Personally, I would have stayed on the 17th green overlooking the water, but that's just me.

Another historical record greets you as you walk towards the front of the clubhouse - a large sign listing all the names of the winners of the multiple professional tour tournaments competed on the Kingsmill River Course over the decades: Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic, Michelob Championship at Kingsmill, Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill , Kingsmill Championship, and PureSilk Championship of Williamsburg. One of these tournaments ran close to annually from 1961 to 2021. When asked why the tours stopped coming to Kingsmill, one of the staff said, "They hit the ball too far these days. There's no room to expand the course."

Happily, 99% of recreational golfers do not hit the ball as far as Tour players. And those that might occasionally come close don't hit it nearly as straight. So for recreational golfers looking to play some historic courses on some historic property, the 1975 Pete Dye-designed River Course and the 1986 Arnold Palmer-designed Plantation Course provide plenty of challenge and fun.

Kingsmill Resort

Kingsmill Resort is a sprawling, mixed-use property located on the outskirts of historic Williamsburg, just outside the front gates of the Busch Gardens amusement park. There are part-time and full-time residents (and members), there are timeshare condos, there are resort units. There are also myriad indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, a marina, and restaurants and bars. The sunset views from the patio of the marina restaurant really should not be missed.

Because of the sheer size of the Kingsmill Resort, guests really benefit from having a car on property. Although some of the rooms and facilities could use a bit of updating, the overall vibe is one of old-money, Mid-Atlantic rustic comfort. The two golf courses add considerably to this vibe, and they clearly serve as the crown jewels of the resort.

The Golf Courses

In the well-staffed, well-stocked proshop, there was a vigorous debate amongst the staff when I asked which course, River or Plantation, is the hardest. A slight majority appeared to vote for the River Course - a 1975 Pete Dye layout that stretches to 6,831 yards from the back tees. This view was mostly due to its length and, perhaps, to a sort of recency bias related to the two courses' respective 18th holes. The River Course ends with a bang: a 450-yard par-4 cape hole that requires an intimidating carry over a lake from all but the forward tees. The Plantation Course ends with a thud: a 333-yard, possibly drivable par 4 with no real trouble in any direction.

River Course, Hole 18: My driving line was between the first and second bunkers on the right

On the other hand, those voting for the Plantation as the more difficult 18 pointed to the narrower fairways, some requirement to play "target-golf" on certain holes, multiple blind hazards (and no GPS on the carts), a few long carries off the tee, and greens that often cantilevered - sloped downward from the middle of the putting surface toward both front and back. To be honest, I do think these devilish greens made the overall experience on the Plantation for first-time players more vexing. Both courses had their own charms and demons, however.

The River Course

In 1975, Pete Dye was coming into his own as a golf course architect. He was entering the stage of his career - and an age of golf - when course difficulty was considered a paramount virtue (from the tips, Course Rating: 73.2; Course Slope: 136). The rolling topography along the James River lent itself perfectly into Dye's penchant for visual deception: when players can't see the ground between themselves and their targets because of swales or valleys, yardages are much harder to estimate. And in the 1970s, laser rangefinders weren't a thing yet. Today, even with modern yardage-measuring devices, recreational golfers have trouble overcoming doubts - many carries over hazards and up to predominantly elevated greens look much longer (and occasionally even shorter) than the laser says. (Buy a Player's Book in the proshop - very useful!)

The rollercoaster topography - featured on both courses - lends itself to plenty of blind or semi-blind shots, especially off the tee. Then, on approaches to the River Course greens, you notice that nearly every one has a certain table-top quality, with sharp and penal drop-offs to one, two, or all sides. Players who miss greens here will have their short games tested. Then, once on the putting surfaces, the grainy Bermuda turf will make both speed and line difficult to judge. I think I three-putted more on the front 9 of my first round on the River Course than I had in a half-dozen previous rounds.

There are several memorable holes on the River Course, led by the aforementioned 18th - really a stunning closer that makes you pick a line and hit it to stay dry. Even a bomb can get you in trouble, though, as the fairway is not overly wide, and the right rough is no picnic to play from.

On the front side, the par-3 5th, which can play 70+ yards longer or shorter, depending on tees and pin position, is a real beauty. Here club choice is key if you're going to hit the deep, narrow green and avoid the bunker and wetlands right and steep bank on the left.

River Course, Hole 5: Narrow target, lots of trouble, hard to judge!

