Updated - Anyone looking for a round in DC on May 17?

[Jason Thurman]

I’m traveling to DC for an old buddy’s wedding next month. There are three viable routes to drive:

1.   Go through Columbus, pass just south of Pittsburgh, and on to DC.
2.   Go through Charleston, WV, and on into Viriginia through Charlottesville.
3.   Take backroads through West Virginia on a more direct but winding line.

I’m already playing Ballyhack, and super excited to see it. I’m thinking about adding one more round. I’ve thought about TPC Old White or Pete Dye Golf Club. Including value, which of those two would you choose? Is the Old White worth the freight? What else is out there in the mountains that I should think about? Which route and course do you recommend? I care more about value than price, and I’d like to avoid getting too far out of my way. Something near the midway point to break up the drive is ideal. Otherwise, it's an area with very little publicity so I'm not really sure what's out there.

[Carl Nichols]

Sounds like you're committed to the southern route (since you're going to Roanoke).  The Greenbrier is way closer to that route than Pete Dye Golf Club.

As for the Greenbrier, I was just there in the fall and thought Old White was great, but we were there on a package and I'm not sure what the rack rate is.  We also had our pro arrange for us to play the Snead Course at the Greenbrier Sporting Club--which is an extremely well-conditioned Fazio that doesn't appear to get much play.  PM me if you'd like details on the latter option.

Other options not too far from your route are Kinloch [awesome, need to divert toward Richmond, private]; the Cascades Course at the Homestead [see Ran's writeup]; Farmington [private in Charlottesville, haven't played]; and Mattaponi Springs [very much on your way but closer to DC, also haven't played].   

[Jason Thurman]

Thanks Carl. Just to clarify, I'm committed to the Southern route for one leg of the trip, but may take another route on the other leg.

[Craig Disher]

Jason,
Old White has character but I'd choose the Cascades. I'm happy to see a vote for Mattaponi Springs. It's worth seeing but a little out of your way, I think. From SW VA to DC, it's always wise to avoid I95 if possible. I81/I66 would be much less stressful.

[Mark Bourgeois]

I81/I66 would be much less stressful.

I am not sure about that. Not sure about that at all.

In Roanoke check out Awful Arthur's for lunch or dinner if you have time.

[Nigel Islam]

How good is Belmont, the Tillinghast in Richmond?

[Josh Tarble]

What about Pikewood National? 

Seems like it would be pretty unique...no idea about how open they are for guest play though.

[Carl Nichols]

I81/I66 would be much less stressful.

I am not sure about that. Not sure about that at all.

They can both be complete disasters.  I think 95 between Fredericksburg and the Beltway generally has terrible traffic more often and for more miles than 66 between, say, Front Royal and the Beltway.   But if you're heading to White Plains and you're coming from the south, you can bypass most of that stretch of 95 and instead go up 301 (crossing the Potomac way south of DC).  In contrast, if you're on 66, not only do you have to take it the whole way, but you then also have to go around the southwestern part of the Beltway, which could also suck. 

[Mark Bourgeois]

Carl

I-666 is no joyride but actually I had 81 in mind when I wrote that. A huge proportion of the traffic is semis. Nerve racking with beaucoup 60-0 brake slamming "opportunities."

[Jim Franklin]

Pete Dye GC

[Craig Disher]

I81/I66 would be much less stressful.

I am not sure about that. Not sure about that at all.

They can both be complete disasters.  I think 95 between Fredericksburg and the Beltway generally has terrible traffic more often and for more miles than 66 between, say, Front Royal and the Beltway.   But if you're heading to White Plains and you're coming from the south, you can bypass most of that stretch of 95 and instead go up 301 (crossing the Potomac way south of DC).  In contrast, if you're on 66, not only do you have to take it the whole way, but you then also have to go around the southwestern part of the Beltway, which could also suck. 

The beltway, no matter where it's accessed, can be a traffic nightmare and unfortunately it's happening more often. DC has nothing on LA anymore. I'll stick with my view that I95 between Richmond (used to be Fredericksburg) should be avoided. For two years we drove between the Carolinas and DC every 3 or 4 weeks. The delays on I95 forced us to eventually take Rte 29 to Warrenton and then depending on the time of day, I66 to the beltway. It was longer but at least we were moving along and avoided occasionally parking for an hour on I95 between exits. I do recall a lot of trucks on I81 but they were generally driven by drivers who knew how to drive. I also don't recall ever seeing an accident.

[Carl Nichols]

Craig-
I basically agree with you.  But if you're going to White Plains, MD, from the Richmond area, you really don't need to be on 95 much at all -- and you avoid 66 and the Beltway too.

[scott_wood]

If one, Pete Dye..if two ( recommended), PD and Cascades......
Though it would be foolish to'diss' Old White.....
Rack rate between GREENBRIAR and HOMESTEAD probably are comparable.....
Then it may come down to the ' blondes, brunettes, or redheads' discussions.......

Enjoy ANY you choose

[Bill_McBride]

Ballyhack - Kinloch is a great Lester George parlay and gets to I-95 south of the 301 exit. Pretty drive too, and two great courses.