The Highland Course at Primland...

 

Today's round took us to The Highland Course at the beautiful Primland Lodge. We had another early morning start but what was to follow was well worth the early morning alarm...Once we turned right at this sign, we realized we were truly on top of the mountain. What a setting!

       

After a good warm up session we were on our way.....

                                        

                                       

                                      

Before the round we got the lowdown from the starter as to our do's and don'ts. First off, make sure you pay close attention off the tee. Errant tee shots don't just find the rough, they run off the side of the cliff. Secondly, the greens are lighting fast. Be below the hole.....The front nine began with a dogleg right, severely downhill Par 5. Great opening hole.....

                                          

                                       

                                      

The views behind the first green were incredible and very indicative of what we would be treated to all day long.....

The Par 5 third hole was a really good one. A good drive would set you up for a go at the green in two. Spence was able to do just that after this swing. Split the fairway, waaaaaayyyyy down there...

    

   

Another favorite of ours on the front side was the downhill Par 3 8th. Pin was just on the green, with a devilish false front looming...Big fan of these stone tee markers by the way!

                                                           

After some delicious pit barbecue and smoked brisket at the turn, we were off to the Par 4 10th. We very much enjoyed the front nine and looked forward to more of the same on the back...It didn't disappoint. 

                  

                  

                  

                  

           

The Par 3 14th was a really cool hole that required a carry over a ravine...The hole wasn't that long but you'd best find the right part of the green or you'll struggle to two putt for par. Thankfully we both hit good shots and walked away unscathed.

The Par 4 16th and Par 5 17th were both dogleg right holes that played a little into the wind today. As you can see from the tee, the starters opening comments were spot on. "You'd better find the fairway....." The last picture in this section is a cool directional sign that sits directly behind the 17th green.

Every good round must come to an end. This one was no exception. That being said, the Par 4 18th gave us one more go at some of the most stunning views you'll find on any golf course! 

After we teed off, we took a little time to reflect on the day and the beauty of this place. Couldn't be more thankful for my time here today with my son...

"Hey Dad, you think I could hit a little stinger off of here before we go?"....... Funny thing was he was afraid that he was going to let go of his two iron and send it flying down the side of the mountain. Fortunately for all involved, the two iron survived and came home with us. 

                                        

Thanks for an amazing day Primland....Good Lord willing, we'll see you again.....

We made our way to Roanoke for the night. Tomorrow's round will be at Roanoke Country Club, an A.W. Tillinghast design. Looking forward to it as it's been years since I played it during my junior golf days. Hope you've enjoyed our journey thus far this week. That's all for now!

The Olde Farm....

Beautiful morning here at The Virginian. Enjoyed my devotional time out on the porch. Was up before the roosters started crowing over behind Spence's yurt. As soon as they cranked up his light came on. I knew he wouldn't last long after that. We had an early start anyway with an 8:00 am tee time over at The Olde Farm. 

The Olde Farm is ranked #1 in the state of VA per Golf Magazine. We were anxious to see what all the fuss was about. Once the gate opened we were on our way towards the clubhouse that catches your eye on the way into the property. This property dates back to the 1700's and the current clubhouse sits right where the original manor house used to be. Beautiful setting as it overlooks the course below. 

It's the little things that matter to me when coming to a place like this. Right out of the blocks, we were impressed with the driving range set up. The turf was pristine and the driving range fixtures added a touch of class. Not to mention, all the Pro V's you could hit! We were also joined today by our caddy, Issac. Since we were driving the cart, he ran ahead of us on each hole. That young man burned no less than 1000 calories today no doubt. He did a nice job and certainly added to our enjoyment of the round and our time on The Olde Farm.

The front begins with a straight away Par 5 at the 1st hole. We both found the fairway off the tee so we were off to a good start. I had a feeling Spence would play well today. 

After the long downhill Par 4 2nd, we climbed the hill to tee off on the Par 4 3rd hole. From up here on this tee, we could see across the entire property. Great vantage point and a great hole to boot. 

Like I said, what a view!

Below is the lengthy Par 3 4th. This one had the pin tucked back left on a ridge. The hole was playing north of 230 yds. The ole man hit the green. Only to three putt, mores the pity! 

This next hole was a shortish Par 4 named Punch Bowl for its unique green complex. Reminds me of one of my favorite holes at Cruden Bay in northeast Scotland. 

The Par 3 6th is known as Longbarn, as the green sits just to the left of the old Tobacco Barn. This one played roughly 190 yds today. Good hole...

Now let's take a look at this Longbarn. Long gone are the days when this place was full of tobacco leaves hung to dry. This place was awesome. As part of the green fees, you get to eat and drink to your heart's content in here. There's also a place to warm up and practice putting during weather delays etc. What a cool idea and certainly a welcome respite on such a hot day. 

After an excellent birdie on the Par 4 7th Spence nearly drove the green above at the Par 4 8th. Following his 2nd birdie in as many holes, we were off to the Par 4 9th. Loved seeing that clubhouse sitting high on the hill to the left there. Good hole to finish the front 9. 

The picture above is the Par 4 10th. After splitting the fairway, I wound up in the left green side bunker. Spence wanted me to be sure and take a before and after shot of my action. As you can see below, I was able to hit a nice shot to about two feet and save my par. Oh ye of little faith!

Below is the downhill Par 4 13th. With the elevation changes off the tee, this one reminded me of yesterday's round at The Virginian. This one bent gently around to the left with a little creek running in front of the green. Pretty hole...

Downhill Par 3 15th hole above and the long Par 4 16th hole below. Two of our favorites on the day....

Spence going "full send" on the lengthy Par 4 17th....This one was a beast. Despite a good drive, a short sided approach left him with his only bogey on the back nine...

We grabbed a bit of lunch in the clubhouse before heading over for a quick walkabout on the Par 3 course. The last few pics below are from the clubhouse as well as the Par 3 course. We really enjoyed our day at The Olde Farm. Spence played really well, shooting 73. My goal of playing more and caring less was certainly realized today. Great time out there with my boy....

The Par 3 course was fun. Nothing longer than 120 yards was required but these greens were tricky. Great way to settle the bets at the end of the day. Our match came down to the final hole, The Dell. I was 1 up going into that hole and Spence was able to square the match. Wouldn't have had it any other way....

Again, a great day out there at The Olde Farm. Tomorrow we leave the Yurts here at The Virginian and head over to play the Highland Course at Primland, another top 10 course here in VA. Thanks for joining us. That's all for now....