Augustine Golf Club
If
you haven't heard of the Augustine Golf Club near Stafford Virginia
then you probably don't wander away from your home course much.
Opening in 1996 the course has received many regional and national
accolades but it was up to us to get out and see if all the press
was deserved.
When you arrive at the course the well-appointed clubhouse dominates
your first impression. It resonates first class quality and has an
archetypical private club feel.
Once
on the course the first hole is not your typical friendly warm-up.
Instead of letting you ease into the round, you're introduced to the
overwhelming challenge that awaits you for the remainder of the day.
The split fairway is lined heavily with hardwood trees guarding each
side. And each hole after the first keeps this classic east coast
design style throughout the course.
 As
you progress along the font nine you realize Augustine will make use
of every club in your bag.
Placing a premium on accuracy, the course continually keeps in check
your ability to hit targets. Sometimes it's a spot in the fairway;
sometimes it's a specific part of a green. Each shot dictates what
you can and should do with the next.
The various punishing elements of the course lie in waiting with
eager anticipation of errant shots.
The thick rough around the greens will test of your chipping ability
and the hardwood trees that flank every fairway leave little room
for errant drives. Throw in some greens that at times are only
partially visible for your approach shots and a long day is
possible.
But
don't let us scare you away. We all know golf is about the challenge
and Augustine Golf Club will challenge your game and the ability to
mange your way successfully through difficult obstacles.
Amigos
favorite Hole:
Our favorite hole at the Augustine Golf Club was the
multi-dimensional 456-yard par 4
number-2
 Also
known at "beauty and the beast" the hole starts with an
outstanding scenic view of one of the most intimidating fairways to
hit anywhere on the course. A lake runs the entire length of the
left side of the fairway 50 feet below the hole.
After a good tee shot you soon realize that the second shot can be
just as ominous as the first. But looks can be deceiving. What you
can't see is that some bail out room is available front right of the
green so middle/right is a good target. A par on this hole should
set up a world of confidence to carry you throughout the rest of
your round.
Review Date:
09/25/2004
Course review ratings are conducted on a five point scale. ( 1 = Double Bogey 3 = Par 5 = Eagle)
Tees:
The tees boxes are well spaced offering a playable distance for most skill sets. Each tee box was in decent shape but a bit on the shaggy side.
Fairways:
Most of the fairways were in good shape. There were a couple of fairways painted off for ground under repair but didn't impact our round.
Rough:
The rough was spotty to say the least. The rough off the fairway was relatively manageable but around the greens the rough was very penal. If you were above the hole and in the rough it was a definite penalty stroke.
Traps:
The traps were well placed and of good design, fitting with this great test of game, but the condition was another matter. The traps we ended up in during the day had little sand and were hard and compact leaving difficult escapes. We all love a challenge but greenside bunkers should be raked and have an adequate amount of sand.
Greens:
The greens were in good condition with a variety of both size and undulation to test your flat stick abilities. The greens rolled at a medium to slightly above medium pace but not over bearing.
Amenities:
Wonderfully appointed Clubhouse with all the trimmings. The terrace overlooking the 18th green is the perfect location for after round drinks. A range is available with free balls to warm up and the practice green is a good judge of course green speed.
Staff Services:
The majority of the staff was very cordial and friendly. We did have a minor issue with the Ranger. Sometimes I think Rangers forget to look at the golfer as a customer. In our case the Ranger was more focused on the job than how a customer should be treated.
Pace of Play:
A couple of holes backed up on the front nine but at a more difficult course you expect some waiting. Once beyond the first six holes we moved at a good pace with no push from behind or wait in front.
Overall Average:
4.1, Birdie Course
Good Course, worth a play
The GolfinAmigos would like to thank Mr. George Foster the General Manager of Augustine Golf Club for allowing us to visit and review the course.
CLICK HERE for additional course information...
Location:
76 Monument Drive, Stafford VA 22554
Tee Time Phone:
540-720-7374
Course Type:
Public
*The opinions expressed in this course review are those of the individual reviewer(s) and do not reflect the editorial opinion of
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