Must-See Tees: West Virginia’s Greatest Golf Courses With A View

You’re never far from a fairway in West Virginia. Golf courses in the Mountain State provide an array of views, scenery and difficulty levels that will make you want to come back for more. Check out the picturesque settings and challenging layouts in the state’s best golf courses.

Summer Days at Oglebay

In the rolling hills of Wheeling, Oglebay packs a one-two punch from a pair of golf legends: Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Arnold Palmer. The Palmer course is considered more forgiving than the Jones course, but both layouts have the length to test advanced players while attracting golfers of all skill levels. After spending the day at the course, treat yourself to a first-class dinner at the River City Restaurant in the heart of downtown Wheeling. Visitors can extend their time hitting the green or check out other nearby attractions by staying at the Wilson Lodge.

Clubs and Cabins at Cacapon

Jones also designed the 18-hole course at Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkeley Springs. In the shadows of eastern West Virginia’s highest peak, the Cacapon course features 73 ball-hungry bunkers and a deceiving double green that’s more than 100 yards wide. Offering private lessons, Cacapon is a boon to beginning (or rusty) golfers. Make your golf getaway a weekend stay at the resort’s new lodge, Old Inn, log cabins and more.

Snowshoe’s Bag of Tricks

The unique playing experience at Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Raven Golf Club gained national recognition as one of USA Today’s best courses in the state. Bring your putter to the 18-hole Gary Player-designed course to challenge yourself—perched high in the Allegheny Mountains, the landscape can drop up to 200 feet. After a day of navigating yourself around the course’s wild scenery, relax your muscles with a hot stone massage and satisfy your appetite with a four-course dinner.

Stonewall’s Scenic Swings

Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke is another prime example of Palmer’s eye for design. The Arnold Palmer Signature Course charms players with its peaceful setting and memorable scenery, including the “ghost tree” on No. 17—a dead catalpa that rises from a wetland between the fairway and green. Try The King’s Course—a shorter layout that overlays The Palmer Course. After spending the day of soaking the scenic views and sinking golf balls, visitors can enjoy scoring some local, fresh cuisine at the Stillwaters Restaurant located inside Stonewall Resort.

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead all played at Lakeview Golf Resort in Morgantown, but they never reached the green in two on the Lakeview Course’s monster par-5 18th hole. No one has. A huge vertical drop on No. 7 opens up breathtaking views of Cheat Lake. The Mountainview Course loops the Allegheny foothills. Lakeview Resort guests can also enjoy two unique dining venues: Fusion and Legends. Located just off of I-68, this golfing gem an easy find for all travelers.

Hitting the Green in Greenbrier

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs is another must-visit golf resort for avid golfers. Trace the steps of golf legends and celebrities on three established world-class layouts: The Old White, The Greenbrier and The Meadows. If you’re looking for a more brief matchup, enjoy a leisurely nine on the newer par-3 walking course, The Ashford. Visitors can enjoy public access to the resort based on availability. If inclement weather puts your outdoor swings on hold, you can visit The Greenbrier’s Indoor Golf Simulator for golfing lessons or simulated matchups to help you craft your game.

Adventures at Glade Springs

Spectacular scenery and tricky changes in elevation win raves for The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels. Glade Springs boasts some of the nation’s most outstanding championship layouts, ranking it alongside the top five golf courses in West Virginia. The resort features three 18-hole layouts—the Stonehaven Course, Woodhaven Course, and Cobb Course. Watch out for the 51 bunkers and more than 200 feet of elevation change on the Cobb Course, which make for a challenge when paired with shifting sunlight. Visitors can also enjoy the resort’s wide array of other activities such as disc golf, archery, boat rentals, geocaching and much more.

No matter which golf course you go with in Almost Heaven, you will find yourself in awe of each course’s distinct features and scenery. Explore more golfing destinations today!

This post was last updated on May 23, 2023