The pretty 525-yard, par-5 7th is another gem. Here, like on the rest of the layout, the second shot is key. Driving the ball is not really the issue for the most part on the River Course, as long as you keep it relatively straight. But the second shots and/or approaches? Whoa. Here, the green is offset to the left of the end of the fairway. There is a dramatic drop-off to the left of the green into brush and wetlands.

River Course, Hole 7: That left pin is a sucker pin for an old hooker like me.

The closing three holes are really the stars of the River Course, though, as they play down to and along the James River. The fairway of the 458-yard 16th has OB both left and right, if you get a little wild. Then the hole turns right and snakes down toward a smallish peninsular green backdropped by the river. If the wind is coming off the water, as it usually is, club choice and angles are everything. The 177-yard, par-3 17th has an elevated tee box and equally elevated green, separated by a 30-foot valley. I don't know if it was the wind or the weight of history (there are numerous historical markers near the tee box and green), but just about every tee shot I saw (and hit myself) came up a bit short. The unlucky ones rolled down to the bottom of the valley.

River Course, Hole 17: The elevated green on this par 3 is large and inviting - you just have to hit enough club to get here.

The Plantation Course

At just 6,437 from the back tees (Rating: 71.4, Slope: 132), the Arnold Palmer design with the historically problematical name should play easier on paper...but as noted above, might not on grass. Of special note is the back 9, which kicks off with a string of three 400+ yard par 4s. Numerous holes - notably 1, 10, 12, and 13 - have blind water hazards off the tees. Finally, as previously mentioned, the cantilevered greens require precise distance control or else balls will roll off the backs of the greens (or come back off the fronts) into areas that are very hard to get up and down from. As some of the proshop staff warned, the Plantation Course is more about position and avoiding hazards than power.

Perhaps because the junior layout was sort of shoe-horned into land surrounding its big sister, there are fewer visually arresting holes, though many of the same characteristics are shared between the two courses: elevated tees and/or greens, lots of swales and valleys, stands of hardwood trees, deep bunkers, and plenty of water. From the start, players are faced with what might be intimidating carries off the tee on the 365-yard 1st and 519-yard 2nd holes. Then, on the 177-yard, par-3 17th - arguably the most memorable hole - there's a long carry over a ravine that is called, I believe, Snake Valley because of, well, snakes. There should really be a drop zone on the other side (it was unclear that there was, so a sign on the tee would be useful) - at least to keep players away from the snakes.

Plantation Course, Hole 17: If you hit your tee shot into that valley, just drop one on the other side.

The only sour experience on the Plantation Course was the customer service (which, to be honest, was occasionally spotty throughout the resort). One of my group actually carded a hole-in-one on the 14th. When that foursome finished and wanted to wait for my foursome to come in, they called the bar and asked if someone could drive beers out to the 18th to celebrate (neither the 9th nor the 18th of the Plantation is located near the clubhouse). They were refused. Later, one staff member drove a non-golfing member of our group out with beers, but apparently just delivering beers alone was too much to ask at the former home of multiple Anheuser-Busch-sponsored tournaments.

Plantation Course, Hole 10: One of my best drives of the round almost got to this pond (which I didn't know was there).

The Verdict on Kingsmill Resort

Another nice view of the memorable 16th Hole on the River Course

When I think of Mid-Atlantic golf, I basically think of Kingsmill Resort as the template: great golf, beautiful scenery, excellent food, homey accommodations. Could the Jamestown settlers of 1607 have even imagined how idyllic this land would become in 400 years? Our only real privation was that the drink cart stopped service at 1:30pm all three days we played (so, right at our tee times), and there was no other water anywhere on courses (drinking fountains were shut off). Although this lack of service on the very warm days we played actually was somewhat dangerous (a few of our members were pretty dehydrated the first day), we were thankfully not forced to resort to cannibalism to survive.

Altogether then, Kingsmill Resort remains one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier golf vacation destinations. It is always a treat to play the same courses as the pros played, and the added benefit of treading the same soil as some of the founders of this great nation is definitely an added bonus.

Condé Nast Traveler received more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest-running and most prestigious accolades from readers, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

"We are incredibly honored to be recognized among the best resorts in the South by Condé Nast Traveler's readers," said Mark Spadoni, managing director at The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa. "This acknowledgment reaffirms not only our timeless hospitality but also how The Homestead continues to evolve as a year-round destination for today's traveler." Known as America's first resort and situated on 2,300 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa has become synonymous with immersive wellness offerings, seasonal culinary programming, and a robust calendar of events and traditions that bring guests back year after year. From skiing and ice skating in the winter to championship golf, sporting clays, horseback riding, falconry, and fly fishing in the warmer months, the resort blends its historic legacy with modern recreation and relaxation. The Iconic resort has also emerged as a sought-after venue for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate gatherings with the addition of a 4,000-square-foot event pavilion.

