The Highland Course At Primland Resort

My favorite course to play in Virginia. From tee to green, there is not a better public accessible course in Virginia. From the moment I dropped my bag off till when it was back in my car, I have not been treated better by a golf course. Finally, the views are terrific. This is a must play golf course in the US.

If you are looking for a true mountain getaway with incredible golf, there isn't a whole lot that can top Primland.

The course is in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southern Virginia and it takes 25-30 minutes just to get to the top of the mountain from the front gate. When you arrive, you are greeted by very friendly attendants who help you get your clubs on the cart.

The clubhouse/lodge is stunning. The pro shop is in the silo, which is a nice visual addition. The range has great views, maybe some of the best on the property.

In terms of the golf course, it is immaculate. It is built on fingers on top of the mountain, so you are looking out into the valleys/gorges from the holes. The fairways and greens are firm and fast. The rough is thick, but playable, and if you get offline just a little, you are most likely losing the ball.

In terms of some memorable holes/shots, the approach on #1 is probably the best on the course. #2 is the best par 3 in my opinion. On the #7 tee box, you can see the Winston Salem skyline. The green on #13 is a triple plateau with great views behind the green. The view behind the tee box on #16 is a close 2nd to the view on #1.

We didn't stay in the lodge or the treehouses (off #4 green), but I have heard it is well worth it. If you love mountain golf and being out in nature while also playing a world class golf course, Primland is a must.

The Highland Course at Primland is exceptional in every regard. Conditions. Layout. Customer Service. Blue Ridge Mountains setting. There is nothing I would change. We played without being rushed or held up. The warm up / practice area has everyone you'd want, and like the course, in perfect condition. The design is by Donald Steel, and it's superb. What the average golfer will appreciate is how the fairways and green complexes tend to funnel balls into play. That's not to say it's contrived to be easier. You have to hit it in the proper vicinity to be rewarded. If you hit it in the wrong places, your ball can bound into unpleasant places. I can't wait to play the course again. It was a thrilling golf round in one of the most beautiful places on Earth (Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains near the NC border).

Course was immaculate. Greens were rolling fast and smooth. Stay below the hole. Ball sat up when I hit the fairway. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Dwayne. Can't wait to get back that way.

Having played Omni Homestead and Kingsmill earlier in the year, I recently visited Primland to round out the top golf resorts in the Old Dominion. From the jaw-dropping views to the incredible conditions and fantastic staff, this was a special experience that I will always remember.

As a fan of mountain-stye golf, I have been looking forward to playing the Highland Course for several years now. It's not a course that's easily in my budget but I knew it would be worth the cost to play on such a lovely property.

The views were even better than I expected. Some of them were truly breathtaking and going in the autumn with the fall foliage made it all the better. The course, clubhouse, and the rest of the property was wrapped in an auburn glow that made the whole place shine.

The course itself will challenge even the best golfers. It's best to bring your "A" game here. Having played another course the day before that has been ranked in the top 10 most difficult in the nation I can tell you this one was even more challenging! It helps if you play the right tees though, I didn't and definitely paid the the price for it.

The conditions of the course were superior to any public course I've played in Virginia. Everything from tee to green and all around was absolutely immaculate. The tee box grass is cut so low and tightly I had to double check that I wasn't still on the green from the last hole, they're that good!

The course layout took full advantage of the many majestic views of the the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains. The par-3s were my favorite, especially the par-3 8th. The course offers a variety of holes, each with its own unique challenge.

By far the best thing about Primland is the staff and their unparalleled level of service. I've never met such an extensive, friendly, accommodating, attentive, and detailed group of course operators in the 160 courses I've played, both public and private. The starter, Jeff, was the best I've ever experienced as his warm greeting and detailed introduction put me at ease and definitely contributed to my enjoyment there.

Four short hours of golfing bliss is not enough for me here. Primland isn't the kind of resort you dash in, play, and then take off. You need to soak it all in. You need to experience the lodging, the food, the activities and so much more.

