Golf

With over 100 courses spread across West Virginia, golfers are never far from the fairways. The state that was home to America’s first golf club in 1884, with a modest nine-hole course in a pasture, now boasts championship courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. Combine these quality courses with gorgeous mountain views. The result? A heavenly golf getaway in West Virginia.

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State-of-the-art state park golf courses

Head in the clouds? Get down to earth and a little closer to heaven at one of these luscious green courses:

Stonewall Resort State Park

Experience the Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Stonewall Resort. Here, you’ll enjoy superb conditions, peaceful surroundings and an unmatched natural setting. After a perfect day on the green, relax at the Mtn. Laurel Spa or lounge on the lakeside patio. Enjoy Sunday Brunch at Stillwaters, the resort’s signature lakeside restaurant, take in the panoramic view of The Palmer Course from Lightburn’s Restaurant, or celebrate with a handcrafted cocktail from TJ Muskies Bar & Grill.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Practice your swing while surrounded by breathtaking views of the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains. Canaan Valley Resort offers an 18-hole, par-72 golf course that provides the perfect amount of challenge for golfers of every level. And, there are plenty of activities, on-site, for the whole family, including hiking, biking, sporting clays, climbing wall and mini golf. Explore the charming towns of Davis and Thomas and visit nearby Blackwater Falls State Park for more highland fun.

Pipestem Resort State Park

Venture into the mountains of West Virginia to take a swing at not one but two challenging courses. Take your pick of either the 18-hole, par-72 championship course or the 9-hole par-3 short course. Pipestem Resort offers something for everyone including exhilarating zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions, rock climbing and more, with stunning views of the Bluestone Canyon.

Cacapon Resort State Park

Nestled in the shadows of the highest peak in the eastern portion of West Virginia, Cacapon Resort State Park offers 6,000 acres of year-round beauty. The park’s Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course offers private lessons, which makes it an ideal spot for beginners, while experienced golfers will enjoy playing on a course rated as one of the 130 best-designed courses in the United States by Golf Digest. The park provides lake activities, hiking, horseback riding, tennis courts, vacation cabins, and exquisite restaurants in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Set on a high, wooded ridge in the rugged mountains of southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort State Park is the ideal site for nature lovers. With multiple lodging options, more than 25 miles of hiking trails, a championship golf course and its restored Pioneer Farm, Twin Falls offers an abundance of recreation and relaxation for guests of all ages. A creek winds throughout the Twin Falls golf course and comes into play on nine holes, the course offers enough variety of terrain to challenge the most advanced golfer.

Luxury mountain courses

Long drives. Shorter putts. Pure strokes of genius. Feel enlightened and expand your golf expertise with these resorts hidden in the mountains of Almost Heaven.

Oglebay Resort

Close to the heart of Wheeling, the 1,700-acre Oglebay Resort and Conference Center is home to championship golf, including an Arnold Palmer designed course, which accommodates golfers at all skill levels. If you want to challenge your game, try the ever-popular Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed course - home to the West Virginia LPGA Classic for 11 years.

Raven Golf Club

Not far from Snowshoe’s mountaintop village, Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain offers terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep this course difficult yet friendly, and the staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round. Raven Golf Club is a terrific choice for your regular rounds of golf or a new destination for you and friends when visiting Snowshoe. Golfweek has ranked The Raven Golf Club the #2 public course in the State of West Virginia and the #30 public course in the U.S.

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier is home to a collection of golf courses unlike any in the world. This iconic resort is rich in golf history. It’s the home of the first-ever American golf course and a lineup of celebrities and legends have graced its grounds. On days when outdoor golf is not available due to the weather, be sure to visit The Greenbrier’s Indoor Golf Simulator for lessons or simulated rounds.

Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa

Walk in the footsteps of legends like Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, each of whom enjoyed a round of golf on the tree-lined courses at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa. The resort has two championship courses offering breathtaking views of Cheat Lake and the rolling hills of West Virginia.

The Resort at Glade Springs

Set in the stunning beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the three 18-hole championship golf courses at the Resort at Glade Springs combine the best of approachability and challenges. Consistently ranked among the top 5 golf courses in the state, Glade Springs boasts of some of the country’s finest championship layouts. The three courses – the Stonehaven Golf Course, the Cobb Course, and the Woodhaven Golf Course – represent unrivaled elevation changes and impressive scales, bringing together a breathtaking natural beauty. These are designed for seasoned pros as well as weekend golfers and beginners.

Pete Dye Golf Club

A former coal mine in the mountains of West Virginia transformed into a stunningly beautiful and engaging course that ranks #64 on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses of America and #18 on Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses. Pete Dye Golf Club ingeniously weaves mining remnants and rambunctious terrain into a course that tempts and tests golfers from the opening tee shot to the final putt. Spread out over 250 acres amidst the Appalachian Mountains, the fairways bob and weave through wildly rugged terrain and graceful earth sculptures.

How to Start

Begin your West Virginia golf journey at any of the various public courses and resorts in our state parks system. A state parks course can provide a more relaxed environment great for beginners or those looking to take it easy. Gain confidence and take advantage of the multiple par 3 courses throughout the state. Stop in the local public golf shop for rentals and do not be afraid to ask questions.

What to Bring

Your gear list is always going to vary on the weather, time of year, and Almost Heaven destination. If you are traveling with friends or a local guide, it is always best to consult them on specific gear needs. However, if you’re just looking for the basics, here’s a helpful list that outlines gear almost every golfer needs.

Your favorite clubs, bag, golf balls and tees
Golf shoes
Divot-repair tools
Ball markers
Two towels
Pencils for scoring
Golf umbrella
A water bottle
Extra layers of clothes depending on the weather
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

Season

Golf season starts when the snow melts and the warm days begin. Find a course tucked away in the mountains for the cool summer days. Continue to play until the snow begins to fall. No matter when you plan your trip to Almost Heaven, there is a course waiting for you.