Wintergreen Resort

*This review is for Tuckahoe and Monocan courses. I did not encounter any of the poor conditions mentioned by other recent reviews. I'm not sure if the course has since recovered or if those conditions were specific only to the Shamokin course.*

Along with Rock Harbor GC way up in Winchester, Stoney Creek at Wintergreen Resort is the most-underrated golf course in Virginia. Sure, you can spend $100-225 on high-end mountain resort golf at places like Omni or Primland, but at Wintergreen you can get 18 holes for $44 and have nearly as good an experience.

This is one of my all-time favorite designs and I think one of Rees Jones’ best courses, especially the Tuckahoe nine that opens with a towering tee shot down to a majesty hole with a great view. The character of Tuckahoe, Monocan, and Shamokin are all very different and unique and make for a fun play no matter what combination you get (make sure you get to play Tuckahoe).

Conditions here are top notch and even with the wet weather the course played very well with no bare spots or overly soggy spots, clean bunkers, smooth greens and well-maintained rough. One major exception is some of the green surrounds on Monocan which have been sodded and are still on the mend, but it’s manageable and doesn’t take away from the experience.

The mountain views are not to be overlooked, you really get more out of your round than a chance at some rewarding golf.

Facilities here are top notch with a grass driving range and free range balls, plus separate putting and pitching/chipping greens. The staff is also great and pace of play is very good.

The value here is good too if you pick the right day and get their afternoon special of just $44. That’s a remarkable value considering the costs at nearby places like Birdwood.

If you haven’t played here before, PLEASE go play. It’s a great course and it deserves a greatly reputation!

Normally when you pay a bit more you expect and get a bit more. This was Stoney creek 5-10 years ago. Therefore the ‘superior’ attitude from the people there was almost justified. I played today on muddy fairways and tee boxes that were sand and weeds. It’s unfortunate but they have lost this course in spots. The greens were mediocre/ok. There was a lot to be improved however. For the money I paid I expected much more.

7/11/18

I’ve played 60 public courses in Virginia and this was my 8th time playing Stoney Creek at Wintergreen Resort and can tell you overall, this is the best public course in the state for under $100. There’s no one category that Stoney Creek excels at over other courses, but all factors considered, I rate it higher than any others.

The course has three 9-hole courses, and Tuckahoe #1 is my all-time favorite hole with a 70-ft drop from tee to fairway and a lake on the right. Even a good, straight tee shot will leave you with a fairway wood in your hand for the approach shot making it a tough but beautiful first hole (though you are usually directed to play Tuckahoe second so often times it’s your 10th hole). There are several other memorable holes with fantastic views of the Blue Ridge mountains, part of what makes the layout so great. You also wind your way through woods and along creeks making for a peaceful round as well.

The conditions here are well above average and are getting even better with the on-going renovation of Monocan 9. They are also in the process of redoing the tees but it doesn’t interfere with play. The greens are set to be aerated next week just as a head’s up. Speaking of greens, they are very fast here, and while there’s not a ton of undulation in the greens they are far from flat either so be delicate with your putts. The Bermuda fairways are smooth and firm and many holes can easily be played as links-style. The bunkers are well-groomed and easy to hit out of and the rough is even in most areas. There are ball-washers at every hole, a nice touch.

Off-course amenities are excellent with a grass driving range (complete with all-you-can-hit high-quality range balls, a separate pitching and chipping green (with bunker), and a putting green that will give you great practice for your round.

The staff is friendly and adequate if not overachieving. As for value, I paid the special Sun/Thu afternoon rate of just $39 which is a steal here but the course is worth the rack rates as well. Pace of play can vary but I’ve never seen it be beyond 4.5 hours. Having a starter to direct groups certainly helps.

I cannot say enough great things about this course, it’s a shame that it doesn’t get more attention from review sites or publications. It’s certainly worth a play, you’d have to work hard to be disappointed here.

I live locally and try and play here at least 1/year. I won't be back after today. The snarky, elitist attitudes of the staff are just too much to handle anymore. Its a repeated theme here for years. This is not Augusta National and you are not the only golf course within driving distance. The condition of the course is average at best and the layout and difficulty of the course borders on being unfair. When I drop a ball on the green and rolls all the way across and off the front you have the green shaved too close. If you like to 3 and 4 putt....be looked down upon by the staff, and want to over pay for a course in mediocre condition, this place is for you.

Pace of play had to wait and had people pushing us. Thought they would have had the snack shop or cart girl out given the ski resorts were closed due to the nice weather. Young man at the bag drop was very nice and friendly. Thought the pin placements were unfair for February, would have been good for a club championship. Anyway, very beautiful and scenic course, will be back.

Because of our hot dry summer many courses in the area are in pretty rough shape, but not this one. The course was in BEAUTIFUL shape for late summer early fall. The Sunday afternoon greens fee of $39 includes cart and 18 holes and range balls. This is easily one of the best values in golf in Central VA.