Create Some Unforgettable Memories at the Kingsmill Resort in Virginia
Golf Travel Ideas, Williamsburg, Golf Course Reviews, Kingsmill Resort
As a spectacular golf destination with a rich history dating back to 1975, the Kingsmill Resort is located southeast of Williamsburg in Virginia. With facilities overlooking the James River, the Kingsmill Resort has three golf courses, a very impressive conference room, five restaurants, a spa and fitness center, and a 15-court tennis center. The area features a few sites of the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia, linked by the Colonial Parkway and the Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the River golf course was the first to open the same year the resort began welcoming guests. For over 30 years, it has been hosting the world's best players on PGA and LPGA tours. Bordered by the calm and clear waters of the James River, this renowned championship golf course has challenged the skills of the game's most famous names. The River golf course has recently been reborn by virtue of Pete Dye's endeavors and creativity. He tinkered just enough with his new layout, highlighting the subtle details that offer a truly unforgettable game.
The River golf course has 18 holes and a par 71, with Bent Grass as greens and Bermuda Grass as fairways. For five years in a row, it's been among the Top Courses in Virginia by Golf Advisor. After a round of golf, many players say that the last 3 holes are world-class Pete Dye design. The River golf course is a perfect example of a Pete Dye layout that's very player-friendly. The fairways are wide, the bunkers aren't too penal, and the greens aren't very severe. Still, it's by no means a pushover course, but it's incredibly enjoyable for most players.
A downhill left-to-right par 4 with green in a position that makes your approach shot critical, the 16th hole is where the River golf course starts being extremely challenging, putting your game to the test. The 17th hole is a breathtaking par 3 running along the shores of the James River, and the tee shot on the 18th hole carries over a lake, making it one of the most difficult holes on the course. Even in the winter, the River golf course is kept in excellent condition, and you can safely consider it if you're in the mood for a weekend getaway. Still, be prepared for a championship experience!
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The Plantation Golf Course and the Exclusive Woods Golf Course
The Plantation golf course features generous fairway landing areas, has water coming into play on eight holes, and there's no shortage of deep woods and yawning ravines. Greens are large, providing inviting targets for approach shots. The illustrious Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay also designed this golf course. With a slope of 129 and a par 71, the Plantation course was built in 1985. It's quite challenging for a resort course and offers a nice complement to the championship River golf course at the Kingsmill Resort. The Plantation course has a rare layout that appears to be easy yet difficult to play. The holes seem to be straight, and the fairways are generous enough, but inexact shots will be punished.
A lot can be said about the Plantation golf course, but here's what most players think of it:
- The 6,432-yard, par-72 course favors accurate iron play and good putting.
- Undulations make getting down in two a very satisfying accomplishment.
- Because it has landmarks from Richard Kingsmill's 1736 plantation, a round on the Plantation course will be a historical experience.
- The Plantation course challenges all golf players, regardless of their experience and skills.
The Woods golf course is open exclusively to Full Golf and National Golf Members and their guests. It was designed by Tom Clark and is a classic parkland-style course occupying a secluded corner of the Kingsmill Resort. This exquisite golf course is among Virginia's Top Ten Golf Courses by Golf Week Magazine. Furthermore, in a recent Zagat Survey, the Woods course was named one of America's Top Golf Courses. It has a 6,659-yard layout with a very interesting mix of long and short holes, allowing golf players to use every single club in their bag. The feature of the Woods golf course that stands out the most is the double green with a bunker in the middle, shared by the 12th and 15th holes.
Enjoy the Luxurious Amenities of the Kingsmill Resort
Whether you come to Williamsburg with your golf buddies or with your family for a getaway, you'll have the chance to choose from the numerous superb accommodations it offers. The Estate at Kingsmill provides the newest luxury accommodations in the city, expanding over 7,000 square feet of private estate sitting on a magnificent bluff that overlooks the James River. Interestingly, the original structure was built as a private mansion for the Busch Family of Budweiser Beer and Busch Gardens fame. Today, after a $3 million renaissance, the magnificent real estate and the modern mansion are available as luxury rentals to golf players.
In addition to the stylish amenities, guests can enjoy the rare opportunity of admiring the sunrise and the sunset from the same location. The Kingsmill Resort features the following dining places, which will make you appreciate this golf destination even more:
- Elements 1010: This restaurant offers a casual, family-friendly environment for breakfast and is located within the main Resort Center.
- The Mill: As a bakery and coffee shop located next to the tennis complex, this place is ideal if you're in the mood for some coffee, delicious pastries, hearty sandwiches, or ice cream.
- Eagles: Located inside the Golf Clubhouse, this restaurant is the perfect place to take a break between a day on the course and another scenic James River evening.
- James Landing Grille: This is a truly amazing spot where family and friends gather to enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine, and it's open seasonally.
- Currents: As a poolside bar, Currents is where you can relish a cold beverage, light snacks, and ice cream novelties at The River Pool.
Kingsmill Resort is very family-friendly, so you can spend quality time with your loved ones while also enjoying a few rounds of golf. The resort has outdoor and indoor pools, a huge tennis court, a marina where you can spend a day on the water, taking in the most picturesque views of Williamsburg, and a spa that will make your worries disappear in the tranquil reception area. Finally, the Kingsmill Resort also has a game room, so you can blow off steam while enjoying games like Ping Pong Table, Flappy Bird, and Air Hockey Table.
The Takeaway
Playing golf at the Kingsmill Resort's amazing courses will be a memorable experience, and the place will offer you some well-deserved moments of relaxation and tranquility. No matter how good your game is, we encourage you to book a golf vacation at the Kingsmill Resort so that you can enjoy a few rounds, delight your senses with the attractions of the city and the amenities of the resort, and spend some time together with your friends or family!