Greenbrier - Old White Course

The Old White at The Greenbrier is thriving after getting out on the forefront of the recent “return to classic architecture and conditioning” revival that has captured the raters, rankers and golfing masses.

Deemed tired, with boring round bunkers, even more uninteresting round greens and less-than-thought-provoking mowing patterns, Lester George was tapped in the early 2000s to restore Macdonald and Raynor’s vision. And though the course has since been reconstructed following the massive flood several years ago that led to the ownership softening some of George’s features, the Old White sits solidly in the top half of most publications’ top 50 lists.

It is a remarkably flat, charming layout that rests in a valley of the Allegheny Mountains. The lush, verdant terrain that surrounds Howard’s Creek is made interesting by strategic fairway bunkering and sunken green side traps. Mounding also captures your eye off the tee.

The greens offered movement that is quite subtle to the eye, but dramatic to the ball. I was fooled by how much break I encountered throughout the course, and was thankful to have a forecaddie that showed me the way, even if I was unbelieving. It should come as no surprise, however, as you are playing through a valley with cumbersome mountains on either side, with a body of water bisecting the property to provide the pull. Trust the caddie.

Much has been written about the course’s opening tee shot. Tom Watson said it was his favorite opening shot he’s ever played. I’m not inclined to argue with him. Walking up the steps beside the clubhouse to the starter’s stand and looking out over the property to the fairway below Is quite sensational.

The course’s backbone - at a par of 70 - is reinforced by a bevy of par 4s. Due to the parkland nature of the course, driving accuracy is a key to scoring well, as you will be punching out frequently, otherwise. And this time of year, balls can be hard to locate with all the fallen leaves.

The par 3s, two of which are prominent template holes, are good on the front. I found the two on the back to play largely the same.

Do yourself a favor and retire to Slammin’ Sammy’s afterward for a post-round drink. Try the burger. The hand-cut fries are among the best I’ve had anywhere.

Maybe Seminole...maybe not....but I'd rather play the Old Gringo than just about any course in the US. For a course in the mountains of WV...It is remarkable how flat the course plays through the river valley. There is quite simply no hills or undulations- but who cares. Course conditions and overall ambiance certainly justify the cost- any day spent at the Greenbrier beats just about anything else!!! JP

The reason I put that we played for 0.00 was that my friend is a member of the Sporting Club and had some coupons. Normally, quite expensive. It was a beautiful day and the course was in immaculate condition. The greens are really quick and of course I had plenty of 3 putts. When I got the speed down I was able to get 3 birdies and 5 pars. It was my first time playing it, although I had walked it previously during the PGA tournament.

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia is the Old White TPC course at The Greenbrier. Widely considered the best public course in West Virginia and one of the Best Public and Resort courses in America. Old White, is a fun classic course designed by CB Macdonald. The course utilizes many of Macdonald's classic template holes and presents a fun yet challenging course. The bunkering is phenomenal, not only greenside but in the fairway as well. The course was in outstanding condition and as you can see the course looks amazing with the changing fall leaves. The course is steeped in history hosting PGA Tour events over the years and currently. The customer services is second to none and the resort looks charming and with a wide range of activities. The Old White TPC is ranked by Golf Digest the number 3 in WV, 34 Public in America, 173 Greatest in America. Golf Magazine ranks the course number 1 Public Course in WV and 37th Public in America. Definitely add the Old White TPC to your list of must play courses you will not be disappointed. Note: I played the course for almost half the posted rate, I felt it was perfectly priced at half the cost but the price of $450.00 is too high for this course in my opinion.

The Old White TPCat The Greenbrier is one of my golf "happy places." The CB Macdonald/Seth Raynor layout has strong versions of many of the duo's famous "template holes," combined with mountain views everywhere you look. I would definitely recommend walking the course with a caddie, who will help you read the famously tricky greens. This time around, it was a special treat to hit into the par-3 18th with the stands being set up for the PGA Tour event.

Originally designed by CB Macdonald and Seth Raynor, this course has only gotten better over time, especially since it was renovated a few years back right before the PGA Tour moved in with the Greenbrier Classic. From start to finish, this course is memorable with elements of Scottish links design combined with classic America golf. Conditions are impeccable in resort setting unlike anywhere else in the world. A definite bucket list play.

A C.B. Macdonald original design is hard to find. Not unlike other courses built during the Golden Era of architecture, multiple architects have been involved in the current state of Old White, including Seth Raynor, who was Macdonald's protege. Lester George did a fairly recent restoration. And there's new grass on the greens. The course has all the charm and strategic challenges you'd expect from an American classic. You'll use every club in your bag, negotiate big undulating greens and wind through the rolling tree-lined topography of White Sulphur Springs. Sam Snead made 42 aces in his decorated career. No. 42 was on Old White's 18th, one of the rare par-3 finishing holes in golf. The Greenbrier is my No. 7 best buddies-trip destination in the U.S., in part, because of how much I enjoy playing Old White. Other factors are the alternate golf options, rich history, 5-star service and 50+ amenities—including a new steak house and casino. The setting makes fall an especially good time to visit. Credit to local coal mogul, Jim Justice, for bringing back The Greenbrier and Old White to prominence—and relevance.