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The Ultimate Guide to Golf at Smith Mountain Lake

The Ultimate Guide to Golf at Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is one of Western Virginia’s biggest natural attractions, drawing in a great number of tourists and water enthusiasts every year. With 20,000 acres of water and 500 miles of shoreline, the area offers plenty of recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and swimming. 

That’s not all. Tourists and residents alike will find plenty of other activities to enjoy including camping, hiking, picnicking, nature watching, special events, and shopping at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center.

Certainly, the area’s biggest attraction remains Smith Mountain Lake’s natural beauty. The manmade lake, edged by lush vegetation, waterfront homes, and piers and marinas, boasts wooded peninsulas, approximately 25 islands, and plenty of water and land-based activities  that make living there idyllic for those who want activity and tranquility in equal measure.

Residents have pride of place and actively look after their surroundings to make sure they continue to enjoy the placid waters, misty mornings, lush greenery, and nature’s myriad treats to the senses, including bird calls. The promise of owning a slice of this paradise in a community of just 18,000 residents is a dream that visitors who come for a vacation sometimes stay for good.

Golf courses in Smith Mountain Lake

Aside from the natural attractions, Smith Mountain Lake is also a popular spot for golfing, thanks to an abundance of golf courses, both private and public.

Below are four of the most popular golfing locations in the area.

  1. The Water’s Edge
    1825 Waters Edge Drive, Penhook, VA
     
    The Water’s Edge is one of the premier golfing destinations not only in Smith Mountain Lake, but the entire western Virginia. Adding to the excitement is the fact it was recently purchased by McConnell Golf, the same group behind famous courses such as Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington and the exquisitely renovated Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina.
     
    Designed by distinguished golf course architect, R.F. Loving Jr., all 18 holes of this PGA-recognized golf course feature stunning views, most noteworthy of which is the signature Island Green on Hole #7 that feels like it’s one with the lake itself, with parts of it extending into the water. 
     
    If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, there’s over 700 acres of golfing terrain to revel in, elevated by an excellent view of the lake at 15 of the course’s holes. Meanwhile, the sophisticated clubhouse offers multiple lifestyle amenities including numerous bars and restaurants, a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, a men’s lounge, and a world-class fitness center. Beyond that, members also get to enjoy boating, fishing, horseback riding, and walking trails on the country club grounds.
     
    For those who want to call The Water’s Edge their home, there are three lovely neighborhoods to choose from, including The Grande Villas with its super-exclusive neighborhood of only 10 homes nestled on the waterfront. There’s also the 25-acre Golfer’s Crossing, with 45 single-family homes of exceptionally large floor plans ranging from 2,250 to 3,600 square feet. The third and newest community, Village Green, is just a stone’s throw away from the clubhouse.
     
  2. The Waterfront Country Club
    275 Anchor Drive, Moneta, VA
     
    As the very first country club community at Smith Mountain Lake, the Waterfront possesses a sophisticated yet homey vibe that you’ll always feel eager to come home to. Built in 1976 by Ron Willard Sr., and now also owned by McConnell Golf, the country club sits on 750 breathtaking acres and 8.5 miles of pristine and serene shoreline, complemented perfectly by a championship-level 18-hole golf course designed by George Dillon of the Fazio Group. 
     
    As another popular golfing community, The Waterfront offers plenty of attractive real estate properties to choose from including townhomes, condos, custom homes, and waterfront homes that offer families and retirees a maintenance-free lifestyle right beside the awe-inspiring beauty of Smith Mountain Lake. 
     
    But golf and housing aren’t the only enticements at the Waterfront, as the club also provides numerous opportunities for socializing and recreation. For starters, there’s a 22,000-square-foot clubhouse where members and guests can enjoy gourmet dining options and lounge in both formal and casual settings. Other recreational amenities include tennis, pickleball, children and adult’s swimming pool, a fitness facility, and even a boat dock.
     
  3. Copper Cove
    360 Chestnut Creek Drive, Hardy, VA
     
    As scenic and challenging as any private club, the Copper Cove public golf course carries the signature of Russell Breeden, Virginia’s homegrown golf course designer who has close to 100 courses to his name. Formerly known as The Westlake, Copper Cove received its current name after its recent purchase by McFryeVo Three LLC. Despite the changing of hands, the short but sweet course retains the same level of challenge it’s been known for, demanding a high level of playing from golfers of all abilities.
     
