Some of the best golf courses in Coastal Virginia are located near Williamsburg, VA. The temperate weather, the gentle landscape of the region, and the design of these courses is enough to inspire any golfer to plan a trip to play a round on the grounds. From very technical courses to courses with unrivaled scenery, there is a course for every type of golfer out there!
Bide-a-Wee, Portsmouth
Portsmouth in and of itself is so rich with history, beautiful architecture, and the water is a central feature of this community. This course would be a great early morning stop just so that you can catch lunch and a pint at the Bier Garden on High Street afterward. It is one of the best public golf courses near Williamsburg, VA
Where: 1 Bide-a-Wee Drive Portsmouth, Virginia
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 50 minutes
Bide-a-Wee Course Yards: 4920 to 6940
Bide-a-Wee Par: 72
Bide-a-Wee Golf Rates:
Bide-a-Wee golf rates for 18 holes and a cart rental are $35 M-F, weekends add $10. Active duty/ seniors/ juniors/ Portsmouth first responder discounts available.
Bide-a-Wee Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft spikes and sneakers only. No cutoff shorts. Collared shirts required for men 18+. No private coolers
Bide-a-Wee has a Pro Shop? Yes
Bide-a-Wee Golf Instruction? Yes
Bide-a-Wee offers Dining? Yes
About Bide-a-Wee Course:
This beautiful course was designed by Chandler Harper and built by Fred Findlay in the 1950s. The course got the name “Bide-a-Wee” from the Scotch saying of the same, meaning “stay a while” or “linger a little longer.”
This course has been the host of the Virginia State Open and the World Senior Championships several times over the 37 years that Mr. Harper managed the site.
In the 90s when Mr. Harper retired, the city took over the maintenance and gave it a much needed facelift. The narrow greens that have always been a trademark of this course were preserved and incorporated into the new design.
Now a public facility, it is open 7 days a week but reservations are required 757-393-8600. The 18 holes here are relatively flat and walkable. Surrounding area is woodland/ tree lined in an open park like setting.
Brickshire, Providence Forge
Where: 5520 Virginia Park Drive Providence Forge, VA 23140
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 30 minutes
Brickshire Course Yards: 5151 to 7291
Brickshire Par: 72
Brickshire Golf Rates:
Brickshire golf rates for 18 holes and a cart rental are $65 M-F, weekends $70. Active duty/ seniors/ juniors rates available.
Brickshire Course Policies: No metal spikes. Soft shoe facility. Proper golf attire is required.
Brickshire has a Pro Shop? Yes
Brickshire Golf Instruction? Yes
Brickshire offers Dining? Yes
About Berkshire Golf Club Course:
Berkshire Golf Club was uniquely designed to be not only beautiful but challenging.
One of the signature features of this course is that 4 holes that are replicas of famous holes on different courses; St. Andrews, Augusta National, Pinehurst #2, and Riviera Country Club. This golf course near Williamsburg, VA is within a reasonable distance and truly a sight to behold.
Designer Curtis Strange and architect Tom Clark planned wide fairways among a park-like setting. The landscape offers natural undulations in the land and with several holes that have long green-to-tee distances, so walking is not advisable. Must book ahead HERE or call 804-966-7888 X2
Ford’s Colony, Williamsburg
Ford’s Colony has lush landscaping and vast green spaces that really are naturally beautiful. The walking trails meander in and out of the scenery and the wildlife abounds throughout.
Where: 240 Ford’s Colony Drive Williamsburg, VA 23188
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 15 minutes
Ford’s Colony Course Yards: Marsh Hawk (5006-6650), Blue Heron (6928 from back tees) Blackheath (6621 from back tees)
Ford’s Colony Par: Marsh Hawk and Blue Heron, 72. Blackheath, 71
Ford’s Colony Golf Rates:
Ford’s Colony golf rates for 18 holes and the cart rental is $80 daily.
Ford’s Colony has a Pro Shop? Yes
Ford’s Colony Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft spikes and sneakers only. No cutoffs, blue jeans, tank tops, or t-shirts. Proper golf attire only.
