Stoney Creek at Wintergreen

The verdict

Stoney Creek is the valley course at Wintergreen Resort, a Rees Jones design that spreads across the floor of the Rockfish Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains rising on every side. Where the resort's Devils Knob course sits high on the mountain, Stoney Creek plays at gentler elevation through meadow, water and woodland, and the contrast between the two is a big part of what makes Wintergreen such a complete golf destination. It has grown to twenty seven holes across three nines, so the rotation keeps it fresh over a multi day stay.

For the traveling golfer it is the more forgiving and arguably more enjoyable of the resort's two courses, generous off the tee but demanding on approach, with the mountain scenery a constant backdrop. The three nines, Monocan, Shamokin and Tuckahoe, each play to par 36 and combine into par 72 rounds, giving groups variety without ever leaving the valley.

The holes worth the trip

Rees Jones routed Stoney Creek to use the natural features of the valley, with the namesake creek and several ponds weaving through the holes and the mountains framing the views. The fairways are wide enough to let you swing freely, but the design rewards the player who places the tee shot to open the best angle into greens that are well bunkered and subtly contoured in the Rees Jones manner.

The three nines each have their own character. Together they give a resort guest enough variety to play several rounds without repetition, and the rotation means the course rarely feels crowded. The par 3s are particularly strong, asking for precise irons over water or to shelf greens, and the par 5s offer tempting risk and reward.

It suits almost any standard of golfer, playable and scenic from the middle tees yet a genuine test from the back. Paired with the resort's mountain course, it makes Wintergreen one of the most varied two course stays in the mid Atlantic.

Where to stay nearby

The natural base is Wintergreen Resort itself, with mountain condos and valley lodging that put both the Stoney Creek and Devils Knob courses within easy reach, alongside skiing in winter, a spa and a busy calendar of outdoor activities. Charlottesville, with its wineries and dining, is a short and scenic drive away for those who want a town base.

For a wider Virginia golf trip, pair Stoney Creek with the historic mountain golf of The Homestead Old Course and the dramatic Mike Strantz design at Royal New Kent Golf Club, for a route that spans the state's best resort and championship golf.

Looking for a base near Wintergreen? See our recommended hotels and resorts.