    Golfing newbie? Copper Cove offers lessons for new and beginner golfers. Lacking some golf equipment? The onsite golf shop ensures you have everything you need before heading out to the course. The country club also comes with swimming and dining facilities for a truly relaxing stay.
     
    Aside from an 18-hole course, the Copper Cove also has its own golf community comprising single-family residences, vacation homes, custom-built properties, and more.
     
  4. Mariners Landing
    2052 Lake Retreat Road, Huddleston, VA
     
    With the hills of Bedford County on one side and the shores of Smith Mountain Lake on the other, Mariners Landing combines scenic vistas and stellar amenities into one special package for golfers and nature lovers alike.
     
    Among the many niceties to enjoy include tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, basketball, volleyball, hiking trails, and even a private beach. Water enthusiasts can rent different types of water vessels – boats, paddleboards, and kayaks – and paddle to their heart’s content.
     
    A lovely and welcoming golf and lake community, Mariners Landing is an idyllic location for rest and relaxation with a golf course and multiple resort and club amenities for vacationing as well as year-round living.
     

Golf courses near Smith Mountain Lake

The Ultimate Guide to Golf at Smith Mountain Lake

In case you’re looking for a new challenge or to broaden your game, there are plenty of other golf locations near Smith Mountain Lake, especially in the Roanoke area. Here are just a few examples.

  1. Blue Hills Golf Club
    2002 Blue Hills Drive NE, Roanoke, VA
     
    The Blue Hills Golf Club is practically a cultural feature in Roanoke’s Blue Hills. With almost 6,500 yards of championship greens, the course offers plenty of enjoyable challenges for beginner and advanced golfers alike.
     
  2. Ole Monterey Golf Club
    201 Tinker Creek Lane NE, Roanoke, VA
     
    As the only public golf course in the Roanoke Valley, the Ole Monterey Golf Club prides itself on its excellent course condition, as well as the outstanding service of its staff. In existence since 1920, it’s the second oldest club in the Roanoke Valley, exuding a rustic charm that very few courses possess.
     
  3. Hunting Hills Country Club
    5220 Hunting Hills Drive, Roanoke, VA
     
    Many guests treat Hunting Hills Country Club as a “home away from home,” where parents can let their kids frolic while they receive some much-needed rest and relaxation, pampered by the club’s highly trained staff. In addition, the club is widely known for its well-attended event schedules including pool parties, wine dinners, autumn festivals, and more.
     
  4. Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course at Explore Park
    3134-3246 State Route 761, Roanoke, VA
     
    At the Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course at Explore Park, you’ll find 18 holes of purpose-built disc golf play, imbued with the smart use of terrain, including hills, woods and fields, to add to the fun and challenge. A family-oriented attraction, Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course at Explore Park also offers tournament level play for seasoned golfers.
     
  5. Harbortown Mini Golf
    16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta, VA
     
    Putting is one of the most precise and difficult parts of the wonderful game of golf. If you want to develop your putting skills to perfection, then Harbortown Mini Golf deserves a visit or two. A short five-minute drive from Smith Mountain Lake, the courses offer a unique challenge made more fun by Wild West-themed attractions.
     

How to enjoy golf and stay safe

The Ultimate Guide to Golf at Smith Mountain Lake

Even with the speed with which Americans are being vaccinated, health experts still want us to adhere to safety guidelines for the time being. But that doesn’t mean we should skimp on having a good time at the golf course. Keep the following safety tips before heading out to the greens.

  1. Keep a hygiene kit

    Make sure you’ve got the essentials with you like face masks and hand sanitizers while playing. It’s also a good idea to bring some disinfecting wipes in case there are surfaces you might want to wipe before touching. Likewise on the topic of safety, it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra handful of tees and balls – as well as a few extra face masks should the one you’re wearing become sweaty.

  2. Bring drinks and snacks

    Bring a reusable water bottle along and a few snacks in case refreshments are limited at the golf course you visit, if not altogether unavailable. It’s important to stay hydrated and maintain your energy level if you plan to play a round.

  3. Keep your distance

    Stay six feet away from other players, and wear your protective gear at all times. Remember: no touching, so forgo the high fives, fist bumps, and backslaps.

  4. Read up on the golf course’s safety requirements

    Some services and offerings at your favorite club may have been modified to protect players and comply with current health protocols, so call the facility to inquire and reserve a slot. You might also need to know about latest advisories or updates before you can play.

  5. Enjoy the game

    You’re back to playing the game that you love, and that’s the most important thing. So don’t let any restriction or requirement get the best of you. Take a deep breath, swing, and have fun. Remember that despite changes, it’s still better than not playing at all.