Ford’s Colony Golf Instruction? Yes
Ford’s Colony Offers Dining? Yes
About Ford’s Colony Courses:
Ellis and Dan Maples designed the Marsh Hawk course, which was opened in 1985 with the other 2 courses designed by Dan Maples alone opening in 1999, each with its own unique challenges and features.
Blue Heron is the longest course of the 3, and water is featured in 13 of the 18 holes on the 71-par Blackheath course.
Not only are the well-upkept courses located in one of Williamsburg’s premiere communities, but the picturesque landscape is sure to appeal to golfers of every skill level.
Ford’s Colony golf offers custom fitting for your equipment needs and club repair on site. It is open to the public but you must call ahead and make reservations to golf here. 757-258-4100.
Golden Horseshoe, Williamsburg
Golden Horseshoe is not only a beautiful country club and golf course, but the surrounding area is absolutely stunning. It is down a small lane nestled right near downtown Colonial Williamsburg. The country club setting is private and serene, and the surroundings are worth the trip because it feels like a hidden gem.
Where: 401 South England St Williamsburg VA 23188
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 5 minutes
Golden Horseshoe Course Yards: Gold (5168-6817), Green (7120 from back tees), Spottswood (1865)
Golden Horseshoe Par: Gold and Green, 72. Spottswood, 31
Golden Horseshoe Golf Rates:
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club rates for 18 holes and cart in season are $135 M-F, $155 F-Sun
Golden Horseshoe Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft spikes / sneakers only. No denim. Collared shirt and hemmed pants/ shorts required. Proper golf attire.
Golden Horseshoe has a Pro Shop? Yes
Golden Horseshoe Golf Instruction? Yes
Golden Horseshoe offers Dining? Yes
About Golden Horseshoe Courses:
Robert Trent Jones and son, Rees Jones designed these 3 courses in the 1960s, The courses were again renovated and updated in 2017 by Rees Jones, modernizing the course construction while carrying forth his father’s design and legacy into the modern sport.
The Gold course has been fitted with better drainage and playability of the bunkers using newer techniques and construction, sure to challenge and inspire even the most seasoned golfer.
The course features the latest in modern grasses and turf on the fairways and greens for the ultimate playing experience. Visually stunning, the Gold course is one that is sure to excite any golf lover.
The Green course is slightly longer but considerably more forgiving than the Gold course. With park-like surroundings and holes that fit all skill levels, this course is one that will suit players of varying skill levels while still entertaining more skilled players.
Don’t have time for a full 18 holes? Playing with younger golfers? Looking for a quicker 9 holes for a business outing? Then the Spottswood course may be something to consider.
Still aesthetically pleasing, the Spottswood course offers a 31-par 9 hole course that is family friendly yet still fun for even avid golfers. Open to the public but must call ahead to reserve a tee time. 855-231-7240
Heron Ridge, Virginia Beach
Where: 2973 Heron Ridge Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 65 minutes
Heron Ridge Course Yards: 5011-7017
Heron Ridge Par: 72
Heron Ridge Golf Course Rates:
Heron Ridge golf rate for 18 holes of play and a cart rental is $69 daily in season. It may vary slightly in the off season.
Heron Ridge Course Policies: Hard / metal spikes allowed. No denim.Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Heron Ridge has a Pro Shop? Yes
Heron Ridge Golf Instruction? Yes
Heron Ridge offers Dining? No.
About Heron Ridge Course:
Heron Ridge is a unique 14-hole, par -72course here in Hampton Roads based on topography.
It is a park-like course surrounded by woodlands and mature trees. The landscape has a lot of natural elevation changes, natural depressions, and wetlands provide a challenge in the landscape that is not typically found in this area.
A trip to Virginia Beach to Heron Ridge is a nice way to break up a trip and swing for a birdie while you make the most of life at the beach! Another lovely public golf course near Williamsburg, VA that is worth the drive.