While its recent $180 million property-wide renovations enhanced everything from the Warm Springs Pools - the oldest spa structure in the country dating to 1761 - to guest rooms, dining, and the iconic Great Hall, it is the vibrant experiences and enduring sense of place that continue to distinguish The Homestead as one of the South's most celebrated resorts. The 2025 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

For more information on The Omni Homestead Resort, visit TheOmniHomestead.com.

Kingsmill Resort sits on a 2,900-acre tract of land along the historic James River, which was part of the original Kingsmill Plantation. The original plantation structures and anything built thereafter are long gone. The Resort is best known for its two championship-caliber golf courses, which hosted 38 professional golf tournaments from 1981 until 2021, including LPGA and PGA TOUR events.

The River Course is the most popular and best known of the two. It was the home of the PGA TOUR's Anheuser Busch Classic from 1981 - 2002, as well as the LPGA from 2003 - 2021. The River course is the handiwork of legendary designer Pete Dye and has challenged some of the world's best golfers.

As you stand on the first tee, you can see that Pete Dye has his fingerprints all over this course, from the pot bunkers in the middle of the fairway to the ones that surround the green. Getting further into your round, you'll find some really good elevation changes. Several tee shots require a forced carry, but nothing that the average golfer can't handle, provided they pick the appropriate tees. There's a good mix of tree-lined fairways that require a certain amount of accuracy, and wide open holes where you can swing away. Dye has done a great job of blending the golf course into the natural surroundings. Pot bunkers, some with huge lips on them, guard many of the greens.

Two holes on the River Course caught my attention: the par 5, 3rd hole, and the par 3, 17th. Number 3 is a great-looking par 5 dogleg left, playing 452 yards from the White Tees with an elevated tee box. Hit your tee shot towards the fairway bunker on the right. Play your layup shot down the right side as well, and let the gently sloping fairway funnel it back to the middle. Beware of the two bunkers that guard a small pond about 80 yards short of the green on the left. Success thus far will leave a short uphill pitch shot onto an elevated green that slopes right to left. Two bunkers guard the right side and back of the putting surface; they sit about 15 feet below it, too!

The consensus for the favorite hole on the River Course is Number 17. It's a 133-yard par 3 that plays along the banks of the James River. You tee off from an elevated tee box over a ravine, to a green that is 48 yards long and not very wide, with two bunkers on the right side. Depending on pin placement, it can be a two or three-club difference. It's a challenging hole with incredible views!

The River Course has five sets of tees, so a suitable yardage should be easy to find. From the back tees, the course plays 6,831 yards with a slope rating of 136. Less masochistic golfers play the White Tees from a yardage of 5,704. From here, the course still carries an impressive slope rating of 126. Don't try and bite off too much of the course, and you'll have a great time!

The Plantation Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and challenges players regardless of their abilities. Plantation has five sets of tees with yardages ranging from 3,606 yards (Green) to 6,436 yards (Black). It's a course that requires good iron play and adept putting if you want to score well. For the most part, fairway landing areas are generous, with water coming into play on eight holes. There's no shortage of gaping ravines or heavy woods either. The putting surfaces are large with considerable undulations and swales. Greens are well-guarded, often with multiple bunkers or water.

Playing golf at Kingsmill Resort is also a history lesson. As you make your way around both courses, you'll come across signs and plaques that tell the history of what was going on back in those early days. There are landmarks from Richard Kingsmill's 1736 plantation woven into the landscape, making a round of golf on these courses a historic event!

There's a third course on property as well. The Woods Course is very private and has been ranked #10 by Golfweek Magazine in their list of Virginia's Top Ten Golf Courses. It was designed by golf course architect Tom Clark with input from two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange. It's a classic parkland-style course tucked in a secluded corner of the resort.

If your golf game needs a little tune-up, Kingsmill's Golf Academy has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America. PGA Director of Instruction Chris George was voted the No. 1 instructor for Virginia by Golf Digest's list of the "Best Teachers in Your State."

There are all kinds of things to do at the Kingsmill Resort besides golf that will keep the entire family busy, together, or individually. Should you prefer the courts over the course, Kingsmill's Tennis Academy is a place where you can enjoy special programs and events the resort puts together, or let your competitive juices flow at one of their resort tournaments. Kingsmill has 10 clay courts and two hard courts. Four have been lined for pickleball.

