The gorgeous 601-yard 16th on the Stonehaven Course at The Resort at Glade Springs may be one of the more photogenic par-fives you will ever play, but there are seventeen more treats on this course!
West Virginia is full of golfing surprises and The Resort at Glade Springs is just one of them. Not one, but three magnificent golf courses form the golf offering. Located in southeastern West Virginia about an hour’s drive from Charleston, this is a wonderfully self-contained resort offering guests, members, and homeowners just about everything the region has to offer in one ever so convenient package.
I played the Stonehaven Golf Course and the group of golf writers that joined me were vociferous that it was one of their favorite courses in the State. Immaculately groomed, this is a big, brawny layout that can stretch to more than 7,200 yards or make for a very playable 5,114 from the forward tees. You will experience many elevations changes reaching 80’ that feature some of the State’s most spectacular holes. The amazing topography weaves its way through forests of oak, hickory, beech, and maple trees and features many dramatic rock outcroppings and the smooth putting surfaces require a deft touch.
The 10th on the Stonehaven Course is a splendid risk-and-reward par-five with rolling topography and water that guards the left front of the green. It’s very playable provided you play conservatively. (Photo by Robert S. Fagan)
Tom Clark was the architect for the Stonehaven Course and the 601-yard 16th will have you reaching for your camera or wishing you had brought one. (See the opening photo.) I count it as one of America’s most spectacular inland par-fives. A switch-back cart path provides you almost an aerial preview of the bunker and tree-lined hole that will test you its entire length. Suffice it to say, the Stonehaven Course has no weaknesses.
The uphill 221-yard 6th hole illustrates both the hilly terrain as well as the rock outcroppings often present on the Stonehaven Course. (Photo by Robert S. Fagan)
Also beginning from the main clubhouse is the Cobb Course. Typically ranked among the Top 5 Courses in West Virginia. George Cobb was a prolific designer in the Southeast and this is the only golf course that bears his name. The oldest of the three layouts, he fashioned this very popular layout with massive greens and lots of movement. Like its neighbor courses, it boast lots of challenge on its 7,151-yard frame.
This beautiful aerial view of the Cobb Course gives you a pretty good idea why it is so popular.
The newest of the three courses at Glade Springs is situated a few miles drive from the original two. It’s the Woodhaven Course and Tom Clark returned to design it as well. Built with two distinct nine-hole loops, it features the spectacular West Virginia mountain scenery, stunning rock outcroppings, and vistas of forests and huge rhododendrons. It is also rated the most difficult at The Glades coming in with a beastly slope/rating of 149/75.1 though it is the shortest of the courses from the forward tees. Suffice it to say, you had better bring your game with you here.
Speaking of games, there are lots of activities here or nearby. Comfortable rooms, delicious restaurants, a spa, fitness center, tennis, conference facilities, pools, equestrian center, and a bowling alley are but a few amenities with hiking, fishing, biking, boating, archery, cave tours, wine tasting, rafting, shopping, and more available. There’s even a Camp Glade for the kids and I could go on.
Suffice it to say, the Stonehaven Course caught my attention. I loved the friendly folks there and previewing its sister courses has me itching to return. When you add everything else at The Resort at Glade Springs, you can see why one would want to return there and perhaps stay for a lifetime!
And by the way, The Resort at Glade Springs is owned by West Virginian, Jim Justice, who also owns The Greenbrier Resort. As a result, there are reciprocal privileges of playing there as well. Some deal!
