GreatHoles
by DAVID PARTRIDGE
L
ong recognized as one of the finest layouts in Virginia,
the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg
recently reopened its famed Gold Course following
a highly successful renovation. The project included
the introduction of Northbridge Bermudagrass to
the fairways and roughs along with the implementation of 007
bentgrass on the greens; the bunkers were rebuilt using the Bet-
ter Billy Bunker construction method and the green structures
were revised on several holes to enhance the playability of those
designs and to increase hole locations.
Opened in 1963 and designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the
course is so named as an enduring tribute to The Knights of the Gold-
en Horseshoe. In 1716, led by Alexander Spotswood, the acting royal
governor of Virginia, The Knights of the Golden Horseshoe engaged
in a westward exploration of Virginia that later led to the expansion
of the state. According to legend, following the dangerous adventure,
Spotswood gave his companions small golden horseshoes encrusted
with precious stones upon their safe return to Williamsburg.
The renovation was overseen by Rees Jones and confirms Colo-
nial Williamsburg Foundation’s enduring commitment to outstand-
ing golf. Named among the “Top 100 Resort Courses in America” by
Golfweek and Golf Digest’s “2016 Best Golf Resorts in the Mid-At-
lantic,” The Golden Horseshoe and her sister design—The Green
Course—represent genuine golf excellence in the commonwealth.
The picturesque 12th, a visually intimidating par-3 over water
played from an elevated tee, is one of the holes where the green
structure was renovated. The putting surface was expanded
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slightly and some of
the original green
slopes were moderat-
ed to create an even
better hole that main-
YARDAGES
tains its strong golfing
challenge, especially
White:
Gold:
when the hole location
149 yards
188 yards
is in the right rear of
the green. The 12th
Red:
Blue:
demands a brave well-
93 yards
169 yards
struck shot and if the
golfer bails out to the
left, the opportunity to recover for par is significantly diminished.
Apart from hosting many events throughout the year includ-
ing the Golden Horseshoe Four-Ball, an excellent invitational
event that draws a strong field, the Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation has been a strong and loyal partner of the VSGA,
serving as the venue for many events and tournaments over the
years. This year, The Golden Horseshoe hosted the VSGA Mixed
Four-Ball Championship and in 2018, the VSGA Senior Amateur
Championship will be played at this outstanding course.
PAR 3
A five-time VSGA Player of the Year and a multi-time winner of
the VSGA Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur, David
Partridge is the author of this series. David lives in the Richmond
area and works as a mortgage banker.
vsga.org
No. 12
GOLDEN HORSESHOE
GOLF CLUB, GOLD COURSE