I plan to come back and stay on site when my wallet recovers from what has been a truly fantastic year of golf for me, punctuated at the end by this amazing and exceptional venue and course!

The Primland Resort is a very special resort in unique surroundings. You can't help but enjoy the mountains, the views, and the pampering at every step once you enter the gates. However, for a destination that has earned a bucket-list-caliber reputation, I was a little underwhelmed by the course itself.

Yes, the holes travel along sharp mountaintop ridges in an exciting manner, and the conditions are pristine. However, almost all the holes are lined on both sides by deep forest, offering few views and creating a sense of repetition. The other dominant features of most holes are a) an enormous green, leading to many three-putt opportunities and b) significant danger to the right, making this a treacherous course for the slicer.. While there are no water hazards, a number of holes feature forced carries over ravines while others require blind shots (I don't mind those, but some golfers do).

One subtle feature that I really appreciated was the British influence of the designer that offers opportunities for some ground-game strategy. For example, on the Par-5 13th, the obvious drive is one that cuts the corner to the right. But a three-wood driven safely to the lefthand side will catch a slope and add 30-40 yards of additional roll. On other holes, side slopes and mounding present other opportunities.

The massive putting green behind the hotel is a blast and the range is well outfitted. Staff is terrific. The whole resort is vast and the observatory is a wonderful attraction.

This is an excellent course to be sure. But if I could play only one exceptional mountain course in the region at a ~$250 price, I'd rather play Cascades at the Homestead a couple hours to the north.

Set atop a mountain plateau in Southern Virginia is one of the most beautiful mountain courses in America. Primland's Highland course is one of the finest Mountain courses I have ever played. Located in Meadow of Dan, VA, Primland is routed the dense forest and stretch across large chasms. The views are stunning as you seeing endless mountains and seemingly bottomless valleys. The course is very challenging because of the dense wood and narrow corridor and when not faced with the woods you often are trying to select the correct line to challenge to cover a chasm. The conditions were immaculate and the staff is friendly from the front gate until you bag in back in your car. The trees are so tall you will generally not see the amazing views from the fairway but rather you will be blown away with the views from the Tee box and green. While not easy to access from any major city it is worth the drive. Next time I will definitely stay overnight in the breathtaking resort on the property. Golf Digest ranks Primland No. 151 Greatest Course in America, No. 30 Best Public Course and No. 5 in the VA, Golf Magazine ranks No. 23 Public Course and the No. 2 public Course in Virginia.

First, as a destination, Primland Resort, is beautiful and the amenities are lovely. The staff is amazing and made our long weekend at the resort very enjoyable.

The course is beautiful and I enjoyed playing it. I did know it would be challenging with a course rating of 70.9/131 for the forward tees.

Pace of play was excellent because the tee times go every 15 minutes (and they have a starter that comes to the practice area and escorts you to the tee). We only got a bit slow at the17th hole when we caught up with a VERY slow foursome of older gentlemen. We wondered how much they were betting on their putts given how long they took on each green.

In general, I found most holes to be challenging but fair. You should expect the usual change in elevation since it is a mountain course. I did find myself with more uneven lies (ball above my feet) in the fairways than I expected.

My reason for 4 stars (again, I wish you could give 1/2 stars so I could give 4 1/2 stars) is because of the fact that there are some very long holes from the forward tees that make it almost impossible for most women (assuming the average woman hits a drive 150 yards) to make par. I was told by one woman that they have shortened some holes. In my opinion, 6, 7 and 13 should be revisited. Otherwise, it is a nice course layout.

If you're lucky enough to find your way to Meadows of Dan, VA not playing the Highland Course at Primland would be a mistake. This remote resort boasts all the usual 5-Star amenities with a stunning mountain-side course to boot.

Normally, mountain golf is tedious and "unfair" with holes having fairways at such a slope they're unhittable. Not so with Primland. While there are many humps and bumps and holes cut through the mountains, you never feel like you're going to fall off the other side.

