Belmont Golf Course

This course has one of the most unique routings that I’ve seen. The Tillinghast bones with DL3 touch-up makes for a fantastic 12 hole experience. The 12 holes felt perfect…a little more than the often insufficient 9 but more efficient than a full 18. The course was in really nice shape for late November. The greens were not rolling that fast but they’re pretty pure. There was a little rain in the last 24 hrs that slowed them down I imagine. Very welcoming of all skill sets and backgrounds. Would highly recommend to all!

I have played Belmont several times before the renovations and several times after. I mostly like the course better now, but not the higher prices.
The positives:
1) The course conditions of the 12 main holes are MUCH better now than before, including greens, fairways and tee boxes, 2) New "forward" tees (red) have been added which make the course much more friendly for players who don't hit it very long. These tee boxes help a lot for high handicappers and beginners, 3) The addition of a 6- hole par 3 course (at a value price) is a very nice bonus, 4) the addition of an 18-hole putting course, at a good price, is very worth playing (and challenging!), 5) There are nice practice areas for chipping and putting (and a good driving range now too).

There are a few negatives too, and these are significant.
1) The cost to play the 12- hole course is as high as playing 18- holes at many other nearby courses. I believe it is overpriced, especially to walk, 2) The course design is very challenging with huge amounts of sand, and tough even for low handicappers, 3) the sandtraps are the deepest and toughest of any course in Richmond, 4) this is not a friendly course for beginners, yet First-Tee is intended to get kids started in the sport! 5) Range balls are ridiculously expensive, but who knows why?
Summary: The redesign has resulted in a 12- hole course that is a good "fit" for very good and experienced golfers, but not beginners. The beginners are left to play the 6- hole par-3 course, the putting course or the practice areas.

I would like to see the prices lowered significantly in order to encourage more play. I would also love to see half of the sandtraps replaced by grass in order to make playing here more fun and less punishing...and a better fit for First-Tee's mission.

We booked thru Golfnow and received a good price. I had played Belmont many times before the renovation. The course was in great shape but the rebuild was confusing. The first 6 holes on the front 9 had been turned into a driving range and 6 par 3's. So to play 18 it was 12 normal holes followed by 6 par 3"s. This was the first time playing since the rebuild and it was unclear where to start. It rained the day before and the starter said walking only until 12:00. In my 50 years of playing golf I had never heard that. It was always course closed or cart path only. We came back and played after 12... confused. Turns out they have 3 holes with no cart path. Sounds like an easy fix

I don't have any tie to the old Belmont. The new First Tee setup is great. The course is wonderful for a casual golfer like myself. Reminds me of home (Pinehurst) at times It is a bit on the high end of the price scale given only 12 "true" holes but if you don't mind that you'll have a great time. They are 12 really nice holes! The course seemed forgiving enough so that everyone can enjoy a round, just pick your tee box. Seemed a very walkable track for many. Will hope to walk a round soon

Good layout. Very good to good green conditions. Great bunker conditions. Price is high for 12holes walking.

Beautiful gem for Richmond. Love that you can still play 18 holes…well 36 if you count the putting course. Tee boxes were stiff but I think after some rain they’ll soften.

There is not a better value for a traditional golf experience in the Richmond area. Where else can you play a 100 year old course designed by Tillinghast and Ross for less than $50? It will take some time for the greens to mature but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for with small greens and treacherous bunkers. And the 405 yard uphill 11th is a monster. Thanks to the First Tee and RVA saving this classic course from the developers bulldozer. And great work by Davis Love with the creative layout. The 12 hole layout is a novel but satisfying idea - we walked the course in about 2:45 and didn't feel like we needed six more. Wonderful practice area and nice amenities to boot!

The renovated 12 hole course was in great condition. The bunkers had bright white fluffy sand with immaculate edging. The greens have very interesting slopes/curves characteristic of Tillinghast/Ross designs. Both greens and fairways were in excellent condition. This made the round challenging but very interesting. We liked the 12.-hole format. It’s a great option , especially on hot Virginia summer days. We will definitely be back.

What a cool concept. Love Design took this 1917 A.W. Tillinghast design (Donald Ross would later do the greens) and renovated it into two golf courses that can be played into one. They kept the integrity of many of the original holes (which actually hosted the 1945 Richmond Invitation won by Ben Hogan and 1949 PGA Championship won by Sam Snead) and even restored some bunkers and features that were removed over the years. But now golfers have so many options. You can play a 12-hole course with traditional holes, play the six-hole Little Bell Course or combine the two for an 18-hole experience, which is actually rated. When combined, of course, you end with six par 3s, but they are not easy, despite some of them being short, so it's a full golf experience. Best of all, the entire 18 holes are interesting, very well maintained and beautiful. If I lived here, I would play this course regularly because as a muni run by The First Tee of Greater Richmond, it's a great value as well.

As a previous member of Hermitage CC , this course is at the same level as far as the fairways and greens. Plus , this is the first time I’ve walked a course since leaving Hermitage. There is not another Public course in the Richmond area that is as walkable!
So, kudos to everyone at Belmont! Your hard work in creating a excellent City golf course for all level of golfers!

THANK YOU!

Belmont has all the makings for a delightful round of golf. It’s a beautiful layout, the holes are challenging while fair; and an all-around enjoyable sporty course. You get a full round of enjoyment in 12 holes- a bargain.

So happy to have this classic course restored to its original glory! Rebuilt green complexes and re-imagined bunkers make this renovation worth the effort.