Kids love pools, and Kingsmill does not disappoint with both indoor and outdoor pools for year-round enjoyment. The River Pool features a winding lazy river with tubes, a waterslide, a zero-depth entry pool with fountains, a sandy beach area, and a fire pit. It's the go-to family spot at the resort. 37 North, the Sports Club's outdoor pool - 37 North - is very peaceful, with beautiful views of the James River. It's ideal for those looking for some quiet relaxation or lap swimming. The indoor pool is lined for laps and also has a spill-over hot tub attached to it.

The Fitness Centre has undergone an $8M renovation and features Hammer Strength weightlifting equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, circuit-training machines, and miles of paths for walking or running.

Kingsmill's pride and joy is the marina and, if you enjoy being on the water, it's the place you want to be. They have jet skis, paddle boards, pontoon boats, kayaks, double kayaks, and fishing poles for rent. They have everything you'll need for a day on the James!

At the Kingsmill Spa, they focus on your total relaxation. Choose from over 50 luxurious spa services, or visit the full-service salon featuring state-of-the-art shampoo, hair, and nail stations. Wine service is available to heighten your experience.

When it comes to accommodations, you have a lot of choices. Fortunately, there are only two questions you need to answer for a guestroom: do you want a king bed or two doubles, and river view or golf course view? Regardless, it will also have a private balcony or patio, a work desk, and Wi-Fi, as well as the normal resort in-room amenities you'd expect. If you want a little more space, there are 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos available. There's usually a sofa bed as well. All have a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and some have fireplaces.

The Cottages on The James is a little community of five homes with professionally decorated interiors, cottage-inspired exteriors, and three or four bedrooms. They also have fantastic views of the James River and the 18th hole of the River Course.

If you want the ultimate in luxury accommodations, there's the Estate at Kingsmill, a 7,000-square-foot private estate that sits on a scenic bluff overlooking the James River. The original mansion was built as a private retreat for the Busch Family and recently underwent a $3 million makeover. Now, the property serves as a luxury rental for vacationers and corporations. The Estate is located within the gated, manicured grounds of the resort.

There are a lot of great spots to eat at Kingsmill, but I developed a couple of favorites. Eagles is located in the golf clubhouse and is a great place to decompress after a day on the golf course. In addition to your favorite adult beverages, they serve lunch and dinner and offer a diverse range of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and more.

The James Landing Grille is located down by the marina, and if you time it right, you can catch a beautiful sunset over the James River. It's Williamsburg's only riverfront restaurant, and they use locally-sourced/caught ingredients such as oysters on the half shell and grilled fish dishes.

Kingsmill Resort should definitely be a consideration for your next golf vacation or outing. There are several golf packages offered on their website, or, if you'd like to book your next outing or charitable tournament, they can help with that too. For more information or to book your next vacation, visit www.kingsmill.com.

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from hotel rooms with a king bed and pullout sofa or two queen beds, to 1 to 4-bedroom condos with full kitchens, large whirlpool bathtubs, fireplaces, and decks. Regardless of the unit you choose, you'll have a coffeemaker, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and sitting area.

For those who just want to get away, the resort's natural surroundings offer a great chance to see nature at its best. Wake up early and catch the sunrise as it makes its way over the adjacent mountain tops, or watch the sun disappear beyond the vistas. Wildlife is abundant; during our stay, we saw rabbits, groundhogs, squirrels, and deer. The deer are very friendly; my wife had one eating sunflower seeds out of her hand. We also saw a baby fawn in the brush that couldn't be more than a week old.

I first visited Massanutten several years ago. What struck me about the property was the incredible conditioning of the golf courses and the attention to detail. At many similar resorts we have visited, golf seems to be secondary, but here at Massanutten, everything is first-rate. From the overall condition of the accommodations to the waterpark and golf courses, every amenity is top-notch.

The resort's showcase golf course is Mountain Greens. Mountain Greens offers somewhat of a reality check for those who think they're better than they really are! The course offers four sets of tees with something to suit every golfer. The Blue Tees play 6,443 yards with a par of 72. Less masochistic men - like myself - may choose to play from the White Tees at 6,087 yards, while seniors will have a good time from the Gold Tees at 5,608. The ladies typically play from the Red Tees, which play 4,846 yards. Choose the tees that best suit your game and you're certain to have a good time.

