The Club at Kingsmill - Woods Course

This private club is to Kingsmill what many backcountry areas are to their respective large ski resorts: secluded and open only to those in the know. Unless you have connections or happen buy the right member a drink and score an invite, you’re not likely to find your way onto this pleasant, pristinely-kept members-only retreat, but if you do, you’ll get to enjoy a nice variety of holes with some of the property’s most adventurous greens; the tilted boomerang at the end of the par-5 5th hole is a particular highlight.

After a flattish parkland meander on the front, things ramp up when golfers cross through a deep ravine on the way to the 11th tee to play a run of holes that heave up and down a bit more and offer some attractive views (the entire course benefits from being unencumbered by homes). For those with full access, it’s a nice middle-ground between the tough River Course and the more relaxed Plantation.

This is a members only course, but sometimes The Woods is put into rotation for resort guests when either The Plantation or The River (LPGA plays) is closed. We were fortunate, because this was the case. The course is a no-housing development course and plays really long. I have played it a bunch (prior to it becoming members only) and it's one of my favorites. Always in excellent condition, this time was no exception. Tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, and greens all excellent. The rough was thick and very penal. The front is definitely flatter than the back nine, which has a lot of elevation changes. It's a good challenge. If you get a chance to play it while staying at the resort, take advantage of it. It doesn't happen often.