Kingsmill, Williamsburg
**MUST BE MEMBERS OR OVERNIGHT GUESTS OF THE RESORT**
Where: 1010 Kingsmill Road Williamsburg, VA 23185
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 10 minutes
Kingsmill Course Yards: 4816 to 6254, Plantation Course 6432 from back tees
Kingsmill Par: 72 (all)
Kingsmill Golf Fees:
Kingsmill golf course rates in season for 18 holes on the River course are $195 daily. Kingsmill Plantation course rates in season are $125 daily. Off season rates may be slightly discounted.
Kingsmill Course Policies: Hard / metal spikes allowed. No denim. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Kingsmill has a Pro Shop? Yes
Kingsmill Golf Instruction? Yes
Kingsmill offers Dining? Yes
About Kingsmill Courses:
Kingsmill on the James offers 3 world class golf courses. The Plantation and River Courses are available to Kingsmill members and resort guests only. The Exclusive Woods course is only open to members.
Read more about Kingsmill here.
The River course (designed by Pete Dye) is absolutely stunning and is a must play for those who love the game. The Championship course was designed along water views of the James River and has hosted stops on both the PGA and LPGA tours in previous years.
The Plantation Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and is truly challenging, with water being a factor on 8 of the 18 holes and deep woods lining the fairways, this course was designed to put your skills to the test. Through rolling landscapes and distinct hazards, this course also features historical landmarks from the original 1736 Plantation. This course calls for technical skills like iron play and putting.
Kiskiack, Williamsburg
Kiskiack was voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” in The Virginia Gazette in 2017. One round of golf here and you will see why; the well maintained grounds and park-like setting are a beautiful backdrop to this golf course.
Where: 8104 Club Drive Williamsburg, VA 23185
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 13 minutes
Kiskiack Course Yards: 4915-6779
Kiskiack Course Par: 72
Kiskiack Golf Rates:
The golf rate at Kiskiack in season for 18 holes and a golf cart is $69 daily. Off season fees may be discounted.
Kiskiack Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft soled shoes only. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Kiskiack has a Pro Shop? Yes
Kiskiack Golf Instruction? Yes
Kiskiack offers Dining? Yes
About Kiskiack Course:
This course is open to the public but you need to make reservations. You can book a tee time HERE or call 757-566-2200.
The course features wide fairways, woodland scenery and gentle slopes that are easily walkable. There is a wide mixture of technical holes and more forgiving shots along the way, so there is fun for a wide range of skills to be had at Kiskiack.
Kiskiack is one of the more picturesque courses in Williamsburg (it is a popular wedding venue in addition to the golf course). It was designed by renowned golf architect John Lafoy, who obviously had an eye for design in keeping with the landscape.
There is also an onsite driving range and short game practice area so that you can perfect your putt before heading out to the green.
Riverfront Golf Club, Suffolk
If you want to combine a love for the game with a love for the water, then this golf course is a must! One of the prettiest waterfront courses in our area, offering slightly rolling terrain and water features set as hazards on some holes, this course is challenging and appealing aesthetically.
Where: 5200 River Club Drive Suffolk, VA 23435
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 41 minutes
Riverfront Golf Club Course Yards: 5259 to 6735
Riverfront Golf Club Par: 72
Riverfront Golf Club Rates:
The Riverfront Golf Club rate is $69 a day for 18 holes of golf and a cart in season. Off season rates may be slightly reduced.
Riverfront Golf Club Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft soled shoes only. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Riverfront Golf Club has a Pro Shop? Yes
Riverfront Golf Club Golf Instruction? Yes
Riverfront Golf Club offers Dining? Yes
About Riverfront Golf Club Course:
Riverfront Golf Club offers wonderful facilities and a great day of golfing.
The terrain is very easily walkable, the fairways are wide, and the tree lined course makes the day very peaceful. Tom Doak sculpted the plans for this waterfront course masterfully.
Riverfront was designed with nature in mind. The course uses the natural beauty of the landscape; all but 3 holes have a natural feature, whether it be a marsh or a beach front bunker.
The grounds are well maintained and it is convenient to both southside and the peninsula.
It is a public golf course near Williamsburg, VA but you have to make reservations for a tee time.Call 757-484-2200 to book a tee time or use online booking HERE.