As you would expect, the topography is very hilly with quite a few elevation changes. There are plenty of tree-lined fairways and steep drop-offs on the peripheries; meandering streams frame several fairways as well. It's more about shot placement and thinking ahead than it is about hitting the ball as far as you can. As you play the course, you'll notice there are several blind tee shots as well as a few blind approaches. Several greens are multi-tiered, and the breaks are directly influenced by the mountain itself.

Mountain Green has several memorable holes. Number 2 is a 487-yard, par 5 that will have some players thinking about going for the green in two. With trees lining both sides of the fairway, control and accuracy on your first three shots will provide the best opportunity at par or better. Hitting your layup shot just short of the 100-yard marker will leave the best look into a well-protected and well-undulated putting surface.

At 140 yards, the par-3 8th hole plays uphill and may require an extra club off the tee. There's an "M" shaped bunker in front, so you'll need to carry the ball onto the green. After you putt out, look back at the tee and admire the views of the Shenandoah Valley. No wonder this is Mountain Green's signature hole.

The 309-yard 12th hole is a short par 4 that requires some thought. Consider hitting something less than driver off the tee and play your tee shot out to the left, short of the farthest fairway bunker. From there, you'll have an easy pitch shot into the green and a good chance at birdie. This is arguably the most scenic par 4 on the course.

Number 16 is another par 3 that plays 176 yards and requires an accurate shot off the tee into an elevated green. If you favor the right side, the ball should funnel down to the putting surface. Par is a good score here.

While Mountain Greens is the resort's championship golf course, I'm not exactly sure how to classify Woodstone Meadows. The course features 9 par 3s, 7 par 4s, and two par 5s, so it's not exactly an executive course. Heck, the two par 5s are longer than any par 5 on the Mountain Greens course! If that's not enough, the 400-yard, 5th hole says it all. Randy Armentrout in the pro shop will tell you that he scores better on the longer course (I heard that from several people).

Woodstone Meadows offers three sets of tees and plays to a par of 65. The Blue Tees play 5,065 yards, the Whites play 4,518, and the Forward Tees play 3,606. I'm confident that one of those lengths will provide a challenge. It's a player-friendly golf course with wide-open fairways off the tees and gently sloping greens. If things aren't going well, just take a deep breath and look at the scenery around you; it's amazing!

As you play your way around the course, you'll find some good elevation changes, both up and down. Many tee boxes are elevated and play downhill to a wide fairway and then uphill to the green. Water comes into play on the majority of the par 3s and guards the green closely on a couple. The greens are in fabulous condition and feature subtle undulations, good speed, and roll true! Many greens are elevated with severe drop-offs on either side, which can make for an interesting up-and-down! Woodstone Meadows is a very forgiving layout and is the perfect course for beginners and casual golfers who just want to get outside and enjoy themselves.

The 3rd hole is the first par 5 and plays 458 yards from the White Tees. Aim to go over the checkered flag off the tee, and you may get some extra roll. Longball hitters who can avoid the two fairway bunkers on the right can go for the green on their second shot. The green is small, and a lot longer than it is wide. Three pot bunkers guard the front right of the green. It's a par 5 that can give up some low scores! Either way, it's a fun golf hole!

Tyler, a starter I spoke with at Woodstone Meadows, favors the 6th hole. It's a short 284-yard, par 4 that plays uphill to an elevated green. There are two pot bunkers in the middle of the fairway in the landing area. Your choice is to hit your tee shot over them or lay up short. Either way, you'll have a short approach shot into a large, elevated green.

Number 17 is another fun little par 4 that plays 336 from the White Tees. The hole plays downhill from tee to green, so you're going to hit your tee shot possibly farther than you've ever hit it before. There are woods and water on the left; if you spray it to the right towards the condos, hopefully the net will save you!

It's safe to say that with everything the resort has to offer each season and the superior playing conditions of the golf course, Massanutten has secured its position as one of the premier all-season resort destinations on the East Coast. For more information or to book your next Massanutten vacation, visit www.massresort.com.

Looking for a perfect summer escape without venturing too far? Lansdowne Resort has created the ultimate summer getaway with its value-packed Discover Summer package.

Nestled on 500 picturesque acres along the Potomac River in Loudoun County, Lansdowne Resort promises an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends leisure activities and relaxation. Whether looking for a romantic interlude, a spa immersion, a golf getaway, or family poolside relaxation, Lansdowne Resort offers a one-stop, effortless experience tailored to every taste and type.

