Overview
The Olde Farm’s lay-of-the-land, rural retreat offers 18 beautiful golf holes set amidst the authentic sights, smells and sounds of a working Appalachian farm.
A distinct north-south routing produces an enjoyable walk that flows seamlessly with the natural ridges and contours that expand the open site.
20 years after originally building The Olde Farm, Bobby Weed Golf Design returned in 2020 for a comprehensive bunker renovation on all 18 holes and practice facilities.
Awards
2020-21 GOLF Magazine
Best Golf Courses in Virginia, No. 1
2018 Golfweek
America's Best Modern Courses, No. 53
2006-07 Golf Digest
America's 50 Greatest Retreats, No. 8
2000 Golf Digest
America's Best New Private Courses, No. 1
Challenge
The Olde Farm sits in a natural valley in the southwestern foothills of Virginia. The site is divided by a “sinking creek” with wetlands abound.
The objective was a minimalist designed-course that shined with exceptional conditioning, natural aesthetics and ambience.
Catering to a national membership, Weed would design par 3s of differing lengths, drivable par 4s, reachable par 5s, doglegs in both directions and diversified green complexes. Fairways and greens would feature pronounced elevation changes from the site’s natural topography. Bunkering would be restrained to strategic placements that added character and challenge.
Approach
“The terrain of this site was so nearly perfect for golf that Bobby Weed staked it out in just two days,” said Golf Digest. “His lay-of-the-land design encourages the old-style game of low, running approach shots.”
The 7,063-yard par-71 layout has bentgrass tees, fairways and greens. Kentucky bluegrass occupies the roughs. Fine and field fescue are also placed throughout. This contrast of lush playing areas and surrounding pasture grasses makes for an attractive look.
Sinking Creek, a steam that rolls throughout the course, comes into play on seven holes.
Weed ensured that multiple refurbished barns were central to the playing and social experiences. The famed “Long Barn” is located after the par-3 sixth hole. The former tobacco barn was converted into a fully stocked comfort station with food, beverages, an indoor driving net and putting green.
The “Party Barn” is another rustic property set after the 10th hole, which now serves as a dining hall.
Solution
On Sept. 10, 2018, The Olde Farm hosted the American Legends for Mountain Mission Kids, an all-star charitable golf tournament. This raised $56.6 million – the new largest single-day charitable gift in the history of golf, anywhere in the world!
With large fairways, wide entrances to greens and sizable putting surfaces, The Olde Farm can be enjoyed by all playing abilities. Low handicappers learn to use the contoured terrain to their advantage, working the ball on the ground versus taking dead aim at the flag.
The Olde Farm is a wonderful example of maintaining walkability while mitigating rolling topography. The club’s rustic elegance and remote feeling contributes to its distinguished character and rural charm.
70% Increase in Course Bookings
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