The layout is artistic and the setting serene. The best tip I got before playing was from the pro shop that said, "stay left if you can; most of the trouble on the course is on your right". I was able to manage that and shoot a very good score. The resort is pricey and hard to get to, but it's worth the effort.

This course is absolutely amazing. I have played many of the top 100 courses in the US, and this one is as good as any I have played.

This is the week they aerated the greens, that resulted in a much lower cost of play, but also some untrue and uneven rolls.. completely understandable and we expected this. Perfectly acceptable!

The fairways are beautiful, well cared for and lush. Sand traps were well cared for and fair. The views are amazing on each hole on this beautiful mountain course.

Pace of play for us was fine. We were a twosome playing behind a 4some, so we expected to play slow. Someone from the club house even drove out to see if we were happy with the pace. GREAT Touch, impressive customer service. I'm sure if we wanted they would have asked the 4 some if we could play thru. We were perfectly happy to play at this pace and enjoy the course and the views. Made for a perfect round of golf.

Most of the staff were amazing. I am a graduate of Disney University on Customer Service so I understand and recognize good customer service. The staff that greets you as you pull in were friendly and accommodating. Check in was excellent, again the guys were friendly and very helpful. The range guy was exceptionally friendly and answered all our questions. (thank YOU!)

But... evidently the Starter missed the session on offering good customer service. He was our only NEGATIVE experience. He hardly made eye contact with us, he was rude and mumbled out instructions when we were on the first tee. He stood behind us and he gave instructions. We even had to ask some clarifying questions i.e. pin placement, he wasn't clear and it was like we were a bother to him. Not near as friendly and helpful as the guys at the range. At most great courses the starter is the face of the golf course, he can send you off with a great experience and some tips that can make your round great, or in this case, we felt like we were playing at a $25 public course. When we made the round after 9, we were looking for the 10th tee we stopped and as he passed in his cart we were asking for directions, he didn't even stop while shouting out instructions. He was clearly the anomaly. If my staff friendliness rating was based on the Starter it would be 1 star. Our only bad experience to nearly perfect day of golf.

Thank you Primland for and overall great day!

This mountain course is pristine, very scenic, very fun, and not very forgiving (just hit another if you stray from the short grass, because you'll never find balls off the mown areas!

You'll do some walking up and down even from the cart path to the greens. Glad I got to experience this course.

The golf course and layout was indeed beautiful. I do have to agree with the 2 star review that the course plays extremely difficult and did detract somewhat from my enjoyment - notably, I had too many 3-putts because the green speed was inconsistent from hole to hole. This meant a lot of double bogeys because the par 4's and par 5's were a bit long for the average woman and I don't enjoy double bogeys. It would be recommended to move up the tees on some of the holes for the ladies. All the staff were very friendly and professional. I would say that the pricing is a bit high even though the course is indeed special.

What you’re expecting is not going what you’re going to get. It’ll be better. This is true mountain golf, sitting on top of a mountain that takes 15 minutes to drive up. Stunning views on almost every hole. The blue ridge mountains do not disappoint.

The greens were glass, they rolled them before I played. Even though they were aerated they still rolled fairly true. Fastest aerated greens I’ve ever played that’s for sure. The golf course was tough, but many chances at birdie with 5 par 5’s and a few short par 4s. Very good par 3’s.

If you’re coming from the North and let’s say youre drving down to Pinehurst on i77. Take the extra hour detour, stop, and enjoy this hidden gem. You won’t regret it. I will be back that’s for sure.

I'll give Primland credit, they have successfully gone all out on every aspect of this resort. From the time you get out of your car, every staff member is exceedingly friendly and helpful. The views are extraordinary; make sure you hit at least one junk ball into what looks to be a thousand foot drop off of the 18th tee. The course itself could not be in better condition, especially the greens. The food in the restaurant is the best golf course food I've ever had, but of course you will pay for it.