Royal New Kent, Providence Forge
Where: 10100 Kentland Trail Providence Forge, VA 23140
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 31 minutes
Royal New Kent Golf Club Course Yards: 4882 to 7240
Royal New Kent Golf Club Par: 72
Royal New Kent Golf Club Rates:
Royal New Kent Golf Club rate for 18 holes and a cart is $89 weekdays, $99 weekends in season. Fees may be reduced in off season.
Royal New Kent Golf Club Course Policies: No hard spikes. Soft soled shoes only. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Royal New Kent has a Pro Shop? Yes
Royal New Kent Golf Club Golf Instruction? Yes
Royal New Kent Golf Club offers Dining? Yes
About Royal New Kent Course:
Royal New Kent Golf Course can be one of the most technical courses to play in this area. If you are looking to sharpen your skill or looking for a real challenge, then this is a must play for your list. Royal New Kent is said to be one of the courses most akin to a true Irish Links in the United States, designed by Mike Stranz.
Royal New Kent requires focus and concentration to play a full round. The course is steeped with hand stacked rock walls, tall fescue grasses, deep bunkers, and other hazards that aren’t for the faint of heart. If you are up for a challenge or you’d like to check out a truly technical course, then play a round here.
The Royal New Kent golf course near Williamsburg, VA is open to all but requires a reserved tee time. You can book a tee time HERE or call 804-966-7023.
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse, Toano
Where: 9700 Mill Pond Run Toano, VA 23168
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 18 minutes
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Course Yards: 4739 to 6952
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Par: 71
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Rate:
Stonehouse golf rate in season to play 18 holes with cart rental is $89 weekdays, $99 weekends. Fees may change in off season.
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Course Policies: No denim. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse has a Pro Shop? Yes
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Golf Instruction? Yes
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse offers Dining? Yes
About The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse:
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse is a semi-private golf course near Williamsburg, VA and it is truly a great place to get away and play a round.
The course was intended to be incorporated into the natural landscape in such a way that course and nature were indistinguishable. As Toano is still a relatively undeveloped area lying just outside of Williamsburg, the concept was a perfect fit for the landscape.
Lots of wildlife and mature trees are the backdrop to this course. The course at The Tradition Golf Club is walkable in some places, but the changing elevation and terrain is better navigated by cart.
The clubhouse and the course itself are also fairly newly constructed and grounds are well-manicured. This is a great spot for a hobbyist or those looking to get in some practice swings in beautiful surroundings.
Viniterra, New Kent
This golf course near Williamsburg, VA is on the same grounds as a winery! They even offer events like 9wineNdine which combines wine and golf! What better way to end the day after a round than with a wine pairing, a wine tour, or sipping on a glass of wine with friends and listening to live music?
Where: 8400 Old Church Road New Kent, VA 23124
Travel time from Colonial Williamsburg: 34 minutes
Viniterra Course Yards: 5210 to 7725
Viniterra Par: 72
Viniterra Golf Rate:
Viniterra Golf rate for 18 holes and cart rental is $55 weekdays, $65 weekends in season. Rates may vary in the off season.
Viniterra Course Policies: No denim. Collared shirt and hemmed shorts / pants required. Proper golf attire only
Viniterra has a Pro Shop? Yes
Viniterra Golf Instruction? Yes
Viniterra offers Dining? Yes
About Viniterra:
Viniterra is a course that can offer so much to you in one day. I’m going to go ahead and say that this might be one of your favorite courses for many reasons. One being it was designed by Rees Jones.
That’s right! If you read earlier in the article about the Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, then you know that it probably has a very familiar feel as the same gentleman designed both. Multiple tee positions and strategically placed hazards make the course a visual feast and a golfing challenge.
The second reason it may rank up there is that the course is adjacent to the award winning New Kent Winery! That’s right! If you are a wine aficionado as well then this is worth penciling into your schedule.
Played on one of these courses recently? Let me know how was your experience and what other courses I should recommend. Drop me an email at laurenmagaletti@gmail.com and title it “My Course Experience.” I would love to know which ones are favorites for my clients.