A Celebration of Golf, History, and America
The official celebration of the America’s 250 Celebration may have been July 4th but in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, Virginia, where the Nations journey began, and its independence won. This is where the celebration continues all year long. Colonial Williamsburg preserves that vibrant past, offering a living museum where visitors can step back in time, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, experience a haunted Williamsburg ghost tour or simply take a stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street, here you’ll find the works of blacksmiths and wigmakers. This is where American history comes alive every single day.
It was on the banks of the James River, where we now find the 17th hole of Kingsmill Resorts, River Course that the first English Settlers arrived in 1607. The Pilgrims, a group of English Separatists, played a significant role in the early history of America. Fast forward, July 2nd, 1776, in Philadelphia, The Second Continental Congress voted for the independence of the United States by passing the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence, was proclaimed on July 4th, the date on which the anniversary of independence is observed. HAPPY 250th AMERICA.
On the colorful scorecard, hole 17 at Kingsmill Resort’s River Golf Course reads like thousands of other golf holes around the world: 177-yard Par 3. It should read: “You are about to play the most historic 177 yards of golf in America.” Take it all in. Don’t rush.
Look around and imagine how this very land played a role in American history starting in 1607.” The tee box, overlooking the James River features clearly visible remnants of the earthen works from the American Revolution, which was then repurposed (location, location, location) in the War Between the States. Today a Civil War cannon and flag guard this sacred ground. We’re sure some golfers would like to use the cannon to launch their ball to the tee (not allowed).
Although we all noted the historical attractions and amenities of the area, Golf was the primary reason for our visit and that in itself was a celebration. For more information on the Williamsburg area in general Visit Williamsburg, VA
At Kingsmill Resort, you will find yourself in the lap of luxury and steeped in history. You will walk where the stars of the PGA and LPGA stars have walked, but possibly into the footsteps of where Pocahontas may have walked. Kingsmill boasts three exceptional golf courses to satisfy the pallets of all golfers.
Front and center is the renowned, Pete Dye designed River Course which hosted the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour for over 3 decades. Your round here is truly unforgettable and there is always that desire to tackle it again, just ask me! A Golf Digest Top 100 that provides twists and turns, the typical Dye-abolical greens and then you reach the azure waters of the James Rover and the historical 17th. A must play for anyone visiting Virginia.
The Plantation Course, an Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay design is a little more welcoming than the River Course with its wide landing areas and large inviting greens. Water does come into play on 8 holes. Of note early in the round are the historic landmarks woven into the landscape of Richard Kingsmill Plantation, circa 1736.
Did I say “pallet” earlier on? I must have had Kingsmill’s Corn and Crab Chowder on my mind. To die for!!! Available in a most fun dining atmosphere in Eagles, in the golf clubhouse. Great food and relaxing atmosphere. James Landing Grille should also be on your radar here, a menu inspired by its riverside landscape with seafood options, local oysters and maybe some Surf & Turf, that will impress.
You won’t find a better way to start your day than at River’s Edge Buffet with exceptional views to boot!
For more information: Kingsmill Resort
With options galore to Stay & Play in the Williamsburg area, and walking distance from the
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area you have as many as five options under the Colonial Williamsburg Resorts umbrella. Toping that scenario is the Williamsburg Inn where you will experience iconic luxury, at the only U.S. hotel where the Queen stayed—twice. Since 1937, this historic resort has offered timeless elegance, world-class hospitality, and exceptional culinary experiences. On this occasion our group stayed minutes from the 2 exception golf courses in the charm and comfort of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection – Williamsburg Lodge.
It just doesn’t get much better than teeing it up on the Gold Course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design of 1963 remains a Top 75 Public Golf Course in America. A design that Jones himself referred to as “My Finest Design.” In 2017, under the guidance of Rees Jones the Golf Course underwent an extensive renovation of bunkers, greens and the entire course being re-grassed. Everything that one could ask for in a golf course, tree lined fairways demanding accuracy, elevation changes, water on seven holes, an exceptional collection of par 3’s, including an island green.
Carved from the natural terrain and inspired from his father, Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s, iconic Gold Course. The Green Course, carved from 250 acres of mature woodlands, with water coming into play on six holes, two played over water and four with lateral hazards, although slightly longer is consider more forgiving.
For those that just can’t get enough golf, “The Shoe” is a Short & Sweet, Rees Jones design. Nine scenic par 3 holes ranging from 43 to 137 yards, this layout offers a fun, accessible challenge for beginners and seasoned golfers alike. Colonial Williamsburg
There is a reason as to why you play where the locals play when visiting a destination. Nowhere is that more evident than at Williamsburg National Golf Club where you will find 2 distinctively different golf experiences at one great club. The Jack Nicklaus designed Jamestown Course has been recognized as 4-star and “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest Magazine. Additionally, the course has served as a PGA Tour qualifier. The Yorktown Course a Tom Clark design is a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. It’s unique back 9 offers, three par 5’s, three par 4’s and three par 3’s. Both courses offer their own “great beauty” and “noble challenges.” Williamsburg National Golf Club
Bringing our Williamsburg golf week to a crescendo we got a “Taste of Ireland” in Virginia!
Royal New Kent is a Mike Strantz design, sadly Mike was taken from us in 2005 at the age of 50. Only 7 courses were completed on his own with everyone having been ranked in the “Top 100” by Golf Digest.”
Royal New Kent has been called “the truest representation of an Irish links in America” and is reminiscent of the Irish landscape where links courses such as Royal County Down and Ballybunion were built. The landing areas are wide, therefore, played from the correct set of tees for different levels of ability the tee shot is not too dangerous. This is a course that requires focus and concentration on the second shots as there are varieties of danger and difficulty lurking, including 105 strategically placed bunkers, most of them large and/or deep.
Bring you’re “A” game and the right attitude because this is one of the most demanding courses that you might ever play, large greens with swales and ridges, hidden behind sharp, grassy knolls, hand stacked rock walls and tall fescue grass. Course and slope rating of 76.8/154 from the tips at 7,440 yards. Royal New Kent Golf Club
A few of the many accolades:
- Golf Advisor Golfers Choice #7 in Virginia for 2019
- 84 – America’s 100 Golf Courses (Golf Digest)
- Best New Course in the Nation (Golf Digest, 1997)
- 4 ½ Stars – Places to Play (Golf Digest)
- 3 – Best in State: Virginia (Golf Digest)
The Club at Viniterra a Rees Jones design is in itself hidden gem, a sister course about 15 minutes from Royal New Kent, and 30 minutes from Williamsburg sits adjacent to the award winning Royal New Kent Winery.
A picturesque setting routing incorporates a variety of diverse, natural features, including frequent and dramatic elevation changes, incorporating thoughtful and strategic location of a variety of grass, sand and water hazards, assure an enjoyable experience for all skill levels. Also considered one of the best values in Virginia. The Club at Viniterra
Our group had the most amazing week! If you are looking for a destination with and exceptional and diverse selection of golf, basking in American history, and seafood galore, hugging the Virginia shoreline you have found it in Williamsburg. Visit Williamsburg, VA
