Virginia Golfer May / Jun 2017 | Page 35

MOUNTAIN COURSES Wintergreen Resort (855-699-1858) is widely known for its winter activities and powdery ski slopes, but it also offers 45 holes of spectacular golf with its Devils Knob course, boasting Virginia’s highest elevation golf course at 3,850 feet and panoramic views, as well as Stoney Creek Golf Course, located in the historic Rock- fish Valley. Stoney Creek features three nine-hole tracts designed by architect Rees Jones that nestle into the natural, rustic surroundings of Central Virginia. Wintergreen Golf Academy also offers top instruction for all levels of players against the calming backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Golfers can practice at the “short-game campus” or, in colder weather, hit balls under a covered practice facility. Wintergreen Guests can choose from guest rooms, condos, houses or exclusive properties during their stay and can also enjoy a variety of golf travel packages. Other amenities include aquatics and fit- ness, The Spa at Wintergreen, tennis, hik- ing and winter sports. The Nelson County area surrounding Wintergreen has experienced a recent boom of craft breweries, wineries, distill- eries and hard cider production. Wood Ridge Farm Brewery (434-422-6225), a rural farm-to-table microbrewery in Lov- ingston, gets five stars from Yelp ratings. It is one of 10 popular microbreweries in the area and offers 15 different beers and ales. And don’t forget that Virginia’s apples are also good in hard cider! Check out Bold Rock Hard Cider (434-361-1030) in Nellys- ford for seasonal cider flavors. The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs (540-839-1766) is considered by many to be Virginia’s crown jewel of golf courses. The Cascades Course is a venerable mountain course framed by the Allegheny Mountains and features the imagination of legendary course designer William Flynn. Always ranked among the nation’s best public facilities, you can almost still see native son Sam Snead and his dog in a golf cart, regaling guests with homespun tales. elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers and is nestled among a mature hardwood forest. The facility also offers a complimentary par-3 nine-hole executive course—great for family fun or a warm-up for your round. For your golf vacation, The Tides Inn offers a variety of rooms and suites, COASTAL COURSES The Tides Inn (804-438-4460) out on the Northern Neck offers golf, an inn, a full-ser- vice waterfront spa and a marina that can accommodate up to 24 vessels. Golden Eagle Golf Club at the Tides is a George W. Cobb-designed course loaded with dramatic Wintergreen Resort is widely known for its winter activities and powdery ski slopes, but it also offers 45 holes of spectacular golf... vsga.org M AY / J U N E 2 0 17 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 33