DESTINATION GUIDES

West Virginia Golf

 

Transportation

If you are going to the Greenbrier or any other courses located in White Sulphur Springs or elsewhere in the southeastern part of the state, you can fly into the Greenbrier Valley Airport, which is a regional airport and fields flights from Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Roanoke and various other eastern cities.

Airports are a vital source of transportation, and in most ways most convenient due to the difficult land travel. There are nearly 30 public airports, many small that help ease transportation. For a list of airports and more information: http://www.wvdot.com/1_airports/1_airports.htm

By ground, the West Virginia Turnpike is an 88 mile connector between Charleston to Princeton. To get to White Sulphur Springs from the eastern seaboard, take I-81 south to I-64 West. To get to the capital of Charleston, take I-78 west to I-81 south. Then take I-68 west and finally to I-79 south.

 

FAQ

1) Isn't West Virginia too mountainous to have many golf courses?

True, the Mountain State is very rugged, from its Allegheny and Appalachian mountain ranges to its rapids and highlands. But over 50 public courses alone are available, including some of the most historic and hospitable venues in America.

2) When did golf first come to West Virginia?

Earlier than you might think. In fact, West Virginia claims to have America's first golf club. Oakhurst Links in White Sulphur Springs has an opening date of 1884, the first organized club in the U.S. It's still open to this day.

3) What is West Virginia's climate?

West Virginia has four distinct seasons. In the lower areas and valleys, including the western region and the Eastern part, winters are mild and summers are pleasantly warm. In the central portions of the state and the more mountainous areas, including the Potomac Highlands, winters are colder, with a higher chance of snow, and summers are mild. The golf season lasts longer in the lower areas than the mountains.

4) West Virginia is known for its mountains and wildlife. How can I see it?

A lot of the state's natural beauty is preserved in state parks and state and national forests. West Virginia also has other wilderness areas and preserves. These areas offer extensive hiking trail systems, including a number of old railroad beds that have been converted to mountain biking, equestrian and/or walking trails. For hunting and fishing, licenses are required, even for short-term visitors but can be obtained from the Division of Natural Resources: (304)558-2758.

5) Just how hospitable are the West Virginia resorts?

The resorts in West Virginia set the standard in class and elegance. In fact, every president who has ever golfed has made the trip to the Greenbrier, one of the best in America with its one-two punch of golf and hospitality. Stonewall and the Raven in Snowshoe are also worthy in this category.

6) How did West Virginia get the "West"?

Once a part of Virginia, West Virginia was given its own state when this particular region refused to secede from the Union during the Civil War. It was officially made a state in 1963, in the thick of the Civil War.

7) How mountainous is West Virginia

West Virginia is made up primarily of dense forest and the Allegheny Mountains. The highest point is Spruce Knob at 4,820 feet in the northeastern part of the state. The lowest is at the base of the Potomac River at just 270 feet above sea level.

8) West Virginia has a golf trail?

While not as known as some of the more famous golf trails, the West Virginia Legends of Golf Trail is a six course trail that will take you through the whole state. Three of the courses are in the New River/Greenbrier area, while the other three are found in northeastern parts of the state. Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player and George Cobb are among the designers of the Trail.

9) What other unique features are among West Virginia's land?

The Greenbrier Valley has scores of caverns, some unexplored to this date. Among the nearly 100 caves that have been named is Scott Hollow Cave, discovered in 1984 and still in its original condition, just south of Lewisburg. North of Lewisburg on Route 219, Lost World Caverns, a registered natural landmark, offers many rooms of fantastic sculpture, including some the largest stalactites ever discovered. Another cavern in nearby Ronceverte, Organ Cave, is one of the oldest explored caves in the region, having been home to pioneers and Civil War soldiers.

10) What other excitement is in West Virginia?

West Virginia is known for having some of the most white water rapids in America. In fact, the New River was voted best rapids by over 300,000 readers in Blue Ridge Country Magazine in 1998. Over 2,000 miles of mountain streams circulate through the state.