Golden Horseshoe Golf Course to re-open on July 1

Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s gold course will re-open July 1 following a complete renovation of all greens, fairways, roughs and bunkers.

The Gold Course will feature Northbridge Bermuda turf grass on the fairways and surrounding roughs, and 007 Bent on the greens. The bunkers were rebuilt using the “Better Billy Bunker” construction technique to improve the drainage, look, and playability. Other upgrades include the addition of nine forward tees, re-leveling all remaining tees, reconstruction of four green complexes (2, 6, 12, and 18), and resurfacing of all remaining greens. A substantial expansion was made to the practice putting green and a new short game practice area created, with “target greens” added to the practice range.

These improvements exhibit Colonial Williamsburg’s significant commitment to the game, ensuring the Golden Horseshoe remains one of the top golf resort destinations in the nation.

“Colonial Williamsburg’s board of trustees has made a major investment toward the renovation of the Gold Course,” said Mitchell B. Reiss, Colonial Williamsburg president and CEO. “It is vital that we care for this precious asset left in our stewardship so that we can offer our guests the premier resort experience today’s travelers demand.”

The renovation of Robert Trent Jones Senior’s original 1963 design is under the direction of his son, golf course architect Rees Jones, known as the “Open Doctor” for his expert renovations of many U.S. Open courses, and Greg Muirhead of Rees Jones Inc. Golf Course Design.

When Jones Sr. opened the Gold 54 years ago he called it his finest design and “a natural arboretum upon which a great golf course has been built.” Over the years, the Gold Course has been recognized with numerous awards of excellence from players and golf media. It has hosted multiple USGA championships in addition to the 2007 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. It currently ranks number 62 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.

The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club continues to offer guests three very different playing experiences: The Gold Course, The Green Course (designed by Rees Jones), and the 9-hole Spotswood short course.

Photo: Golden Horseshoe Golf Club