Each year, like so many other guys (and gals), I take a number of golf trips with groups of friends I have known many, many years. There is the “Gang of Eight” that for a long time has journeyed to Pinehurst each fall time to play in the coveted Finn Cup event. We also have another group of 20 that gathers every April for the annual Spring Fling, and we have enjoyed a lot of different golf spots in the mid-Atlantic over the 30-some years we have been together. Of course great golf is mandatory, but just as important is finding spots that are conducive for the comradely we have grown to share over the years…not just any place will do. The past 2 years, we have returned to an old favorite spot that has advanced by leaps and bounds…Olde Mill Resort.
Situated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in southernmost Virginia, I first visited Olde Mill some 20 years back when it was just a very challenging golf course with some rental houses along the property. We would take a couple of large chalets that were quite comfortable, golf in the morning, meals had to be taken off site (sometimes a fairly substantial drive away) and then games of chance would occupy the evening. Honestly, we tired of having to get into a car just to dine, except on those occasions when we would display our culinary talents on the grill…which meant getting into the car and driving to the even further grocery.
Laurel Fork, Virginia
Today, all of these inconveniences have been rectified, and with new owners who appear to be dedicated to making the property better each year, it is a great place for a four day outing. We now stay in spacious two-bedroom villas overlooking the 18th green and aptly named The Gallery at the 18th. With the advent of DirecTV, the prerequisite sports and news channels keep us up to date with the world from the quiet solitude of our majestic mountain hideaway. We no longer travel for meals, as Niblick’s is a terrific three meal restaurant at the clubhouse, and there is also a fairly lively bar within. At first my expectations on the quality of food were not very high, but I was pleasantly surprised with the expansive menu, preparation and service. Naturally, they offer the obligatory buffet for breakfast, but the made-to-order lunch and dinner meals are quite good with offerings such as prime rib ($17.95 for the 16 oz pro cut), applewood smoked pork loin for a mere $13.95 and a broiled tuna cooked very rare and to perfection for $12.95. One evening, we wanted to have a BBQ over at the villas, and when I touched base with the F&B director, Chris informed me they had not catered the villas previously, but he would be glad to do so. He and his staff put together and delivered an outstanding array of comfort food and provided for an attendant (keep in mind, this is a small staff) to ensure the quantity and quality.
This delightful level of genuine service is simply the difference between my liking a place and loving the experience. The staff at Niblick’s was excellent, well trained and their omnipresent smile assured us they actually liked working at the resort. The starter went out of his way to accommodate moving our tee times up on two mornings, which is somewhat of a feat that required exact wizardry beyond our comprehension. The staff in golf operations was super to work with in the planning and execution of the event. So, yes…I give the entire group a solid “A”.
My, what a course is presented amidst the rolling mountain terrain with breathtaking views throughout. From the whites, it plays a very long 6,185 yards, with a number of shots uphill to plateau greens. From the tips, it is 6,833, and unless your handicap begins with a “plus”, you may need to pack a lunch, especially if the wind picks up a bit. Water comes into play on 14 of the 18 holes, and there are 69 strategically placed sand traps in search of stray balls. If you have played here previously, you will recognize the course, but you will be in for a pleasant surprise. All the traps are being reconstructed, the multiple bridges that cross the meandering stream have been rebuilt (I think Stonewall Jackson built the original ones…) and the tees are being redesigned to provide for a bit of easier play for seniors and other assorted hackers, present company included. It was rated a 4 ½ star course by Golf Digest, and more to the point, I really like it!
Mission accomplished, as we savored a tremendous four days of golf, recreation, fellowship with a lot of tall tales being recanted and we had no need to leave the property. I can highly recommend Olde Mill for any sort of getaway where you desire to relax in the splendor of the Blue Ridge. It is but six hours from the DC area, or you can take the leisurely drive from Front Royal down Skyline Drive and the Parkway where you can plan a stop to dine at the delightful Chateau Morrisette, about 20 miles from Olde Mill. For further info, please peruse their site at www.oldemill.net. This place is a gem that keeps getting better each time I visit…I am sure you will enjoy this one!
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