The Discover Summer package includes: * Overnight accommodations * $50 breakfast credit * $100 resort credit * Canvas beach tote * Two Lansdowne Resort beach towels

The $100 resort credit may be used to play golf on one of Lansdowne's renowned golf courses, designed by golf course architects Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Greg Norman, or to indulge at Spa Minérale.

Lansdowne Resort also boasts aquatic and fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, bike rentals, and spacious grounds ideal for nature walks. Scheduled events include kids' cooking classes on Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m., Harmony Garden cocktails, dining, live entertainment, and wine tasting in the lobby.

Rates vary by date. Resort fees, room tax, and spa gratuity are not included in the package rate. Valet and self-parking are available.

Known for her exceptional skill and charismatic presence on the course, Swiss golfer Chiara Tamburlini aligns seamlessly with Primland's commitment to providing world-class experiences. Tamburlini will host guest skills challenges and join in select 18-round matches with guests and members on The Highland Course at Primland designed by Donald Steel. Ranked the No. 1 public course in Virginia and No. 25 in the country by GolfDigest, The Highland Course at Primland attracts golfers of all skills and backgrounds offering stunning vistas and majestic mountain views at every turn.

"We are delighted to welcome Chiara Tamburlini to the Primland family as our new golf ambassador. Her impressive achievements on the golf course and her ability to connect with audiences align perfectly with our vision for delivering an exceptional destination golf program in the Southeast," said Will Rentschler, General Manager at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection.

Tamburlini's presence also reinforces Primland's commitment to delivering the very best in challenging yet approachable resort golf experiences and opening up more opportunities for the ladies program. After finishing her undergraduate career at The University of Mississippi, Chiara turned pro last August and won two out of the first three tournaments on the Ladies Access Tour and by that earned her spot in the highest tour, the Ladies European Tour, for 2024. She made her debut in Kenya in the beginning of February, where she impressed the golf world by finishing third in her first tournament. In just four tournaments, she has two top tens' already. Her passion for the sport and dedication to promoting the golf lifestyle make her the perfect fit for this ambassadorial role.

"I am truly humbled and thrilled to become an ambassador for Primland" said Chiara Tamburlini, Primland's new Golf Ambassador. "It's an incredible privilege to represent one of the world's most prestigious destinations known for its unparalleled beauty and hospitality. I am so excited to have Primland by my side on my journey to the top of the world of golf".

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection as it continues to enhance its offerings and strengthen its position as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.

For more information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/primland and follow Primland on Facebook and Instagram @PrimlandAuberge.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property Our Fred Couples-designed golf course in Northern Virginia provides an unsurpassed golfing experience for casual and accomplished players alike. Located in beautiful Clifton, Virginia, Westfields Golf Club is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. With no residences lining our links to intrude on the natural beauty of the course or to distract golfers from their game, Westfields offers a truly unique round of golf. The course is characterized by dense tree-lined fairways, undulating greens and well-placed hazards, yet is more open and playable than might initially appear. With your choice of five tee boxes, it ranges from 4,600 to over 7,000 yards. It's easy to setup a tee time, get directions or contact us all online! Come visit Westfields Golf Club today for a golf experience like no other.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course? The course is characterized by dense tree-lined fairways, undulating greens and well-placed hazards, yet is more open and playable than might initially appear. With your choice of five tee boxes, it ranges from 4,600 to over 7,000 yards. It's easy to setup a tee time, get directions or contact us all online! Come visit Westfields Golf Club today for a golf experience like no other.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course? Keep it in the fairway!

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course? 1998-2022 Golf Digest Top 50 in VA

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole? Hole #3 PAR 3 | HANDICAP 5 Westfields' Signature Hole is this par 3, playing 223 yards from the Boom-Boom tees. The tee shot must avoid the lake to the left of the green. If you choose to bail out right, you may find the large greenside bunker. Three puts are common on the large, L-shaped green.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It? Hole #16 PAR 4 | HANDICAP 6 A creek guards the left side of this par 4 before emptying into a pond in front of the green. A right-to-left tee shot that avoids the right side bunker will set up a middle to short-iron approach. The wide but shallow green is a rather small target, yet putts of 50 feet or better are common.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole? The "Boom Boom" Burger names after our owner / designer Fred Couples

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels? Book your perfect golf holiday at Westfields Marriott and play at Virginia's only Fred Couple's Signature Golf course, Westfields Golf Club.

The Westfields Marriott Stay & Play Package includes: One 18-hole game at Westfields Golf Club for every night of your stay Daily Buffet Breakfast $25 Wellington's Dining Credit for every night of your stay Complimentary Valet Parking Experience winning savings and book today!

