Best Public Golf Courses in Richmond, Virginia

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I haven’t spent a lot of time in Virginia, and to be honest, I’ve played only a scant amount of golf.  But Old Dominion has always fascinated me for some reason.  Maybe it’s the rich Civil War history, that it was home to Thomas Jefferson, or the fact that it seems relatively unburdened by out-of-state gentrification.  I can’t quite put my finger on it. 

I’ve recently had a number of requests to highlight some of the public golf courses in the Richmond area.  Like usual, I did a little of my own research, but mostly relied on feedback from our readers to compile our top ten list. 

I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer, so let’s get started.

If you’re searching for a demanding yet enjoyable golfing course in Richmond, Virginia, the Royal New Kent Golf Club, designed by Mark Strantz, consistently makes it to Golf Digest’s list of 100 Greatest Courses.

The course offers a unique links-style layout that locals appreciate for its distinctive design. One of the standout features of the Royal New Kent Golf Club is its ability to cater to golfers of all skill levels, with multiple sets of tees available. This means whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find the right level of challenge here.

The club is widely praised for providing a tough but rewarding experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to test their skills. Additionally, the scenic setting and well-maintained course add to the overall appeal of the Royal New Kent Golf Club, making it a standout public golf course in Richmond, Virginia.

If you’re looking for a place to hone your skills and enjoy a round of golf, this club should be at the top of your list.

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Meadowbrook Country Club, known for its rich history and inspirational course, offers a traditional layout with narrow fairways and small greens, making it a highly sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

As a higher-end private club, Meadowbrook boasts a storied past with iconic pros like Lanny and Bobby Wadkins. The limited public play available at this esteemed club provides a rare opportunity for golfers to enjoy its well-maintained course, revered by many.

The club’s commitment to preserving its traditional layout and elaborate design has solidified its reputation as one of the best golf courses in the area. Golfers consistently praise Meadowbrook for the strategic experience it offers, catering to players of varying skill levels.

With its historical significance and dedication to maintaining a captivating course, Meadowbrook Country Club remains a top choice for those seeking a memorable round of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, Meadowbrook’s allure is undeniable, making it a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.

Nestled in a scenic setting, Lake Chesdin Golf Club beckons both local golf enthusiasts and out-of-town visitors with its inviting Bermuda fairways and scenic greens. This public course offers a fun-filled challenge for players of all abilities, with multiple sets of tees available to cater to different skill levels.

The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse provides various amenities, and its Cantina 19 restaurant is known for its delicious Mexican food specials. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, the club offers a scenic and enjoyable golfing scenery, with a range of facilities to enhance your visit.

Conveniently located and easily accessible, Lake Chesdin Golf Club is a great option for both locals and out-of-town visitors looking to enjoy a memorable round of golf.

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Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional amenities of the Independence Golf Club Championship Course, an inviting destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels in Richmond, Virginia.

This family-friendly facility not only offers a top-tier golf course but also features an indoor/outdoor event venue, making it a versatile and welcoming space for various activities.

The course underwent a multi-million-dollar remodel in 2016, resulting in a layout that provides options and creativity around the greens. Its recognition as Golf Digest’s Top 10 Remodel of the Year speaks to the quality of the improvements.

What sets this course apart is its commitment to inclusivity, offering multiple sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice player, there’s something here for everyone.

The Independence Golf Club Championship Course is known for its exceptional amenities and is a standout public golf course in Richmond, Virginia. It’s no wonder that it played host to the prestigious 2019 PGA Championship, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination.

You’ll find another exceptional golfing course at The Club at Viniterra, where Rees Jones’s design expertise and the beautiful setting near New Kent Winery come together to offer an exciting and visually stunning course.

The Golf Course offers a wide variety of holes with frequent elevation changes, providing a unique and challenging game for golfers of all levels. With multiple tee options, the course ensures that every player can find the right level of challenge.

The Club at Viniterra is known for its memorable golf-wine combination experience, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds in one location. The Public Golf Program here is highly recommended for its scenic views and inspiring structure, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts in the New Kent Golf area.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a new challenge or a casual player seeking a picturesque setting, The Club at Viniterra offers an unforgettable adventure that combines the best of golf and nature.

Belmont Golf Course, designed by A.W. Tillinghast and redesigned by Donald Ross, offers golfers a chance to taste the rich heritage and challenge of an iconic, historic course in the Richmond area. This course, with its storied past and classic layout, provides a unique and historical golfing venture.

