Text and Photos by Jeffrey A. Rendall

DANIELS, WV – “It’s a little cheesy, but I like to tell people we’re all about good golf, good food, and good friends,” remarked the Resort at Glade Springs Head Golf Professional, Justin Beard.

After having visited Glade Springs a couple times, Beard’s statement isn’t cheesy at all, because the resort is certainly abundant in all three attributes. The golf part is supplied by three outstanding layouts that represent what golf architect Tom Clark calls the finest collection of resort golf in the region, with each course representing something different and noteworthy.

The Cobb Course is Glade Springs’ original design, offering tree-lined fairways over gently sloping ground. Stonehaven Golf Course is a mountain golf course featuring a little bit of everything you’d expect when golfing in West Virginia, namely dramatic elevation changes, rock outcroppings and abundant wildlife (more deer on this course than just about any course I’ve ever seen).

Woodhaven Golf Course is Glade Springs’ newest course, having opened in late 2009, and has similar characteristics to Stonehaven though on an even grander scale (it’s more difficult due to some blind shots and tighter playing areas). (For the full story on Woodhaven, click here, and there are links to full reviews of Cobb and Stonehaven below.)

At first glance, Cobb appears to be a nice resort-style course without a distinguishing characteristic, but you’ll quickly find out what makes Cobb unique when you arrive at the first green. “The Cobb Course greens will challenge any player,” Beard added. “We have an ongoing bet with any resort guest first-time player: if they don’t three-putt here the first time out, the pro will buy a round for the foursome in Bunker’s Sports Bar.”

I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing that Beard hasn’t needed to buy too many rounds at the bar. Cobb’s greens are simply enormous – the biggest I’ve ever seen, with several in the 60-80 yards long range. 

Stonehaven and Woodhaven use their terrain to scare the first-timers, but once you’ve played them each a few times, much of the intimidation factor subsides. These courses can be had (with the possible exception of a couple holes on Woodhaven) with safe play – and both offer such stunning scenery that it’s hard to be mad for long, even if you’re reaching for a new ball now and then.

Putting Glade Springs’ golf product together with its overall resort amenities easily places it among the region’s top golf destinations. Accommodations are reasonably priced, dining choices aren’t plentiful – but as Beard alluded to, the food is tasty – and there’s more than enough to do for all members of your family or group (non-golfers included).

Glade Springs should definitely be on your list for a golf trip of any length, and it’s an easy drive from virtually all major population centers of the Mid-Atlantic.

Here’s a bit of what you’ll see when you get there:

The greens aren't the only "big" things on the Cobb Course, the bunkers are huge, too. Here, the long par four 10th hole.

The tees are elevated and the green is large, but Stonehaven's par three 2nd hole is still far from a pushover.

Cobb's 16th hole features carries off the tee and into the green, but both are manageable if you play the right tees.

Stonehaven offers wide playing areas and manageable rough -- the perfect combination for resort golf. Here, the par five 4th hole.

In stark contrast to Glade Springs' other courses, the back nine of the Cobb Course is relatively level. Here, looking back from the par four 11th hole.

Rock outcroppings on the par three 6th hole hint at how Stonehaven got its name.

The view from the tee of Woodhaven's notorious 8th hole, which features two carries -- and the one from the tee is the easy one.

As with all the holes on the Cobb Course, check the pin placement carefully, because it could change club selection drastically. Here, the second shot into the par four 16th hole.

Plenty of room to the right on Stonehaven's par five 10th hole, but you'll have to challenge the hazard if you want to get close in two.

Cobb's 200 yard, par three 17th hole is well bunkered and often plays into the wind, making it extra challenging.

This tree influences the approach shot from just about every angle on Stonehaven's par four 11th hole.

Reaching Cobb's par five 18th hole in two hardly guarantees a birdie, much less an eagle.

Stonehaven's par three 12th hole is rated its easiest, so take a bit of a breather before heading into the rest of the challenging back nine.

Woodhaven's par five 18th hole concludes one interesting journey through the hills of West Virginia.