Still, this course wasn't totally for me. While I love mountain golf, with its elevation changes and optical illusions, I like the old school style of smaller greens. These greens are just entirely too large. Putting GPS on the carts would be really helpful, as the size of the greens makes it impossible to be precise with your approach distances. When each third of the green can be 20 yards deep (or more!), you're more likely to hit it close because you were lucky, not because you were good.

I haven't played a course outside of Scottsdale that was in as pristine condition as Primland, and I could probably be talked into going back. But I wouldn't go out of my way to do so, as it's not a course that will reward you for playing well.

Primland is a beautiful place to play golf. The course tee boxes and fairway grass was very nice. The greens were smooth and true but not quite perfect, which you expect that the price points they demand. The valet at the entrance was nice, the pro shop attendants as well. The practice range was on mats, disappointing, but fine. The short game area was good but didn't notice the practice green until making the turn; apparently practiced putting on the chipping green. The course appeal is the location. The elevation change, overlooks, and contours make this place a must experience. It can be quite tight at locations so you really need to be able to control your ball. The places you can't miss are drastic for sure.

The course was beautiful and built for your camera. Very playable and score-able for above average golfers; could be frustrating for some and make sure to choose the appropriate tee boxes. I loved it, would love to play again, although I don't believe the course itself is worth the $220 price tag. It just doesn't have the perfect grass that price demands, close, but not quite.

I had long targeted this course as one I wanted to check off my list, but I had no idea what a phenomenal course this is. First, undoubtedly the Highland Course at Primland would be a great round any time of year. There are two reasons, however, that I recommend this as a fall play: 1) The color of the foliage in November was absolutely stunning. Some of the most fantastic pictures I've ever taken on a golf course occurred today. 2) the rate drops beginning in November, making it an excellent value at $125. I have played many of the courses that occupy spots at the top of the "Top 100 lists," but I have no reservation saying this is in my top 10 personally. Seemingly every hole has a vista that at times makes concentrating on actually playing golf difficult. The course rests on the ridge of a mountain. Once you pass through the entrance gate to Primland it is 6 miles along the ridge line to the lodge and course. I thought the shot value of the course was phenomenal, from the par-5 1st hole - an excellent opening hole - to the par-3 8th. Exhilarating. Fairways were generous. Greens are very large, but not overly undulating. Never saw another player the entire day, despite mid-50s temperatures.

High end experience had been wanting to do for some time. Got lucky as a friend got 125$/player package and offered us 4 slots. Not sure i would have paid 250$ to play.

Reception on arrival was fast and excellent. Staff very friendly. Practice facilities were first rate.

The course was beautiful. Many tough holes and you need to be accurate. If you are off the fairways forget the ball and tee up a new one. As a 18 handicap and at 72 the blue tees were all we could handle at 6000 yards.

Would love the chance to play it again .

The greens were super fast and we all had a difficult time reading the greens and the breaks.

Plenty of room considering the course is built on the side of the mountain . Course was wide open and did not have to wait on a single hole . Will be coming back soon .

Primland is a phenomenal place. Everything from the service at the valet, to the service from the golf staff is top notch. They make everyone feel like a VIP guest.

The course is unreal. Be sure to hit the fairway though because there isn't much room between lush fairway and knee high grass.

Only downside, and it's not really a downside, is that you are so caught up in your surroundings that you don't realize how slow you're playing until you finish. We had 3 players, all of whom are under 10 handicap, and it took us almost 5 hours.

No question, this is one of the best courses I've ever played.

I played here for the first time a few days ago. All I can say is I was in awe of the place. The conditioning, the variety of the course, the unbelievable views throughout the round - I just can't say enough good things about Primland. I've played other premier resort courses in recent years like Spyglass, the Ocean Course at Kiawah, and Harbour Town, and I would certainly say this holds its own with that group. Donald Steele really deserves a great deal of praise for creating this beautiful course. Primland is hard to get to, there's no doubt about that, but it was well worth the trip in my opinion.