm country and find your way out to the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay. All of these features are hard to find in one place but some locations have a couple different ones to offer.
The majority of our groups like to play in the same destination that they decide to stay in. They make the trip of 10-15 minutes to courses in town and up a little further north to vary in the natural features. What they rarely do is travel down to the southern part of the area for golf. We have a couple choices that give our golfers a completely different experience due to the surroundings. With the natural branching tributaries, diverse forestry and superb course conditions, theses courses are close in proximity yet horses of a different color compared to the topography of the Williamsburg area.
Just 35 minutes Southeast from the heart of Williamsburg is Riverfront Golf Club. This pristine Tom Doak design is one of the best designed courses south of the James River. Engraved through one of the best community’s in the Tidewater area, Riverfront has a links-feel but plays like a parkland course. The undulating greens require players to have an imaginative short game. The set off par threes is one of the best in the state. The back nine brings you up to the banks of the Elizabeth River and provides breathtaking views. This is a true hidden gem that is only a 35 minute drive from the heart of Williamsburg.
Cypress Creek is a wonderful Tom Clark design that sits just outside the historic town of Smithfield and another option to consider if you don’t mind non-traditional routes to the golf course. If you stay in one of our condo properties, the Jamestown/Surry Ferry is about a 5 minute drive away and once you get on the other side of the James you’re only 20 minutes away. Situated on the plains of an old peanut farm, the course gives golfers plenty of room off the tee, well-placed bunkers and consistently fast greens. The course is highlighted by a wonderful finishing 5-hole stretch. I’m not going to spoil the whole section of the course but 16th hole is a gorgeous par three right along the marshland. At only 160 yards from all the way back, it’s not that long but it does require a precise iron shot.
We have plenty of great destinations to offer our groups but next time you give us a call or send in a quote request, don’t be afraid to think outside the destination and add a new club in the golf bag of your vacation.