Picture the quiet ambiance of a spacious, well-appointed lodge setting situated directly on West Virginia’s second largest lake in the 20,000-acre Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Close to nature, but far from ordinary it amazed me to discover that the Stonewall Resort is a mere two minutes off of Interstate 79. And wow, what a golf course is situated there!
The challenge mounts at the 182-yard second hole.
This is the Arnold Palmer Group at its very best and it is consistently ranked among the top 100 resorts in America and the best in West Virginia. All the golf publications and ratings have sung its praise. Now I get to as well.
The par-five 7th is one of four very creditable three-shotters.
Situated high on a hillside just a couple of Arnold Palmer drives from the well-appointed rustic lodge, the clubhouse commands enticing views of the 1st and 18th holes, the lodge, Stonewall Jackson Lake, and the surrounding mountain slopes. From the clubhouse area the course winds itself back into hill wooded surrounds featuring crisp green ribbons of fairways that weave though the evergreens and hardwoods, along wetlands and ponds, and bold mounded bunkering. There are no houses to take your focus away and it will be only a short time before your completely enveloped in the naturalness and beauty that awaits you. The course conditioning is exceptional and it is a joy to putt on the seamless carpets they call greens.
Situated high on a hillside just a couple of Arnold Palmer drives from the well-appointed rustic lodge, the clubhouse commands enticing views of the 1st and 18th holes, the lodge, Stonewall Jackson Lake, and the surrounding mountain slopes. From the clubhouse area the course winds itself back into hill wooded surrounds featuring crisp green ribbons of fairways that weave though the evergreens and hardwoods, along wetlands and ponds, and bold mounded bunkering. There are no houses to take your focus away and it will be only a short time before your completely enveloped in the naturalness and beauty that awaits you. The course conditioning is exceptional and it is a joy to putt on the seamless carpets they call greens.
The 450-yard 13th sets up beautifully from the elevated tee.
It is a challenge to describe a favorite hole at Stonewall. Three of the par-threes feature water, with one a carry and one with water left, and the other with water right. The final one features sand prominently. I was about to write that the quartet of par-fives is one of the strongest I’ve seen, but that would leave out the many spectacular two-shotters. There is so much to like about The Palmer Course at Stonewall.
Golfers approach the par-four 5th hole with the par-three 6th in the background.
The Stonewall Resort Lobby.
The Stonewall story doesn’t end with its remarkable golf facility. The lodge is so well appointed with comfortable rooms, modern conferences facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, three excellent restaurants, and rustic charm. When you add in the friendly, attentive service, you can begin to appreciate why the Stonewall Resort makes for a popular corporate retreat or a coveted golf or nature getaway.
Golf is not the only outdoor activity at Stonewall, but just one of many. The Resort has a full-service spa and the lake beckons for boating, fishing with hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding waiting. Charming shops, a vineyard, historic sites, and seasonal fairs and festivals are just down the road.
My only problem with the Stonewall Resort was leaving. I so much want to return – and soon. I believe you will too!
Below is the view of the par-five 18th from the clubhouse area.
