Golden Horseshoe Gold Course

  • The Gold Course
    The Golden Horseshoe Gold Course, Williamsburg
gold course logo e1421252443489

Golden Horseshoe Gold Course – A Virginia Golf Classic

The Golden Horseshoe Gold Course in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a timeless masterpiece designed by one of golf’s greatest architects, Robert Trent Jones Sr. Since its debut in 1963, this championship-caliber layout has become a bucket-list destination for golfers nationwide and continues to be a crown jewel of Virginia golf vacations.

Set amidst towering pine forests and rolling terrain, the Gold Course remains one of the finest examples of traditional course design in the United States. It’s no surprise that Golf Digest ranked it among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses”—a testament to its enduring excellence.

Championship-Caliber Layout with Historic Roots

The Golden Horseshoe Gold Course has been the host site for five USGA championships and the 2007 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s premier public-access courses. With a par of 71 and playing over 6,800 yards from the back tees, the course offers a stern but fair challenge for players of all skill levels.

Robert Trent Jones once described it as his “finest design,” and with its perfectly placed bunkers, elevated greens, and dramatic par threes, it’s easy to see why. The Gold Course’s strategic demands require precise tee shots and well-placed approaches, rewarding smart play and patience.

What Makes the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course Special?

  • Top 100 Public Course: Regularly ranked by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine

  • Natural Beauty: No houses on the course—just pure golf carved into wooded terrain

  • Strategic Design: True test of course management and shot-making

  • Legacy of Excellence: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and restored by Rees Jones

Each hole at the Gold Course tells a story—none more iconic than the par-3 16th hole, which plays across a deep ravine to a shallow green. Known as one of the most photographed holes in Virginia, it’s both breathtaking and brutally honest in its challenge.

Amenities and Resort Experience

The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is part of Colonial Williamsburg Resorts, offering premium amenities before and after your round:

  • Pro shop with premium golf gear and apparel

  • Clubhouse dining with views of the course

  • Stay-and-play options with Colonial Williamsburg hotels

Whether you’re planning a couples golf getaway, group trip, or competitive outing, the Gold Course’s setting and service create a five-star golf experience in a rich historical setting.

Combine With Other Top Courses on Your Trip

When planning your Williamsburg golf vacation, the Gold Course pairs perfectly with:

  • The Golden Horseshoe Green Course – A Rees Jones design with natural, player-friendly terrain

  • Kingsmill River or Plantation Courses – Tour-tested layouts along the James River

  • Hidden gems like Kiskiack, Royal New Kent, and The Club at Viniterra

Virginia Golf Vacations can help you build a custom golf package that includes the Golden Horseshoe Gold Course and other top-tier courses throughout the region.

Book Your Williamsburg Golf Vacation Today

The Golden Horseshoe Gold Course is more than a round of golf—it’s a rite of passage for passionate players. Play where champions have walked, experience world-class conditioning, and enjoy the historic charm of Colonial Williamsburg.

Let Virginia Golf Vacations help you plan the perfect itinerary. Click below to get a quote, check availability, and secure your tee times today.

Course Details: Par 71 | Course Architect: Robert Trent Jones
ChampionshipMember
Yardage68176248
Course Rating73.871.5
Slope144135