Tee Off at the Crossroads of Championship Golf and America’s 250-Year Legacy
As the morning sun rises over the James River, a light mist clings to the water’s edge. The only sounds are local wildlife and the quiet rhythm of a practiced swing. It’s a scene that golfers rarely forget — not simply because of the shot at hand or the riverside beauty, but because of where it unfolds. At Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, the game is played on ground that has witnessed centuries of American history, long before the first tee was ever placed on American soil.
In 2026, as the nation commemorates its 250th birthday, Kingsmill Resort offers golfers a unique opportunity: championship-caliber golf set against one of the most historically significant backdrops in the country. Here, fairways follow land shaped by time, the James River serves as both strategic hazard and living reminder of America’s beginnings, and each round feels connected to something larger than the scorecard.
A Golf Destination with a Sense of Place
Williamsburg has long stood at the heart of America’s story, and Kingsmill’s location places it directly within that narrative. Situated along the historic James River — once a vital artery for early colonial settlement — the resort occupies land where history and landscape are inseparable. In 1607, what is now the 17th tee box on the River Course marked the first landing site of settlers who would later establish Jamestown, just miles up-river to the west.
That sense of place elevates the golf experience. Kingsmill isn’t simply a collection of holes; it’s a destination designed for those who value courses with character, pedigree, and purpose. Easily accessible from major East Coast and Midwestern cities, the resort has earned a reputation as a premier Mid-Atlantic golf getaway — one that rewards repeat visits and extended stays.
What sets Kingsmill apart is its balance of championship golf and immersive environment. It’s a place where a multi-day trip isn’t just recommended, but essential — offering contrasting courses, exceptional conditioning, and a setting that invites golfers to slow down and savor the moment.
Fairways Framed by History
The history of Kingsmill extends well beyond its modern reputation. The land along the James River played a central role in early American industry and commerce, and Williamsburg itself served as the capital of colonial Virginia during the nation’s formative years. Over time, the area evolved, but its historical significance never faded. Rather it is celebrated, and with Kingsmill’s Patriot Shuttle Service, every point of historical significance in the area is easily reached and enjoyed.
Today, that legacy is felt throughout the property. Towering trees, rolling terrain, and riverfront vistas provide a natural canvas for the game, while subtle reminders of the past — from the river’s quiet presence and historic Plantation House site on the aptly named Plantation Course to the colonial era Cannon and ancient landing site on hole 17 of the River course (which also served as a defensive position in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and a port for commerce during the 18th and 19th centuries) — give each round a deeper resonance.
Few destinations offer the chance to play championship golf at the crossroads of American history.
A Historic Year
In 2026, that connection becomes even more meaningful. As an official partner of VA250 and Williamsburg 250, Kingsmill is proud to be part of the statewide and regional commemoration marking 250 years since the founding of the United States.
Williamsburg will serve as a focal point of these once-in-a-generation celebrations, hosting special events, exhibits, and commemorations throughout the year. For visiting golfers, the result is an atmosphere unlike any other — where a golf trip is enriched by the energy and significance of America’s semiquincentennial.
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The River Course: Play the Course of History
Kingsmill’s River Course is the resort’s crown jewel and one of the most recognizable golf experiences in the region. Consistently ranked among Virginia’s top courses, it is defined by its dramatic setting along the James River and its history of professional competition.
38 years of PGA and LPGA tournament play have cemented the River Course’s championship credentials, but its true appeal lies in its balance. The Pete Dye–designed layout rewards smart decisions, precise approaches, and confident putting, all while delivering a visual experience inseparable from its setting.
The Pete Dye designed course demands strategic thinking from the opening tee shot to the closing hole. The last three holes are on the banks of the three mile wide James River, making it one of the most beautiful finishes in golf — as you putt out on hole 15, a challenging par 5 that dares you to go for the green in two, the James River comes into view.
On the par 4 16th, your drive traces a line toward the James River, the view so striking it invites a quiet pause on the fairway. The iconic par 3 17th unfolds along the riverbank, where cannon and commemorative plaques call for reflection before you play one of the most storied holes in golf. The journey ends on the par 4 18th, a confident carry over water with the river now at your back. Ahead, Eagles Clubhouse frames the green, where golfers linger with cold drinks in hand, watching your approach against the timeless river backdrop.
Playing the River Course in 2026 carries added significance. The same river that shapes the course once carried settlers, supplies, and stories that helped define a nation.
The Plantation Course: Classic, Quiet, and Timeless
In contrast, the Plantation Course offers a more traditional, tree-lined experience that reflects the quieter side of Williamsburg’s landscape. Where the River Course is bold and exposed, the Plantation Course is intimate and classic, rewarding thoughtful shot-making and course management.
Subtle elevation changes, doglegs framed by mature trees, and well-protected greens define the round. It’s a course many golfers find endlessly replayable, revealing new challenges with each visit.
Together, the two courses create a well-rounded golf destination, allowing players to test different aspects of their game while enjoying true variety.
Beyond the Fairways
Kingsmill’s commitment to golfers extends beyond the courses themselves. Practice facilities provide ample space to warm up or refine a swing, while the golf staff ensures a welcoming, professional experience from arrival to final putt.
After the round, golfers can unwind with river views, enjoy thoughtfully prepared dining, visit the luxury spa, relax by the pools, or gather by the marina fire pits as the sun sets over the James River. Accommodations range from spacious condos to private cottages, large villas, and the one-of-a-kind Estate at Kingsmill — ideal for golf groups and extended stays.
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Minutes from Kingsmill, history, adventure, and local flavor await — from Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown to the award-winning Busch Gardens theme park, breweries, and wineries. Stay an extra day and experience it all.
The Time to Visit Is Now
For golfers seeking more than another course to check off a list, Kingsmill offers something rare: championship-caliber golf rooted in history, character, and natural beauty.
In 2026, as America marks 250 years since its founding and Williamsburg steps into the national spotlight, Kingsmill stands ready to welcome golfers at a moment when the game feels especially connected to place and time. It’s a chance to tee it up where history lives — and where the game continues to be played at the highest level. Join us and create your own Kingsmill Legacy.