Changes you may encounter

Although different clubs implement different methods to address the safety of their customers, basic protective measures are standard across the board, including social distancing, regular disinfection, and minimal to no contact. Aside from these universal safety standards, some adjustments have been made to the way the game is played to lower the risk of infection among players.

  • Bunker rakes. Some clubs have removed bunker rakes from the course.
  • Flagsticks. Just like bunker rakes, there are clubs that have opted to set up the course sans flagsticks. In courses where they remain in use, players are required to use hand sanitizers or disinfecting wipes before touching a flagstick, or are forbidden from touching them at all.
  • Hole modifications.  To prevent a ball from holing (and being touched), hole liners such as foam noodles or plastic piping are being used. Scoring will be based on the Rules of Handicapping to accommodate this change.
  • Scoring. Manual scoring methods are out, so instead of physical scorecards, apps and specialized software will be used.

Golf communities in Smith Mountain Lake

There’s no question: whether you’re planning a vacation or settling in Smith Mountain Lake for good, the residential areas here are perfect places to stay in. From exclusive country club homes to luxurious lakefront properties, this East Coast treasure is both a sanctuary and paradise to those who want a respite from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. 

 

With both Roanoke and Lynchburg just an hour or two away from its heart, Smith Mountain Lake is quite simply the place in Virginia t for folks who want more out of life. 

Smith Mountain Lake is a great locale to live in, and the quality and variety of the homes for sale here attest to this. Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, vacation homes – whether you’re already familiar with the area or want to know more about your real estate options, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Jane Horne, so I can share my real estate knowledge to help you find the home or apartment in the Smith Mountain Lake community that’s right for you.

7 biggest benefits of living in a golf course community

The Ultimate Guide to Golf at Smith Mountain Lake
Learn more about these properties here.

Looking for the perfect home? Your search could soon end at one of Smith Mountain Lake’s golf communities. Even if you’re not a golfing enthusiast, purchasing a property in a golf community comes with plenty of lifestyle perks that you might find enticing.

  1. A quiet, stress-free environment

    When you live in a golf community, nature and tranquility surrounds you. You’re always breathing fresh air, and stunning lush greenery welcomes you every time you open your window. Everything you see is professionally maintained, which means you never have to worry about overgrown grass or trees in need of pruning. All these add up to an idyllic, relaxing, and rejuvenating environment that only serves to motivate and energize your every waking minute.

  2. A dynamic social life

    There’s something about golf communities that attract the best folks. Needless to say, when you move into a golf community home, you’ll be surrounded by pleasantly mannered people who share your interests and make great company. With like-minded neighbors around you, life will surely feel better.

  3. Prestige

    Living in a golf community comes with an air of exclusivity that few neighborhoods can match. Needless to say, purchasing a golf community property does wonders to people’s reputations. Expect approving looks when you tell people you live in one of Smith Mountain Lake’s posh golf country clubs.

  4. Access to sophisticated amenities

    Golf communities are meticulously planned to ensure easy access to many lifestyle and leisure facilities including fitness centers, spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, entertainment venues, and more. Some even have their own schools, churches, malls, hospitals, and libraries, to name a few.

  5. The best of healthy living

    Nature, great neighbors, easy access to health and lifestyle activities – every facet of a golf community is designed to provide its residents many of their wants and needs. For golf lovers especially, living where you can play your favorite game anytime you want, combined with all the perks that a golf community affords, life can’t possibly get any better.

  6. Immense resale value

    If you decide to sell your golf community in the future, you’ll find that such sought-after properties allow you to price them at rates that add up to a pretty penny. Although home prices generally fluctuate along with market conditions, the value of properties in exclusive golf communities often hold their own even when the overall real estate market is experiencing a downturn. The great return on investment is why many homebuyers won’t think twice about snapping up a home for sale in a golf course community such as the ones found in Smith Mountain Lake.

  7. Easy access to your favorite game

    Undeniably, the biggest perk of having a house in a golf community is the availability of tee time. You’ll no longer have to travel long distances to play golf, and you can start playing as soon as you wake up.

Real estate agent for Smith Mountain Lake golf communities

Hopefully, you’ve now decided that buying a property at a reputable golf community is a real estate journey worth taking.

Get in touch with me, Jane Horne, to find the home of your dreams in Smith Mountain Lake. Feel free to give me a call at 540.493.1690 or email Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com. You can also send me a message here.