How to Book Be sure that the Promotional Code appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-800-627-7468 and ask for the promotional code. For toll-free numbers outside the US please visit Global Reservation Numbers

Need to Know One game for every night of your stay Daily Breakfast & Valet Parking Daily $25 Wellington's Dining Credit Promotional Code: ZJ2

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score? Fred Couples 62

Back Tee Stats Par: 71 Yardage: 6897 Slope: 141 Rating: 73.4

More Information Westfields Golf Club 13940 Balmoral Greens Ave Clifton, Virginia, 20124 703-631-3300

https://www.westfieldsgolf.com/

HBA of Atlanta, Georgia, was responsible for the new concept and context of the makeover, which draws upon the historical references and natural elements of the surrounding area. It gives a respectful nod to past architectural structures and embraces the fluidity of nature. Timeless yet transformative, welcoming and luxurious, the design represents a fresh, honest expression of all that Chantilly has to offer, inviting guests on a journey of southern exploration.

Situated on 26 acres of preserved wildlife space in a tranquil location of Northern Virginia, the hotel is just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport, and a short drive to historic DC's attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The award-winning property offers easy access to the National Air & Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Westfields Golf Club, The Winery at Bull Run, Fair Oaks Mall, Manassas National Battlefield Park, and the Dulles Expo Center.

"With an unwavering commitment to provide our guests with unparalleled comfort and grandeur, we embarked on this renovation to ensure that the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles continues to be the premier choice for travelers seeking a truly unforgettable experience," said Derwin Swann, General Manager, Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. "The extensive renovations have resulted in a hotel that boasts a harmonious blend of modern elegance and timeless charm. We invite both our loyal patrons and newcomers to discover the all-new hotel and experience the epitome of exceptional service and hospitality."

The hotel features more than 60,000 square feet of versatile event space that has been completely modernized. The upgraded Grand Dominion Ballroom is the ideal venue for conferences with a capacity of up to 1,100 people; meanwhile, the unique Fairfax room offers abundant natural lighting, elegant chandeliers, and two adjoining rooms, creating the perfect space for idyllic weddings, banquets, galas, and more.

Additionally, Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel provides skilled and certified planners to coordinate and personalize every event from start to finish. Hotel guests and event attendees alike can take advantage of the full-service restaurant and bar - Wellingtons - which serves breakfast and dinner. Other hotel amenities include Westfields Lounge, two outdoor patios, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a well-equipped fitness center, sauna and steam room.

For more information on the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles or to make reservations, please call directly at 703-818-0300, or visit their website.

A year or so went by and I got a call from Mark, asking me if I would like to come out to The Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia and write an article about the two golf courses and the resort, which was - and still is - undergoing a $150 million renovation. After explaining that my idea and his idea of retirement were totally different, I graciously accepted the invitation. I can usually get an idea of how good a resort is by speaking with some of the employees. If they've been there a while, that's a good sign. At The Homestead, I spoke with a lot of workers and couldn't find anyone who had been there less than 10 years - other than Mr. Spadoni! Membership Director Cindy White has been there for over 25 years; Lee Peery, a starter at The Cascades has been there for over 37 years, and Arthur Bryan, in the Dining Room, has worked there for almost 50 years. That says it all!

The Omni Homestead Resort is home to two incredible golf courses. The Old Course was the resort's first course and was established in 1892 when the first 6 holes were opened for play. That first hole is still in use today, making it the oldest first tee in continuous use in the United States. The Cascades was built in 1923 and on Friday, April 21, 2023, celebrated its 100th birthday with a celebration worthy of state dignitaries. Director of Golf Mark Fry served as the host and he and his staff did a remarkable job, debuting their new plus-fours uniforms! Mark and Head Golf Professional Barry Ryder gave a brief 15-minute clinic on ball striking, followed by Mark's youngest son Caleb - an aspiring World Long Drive competitor - wowing the crowd with a 400-yard drive! Mark has been named as one of the top 10 instructors in the state of Virginia on numerous occasions.

After delivering a brief history of The Cascades course, Mark Spadoni introduced Mike Hill, Managing Director, Championships at the United States Golf Association. Hill delivered some big news: The Cascades will play host to the 2025 Senior Women's Amateur Championship and the 2029 US Senior Amateur Championship. The Cascades Course had an auspicious beginning. After being told by several renowned golf course architects that included A.W. Tillinghast, Seth Raynor, and Peter Lees that the land was unsuitable for a golf course, the owners turned to William Flynn who had a different idea. The end result was The Cascades.