It’s not just a round of golf; it’s a journey through time. The program is designed to provide a means for us to step back into golf’s history and appreciate the roots of the game. The layout of the course, with its undulating fairways and challenging greens, remains a true test and an exciting track for lovers of old, iconic courses.

Belmont Golf Course is a place where you can immerse yourself in the tradition and heritage of the game, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate the significance of historic golf courses. Located in the Richmond area, this course offers golfers the opportunity to play on a historic course with significant cultural and sporting importance.

Nestled within the Richmond area, Providence Golf Club presents golfers with a strategic and challenging experience on its highly rated, narrow fairway, parkland layout.

The course, renovated in 2002, has garnered high praise from Golf Digest, and rightfully so. Here’s what makes Providence Golf Club stand out:

1. Renowned Renovation: The course underwent a significant renovation in 2002, elevating its status as a premier golf destination in Richmond.
2. Strategic Design: Designed by golf architects Dan Maples, Tom Clark, and Lester George, Providence Golf Club emphasizes accuracy over length, offering a testing yet rewarding challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
3. Traditional Parkland Layout: Known for its narrow fairways and strategic design, the course’s emphasis on accuracy makes it a favorite among golfers seeking a compelling challenge.

Providence Golf Club’s dedication to providing a strategic and challenging experience through its narrow fairways and traditional parkland layout cements its reputation as a must-visit course for golf enthusiasts seeking a test of precision and skill.

After experiencing the strategic and elaborate layout of Providence Golf Club, you’ll find yourself drawn to the scenic and captivating Hanover Golf Club. Designed by the renowned Tom Fazio, Hanover Golf Club offers a lovely setting with rolling foothills and abundant wildlife, creating an immersive golfing experience. The Anna River and Stagg Creek meander through the course, coming into play on several holes and adding an extra layer of challenge and natural beauty.

One of the standout features of Hanover Golf Club is its significant elevation changes, providing golfers with a diverse and dynamic playing environment. The course’s fast greens demand precision and careful consideration of each putt, adding an exciting challenge for players of all skill levels. Additionally, the club has recently upgraded its practice facilities, making it an excellent option for both playing and honing your skills.

For golf enthusiasts looking to explore this captivating course, Hanover Golf Club is a must-visit destination in Richmond, Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner looking to improve, the club’s scenic beauty and challenging layout make it a compelling choice for golfing enthusiasts.

You’ll find Birkdale Golf Club to be a welcoming and versatile semi-private course, designed by Dan Maples and offering an enjoyable golfing event for players of all levels. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Accessibility: Birkdale Golf Club is a semi-private club that generously offers ample tee times for the public. This accessibility makes it a great option for golfers looking for a quality course to play without the constraints of full membership.
2. Versatility: The course caters to both seasoned players and beginners, featuring wide fairways and options for running the ball into greens. Additionally, it provides multiple sets of tees to accommodate various skill levels, making it an inclusive and versatile option for golfers.
3. Scenic Setting: The layout of Birkdale Golf Club offers a unique and tranquil setting that’s appreciated by both locals and visitors. The scenic beauty adds an extra dimension to the overall golfing experience, creating a pleasant and memorable round on the course.

Birkdale Golf Club, with its affordability, versatility, and scenic charm, is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional golfing tour in Richmond, Virginia.

Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course offers golfers a picturesque and challenging layout with multiple tee options for all skill levels, creating an enjoyable and memorable visit for players in Richmond, Virginia. The well-maintained course provides a historic setting that golfers appreciate, along with scenic views and a serene atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course is a favorite choice for those seeking a memorable and enjoyable golfing experience in the Richmond area.

One of the notable features of Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course is its variety of sets of tees, catering to golfers of different abilities. This flexibility allows players to tailor their game to their skill level, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. Additionally, the course offers excellent practice facilities, allowing golfers to hone their skills and improve their game in a beautiful environment.

If you’re looking for a golf course that combines a historic setting, amazing views, and a challenge for all skill levels, the Mill Quarter Plantation Golf Course is a must-visit when in Richmond, Virginia.

Conclusion

I’d consider myself fairly well traveled when it comes to playing golf around the country.  For whatever reason however, I’ve not spent much time in Virginia, let alone the Richmond area. 

After doing some research and hearing from our readers, it sounds like that needs to change. 

In addition to great golf, there’s so much to see and do, it’s clear I’ve been missing out.

Thank you to everyone that made this latest course guide possible.  I’m sure I’ve left out some details as usual, so please let us know your thoughts in the comments.