Virginia’s mild climate, which allows year-round golf, and its scenic beauty combine to make the commonwealth a wonderful place to play golf. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop and Smith Mountain Lake as a setting, the Bedford area has some of the most scenic and most challenging courses in Virginia.

Bedford Country Club (private) This is a tight course that features tree-lined fairways and greens that are small and fast. One pond comes into play on one hole. The terrain is rolling, but easy to walk. There is an additional set of tees that can be used when playing an 18-hole round.

3563 Peaks Road, Bedford, VA 24523, (540) 586-8407
Holes: 9 Built in: 1950
Greens: Burmuda Grass Fairways: Bluegrass

Boonsboro Country Club (private) – Playing golf at Boonsboro puts you in the footsteps of Virginia's greatest players, Over its history Boonsboro has played host to every major amateur event conducted by the Virginia State Golf Association. Each hole is a unique experience, as the course follows the natural terrain, making it a test of golf of which a player never tires. The country club incorporate in 1923 and the original site selection and course routing was done by renowned golf professional and golf course architect Willie Park, Jr. and then final construction was overseen by Fred Findley and the course opened on July 1, 1926.

1709 BCC Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24503, (434) 384-2111
www.boonsborocountryclub.com
Holes: 18 Built in: 1927
Greens: Bent/Poa Grass Fairways: Bermuda Grass overseeded with rye

Ivy Hill Golf Club (semi-private) – J. Porter Gibson designed this very demanding par-72 course, which has dramatic elevation changes. Preserving the natural terrain was a high priority in the course design. The small greens are fast, and the narrow fairways are tree-lined. Water hazards come into play on several holes, including #16, a 503-yard par 5, requiring a second shot over water.

1237 Ivy Hills Drive, Forest, VA 24551, (434) 525-2680
www.ivyhillgc.com
Holes: 18 Built in: 1973
Greens: Bent Grass Fairways: Bermuda Grass

London Downs (semi-private) Here you will find gently rolling hills and undulating greens, the course is challenging, but fair. The greens are true and moderately quick. There are two main lakes and 10 ponds are throughout the course. A view of the Peaks of Otter can be seen as you tee off the 10th hole. Renowned course architect Russell Breeden designed and built the course. London Downs has a practice green and a driving range. These courses are all open year-round.

1614 New London Road, Forest, VA 24551, (434) 525-4653
www.londondownsgolf.com
Holes: 18 Built in: 1991
Greens: Bent Grass Fairways: Bermuda Grass

Mariners Landing Golf & Country Club (public) Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Mariners Landing is a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course that has plenty of challenge for advanced golfers, as well as hours of enjoyment for the novice. The course has breathtaking views of Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The club has a putting green and driving range.

20252 Lake Retreat Road, Huddleston, VA 24104, (540) 297-7888
www.marinerslandinggolf.com
Holes: 18 Built in: 1993
Greens: Bent Grass Fairways: Winter Rye

Poplar Forest Golf Course (public)– Poplar State Forest surrounds this club, which was designed by Ken Killian and Dick Nugent. The course has hilly fairways and large greens. Water hazards come into play on a few holes.

960 Ramblewood Road, Forest, VA 24551, (434) 534-9418
Holes: 18 Built in: 1980
Greens: Bent Grass Fairways: Bermuda Grass