Over the years, The Cascades Course has received numerous accolades, including a place on Golf Digest's list of "America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses" from 1969 through 2007. The Cascades has hosted the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Women's Amateur, the U.S. Mid-Amateur, and the NCAA Championships, in addition to more than 30 state amateur championships.

Here are five fun facts about The Cascades 1. Golf legend Sam Snead once remarked that if he could play only one course, it would be The Cascades in Hot Springs, Virginia. 2. Jacqueline Bouvier - aka Jackie-O - learned to play golf at The Cascades in the 1930s. 3. The Cascades has hosted over 200 Virginia State Golf Association championships. 4. President Gerald Ford, an avid golfer considered The Cascades among his favorite courses. His best score on the course was 81. 5. US Presidents, foreign royalty, and captains of industry have all played a round of golf at The Cascades. Among them were President Dwight Eisenhower, The Duke of Windsor, and George W. Bush.

If you're serious about golf, you owe yourself a trip to The Homestead and a round of golf on both the Old Course and The Cascades. Play them once and you'll be hooked. Better yet, play it in the fall - late October is best - and you will be surrounded by such beauty that you may forget how magnificent the golf course is! And, once you're hooked on The Homestead, the next logical step is becoming a member. Contact Cindy White, Membership Director, for more information. You can also visit their website at www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia and check out the package specials they have.

The 63rd U.S. Senior Women's Amateur is scheduled for Sept. 13-18, 2025; while the 74th U.S. Senior Amateur will be played Aug. 25-30, 2029.

"The Omni Homestead Resort has been a part of USGA history for nearly a century," said Mark Hill, USGA managing director, Championships. "We look forward to returning to the Hot Springs community to continue this legacy. The announcement of these championships only adds to the excitement of the future of competitive senior golf."

The Omni Homestead Resort's Cascades Course is currently celebrating its centennial. Designed by renowned architect William S. Flynn, the course is set against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains and opened for play in 1923. Sam Snead, a four-time U.S. Open runnerup and World Golf Hall of Famer, served as The Homestead's golf professional for nearly six decades. The resort received U.S. National Historic Landmark status in 1991.

"As we near the completion of our $150 million renovation, which is restoring the grandeur to our iconic resort, we are excited to look ahead and reinforce our place among America's outstanding golf destinations," said Mark Spadoni, managing director for The Omni Homestead Resort. "For nearly a century, we have been proud partners with the USGA, and discerning golfers recognize that only preeminent courses have hosted 10 or more USGA championships. It is our honor to join this elite group."

The Homestead Resort has hosted seven different USGA championships in its eight previous times as host (only Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, with eight, has hosted more different USGA championships) and it will host both the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur and U.S. Senior Amateur for the second time. Renowned amateur and past USGA president William C.Campbell captured his second consecutive U.S. Senior Amateur title in 1980 with a 3-and-2 victory over Keith Compton. In 2009, Sherry G. Herman defeated 2004 champion Carolyn Creekmore, 4 and 3, in the 48th U.S. Senior Women's Amateur.

The first of two U.S. Women's Amateurs was played at The Homestead in 1928, when Glenna Collett Vare won the third of her record six championships. Wendy Ward was victorious in 1994, earning a 2-and-1 triumph over 2022 U.S. Senior Women's Open champion Jill McGill. The USA Team captained by five-time USGA champion Dorothy Porter posted a 13-5 triumph in the 1966 Curtis Cup Match on the Cascades Course.

In 1967, Catherine Lacoste, of France, became the only amateur to win the U.S. Women's Open with her two-stroke victory over Susie Maxwell Berning and Beth Stone. The Homestead also hosted the 1988 U.S. Amateur (won by Eric Meeks) and the 2000 U.S. Mid-Amateur (won by Greg Puga).

Additionally, The Homestead hosted the 1932 NCAA Championship (won by Yale and Michigan's Johnny Fischer) and the 2004 NCAAs, when three-time USGA champion Ryan Moore of UNLV won the individual title and California-Berkeley earned the team title. The club will host U.S. Senior Open qualifying in 2023 for the ninth consecutive time and 19th time overall on May 31.

The 2025 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur and 2029 U.S. Senior Amateur will be the 22nd and 23rd championships hosted in the Old Dominion State. The 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur will be contested at Kinloch Golf Club in Manakin-Sabot and stroke-play co-host Independence Golf Club, in Midlothian.