Back in 2005 we made our first trip to Laurel Hill Golf Club and were blown away with overall course design.
But like all new courses there were some kinks to work out, including the use of trailer serving as a temporary clubhouse and proshop. At the time we couldn't wait to come back and see the finished product and last month we finally got the chance.
After nearly two years of continued development Laurel Hill Golf Club finally has the first class amenities deserving of the of the first class design.
This year the new 9,400 square foot clubhouse opened and resides at the center focal point of the property overlooking the course. The facility exudes a private club feel fitting for one of the best public courses in all of Virginia.
Once we made our way to the course we we're amazed at the conditions. During a drought year when most courses were struggling just to keep their course playable, Laurel Hill was in pristine condition. The tees, fairways, bunkers and greens were in fantastic shape and the only visible sign of a drought was near empty lake on the back nine.
The design is how we remembered and if possible even a bit tougher. The maturing rough both off the fairway and greenside made for some difficult approach shots and chips. Luckily the fairways are generous in size so keeping it in the fairway isn’t overly difficult.
The font nine starts with two manageable Par 4's easing you into the round. But when you get to the tee of the Par-4 No. 3 you better have your game together.
This 452-yard beast is all uphill and the green is long and narrow, allowing little room for error with your approach shot. The fairway is wide but there is a nasty bunker placed directly in the middle of the fairway right at average driving distance.
If No. 3 didn't get your attention then the Par-4 500-yard No. 6 might. The longest Par-4 on the course would be a Par-5 for most mere mortals. But what you can't see at the tee is the downhill slope in the fairway after the crest of the hill.
If you can hit a long drive then the down slope on the other side should assist with additional roll to a reasonable approach length.
No. 3 and 6 are two examples of the many challenges Laurel Hill provides to the paying public. It seems each hole at the course enough character to be a signature hole providing a golf experience unlike any other.
But the most endearing quality of the course is its ability to make you "think". Good designs always have a way of bringing out the best or worst in your game. Any attempt to over power or disrespect the course will result in a high number.
If you respect the course and take what it gives you with proper course management then you should fair well. In my mind, no course does the better than Laurel Hill Golf Club.
Amigos Favorite Hole: We choose the 562-yard Par-5 No. 18 as our favorite at Laurel Hill.
In true finishing hole fashion, the 18th at Laurel Hill provides a great view of the new clubhouse and plenty of test that can either make or break your round.
With a good drive the green is reachable in two but isn't advisable. The green is guarded by water on the right and front and has plenty of bunkers lining the back leaving little room for error with your approach shot.
Leaving yourself a reasonable wedge shot to the green will give you the best shot for a birdie and at worst a well deserved par.
But beware, prior to hitting your lay-up shot there is a deep pot bunker just off the green that is hard to see. If possible make sure to avoid this bunker because any shot in it will make for a very tough escape.