Episode 22: Primland

Passing through the iron gates, and winding your way up the steep mountain road, you quickly realize Primland is no ordinary golf destination.

 

The trip from the Primland gate to the lodge and clubhouse takes nearly 20-minutes, and offers some breathtaking views of the southern Virginia mountains.

The first impression of the property is likely to wow you, as the rustically modern lodge is a sight to be seen. It’s home to the pro shop, locker rooms, guest rooms, and restaurant, among other things (it even boasts an observatory at the top of that shiny silver silo).

The Highland Course at Primland wastes no time impressing, offering up jaw dropping views as you make your descent to the first green. It’s a postcard worthy scene, that’s definitely worth snapping a quick photo in front of. It’s, in my opinion, the best view on the course, although there are plenty of other views that give it a run!

Working your way through the front 9, you’ll certainly notice the changes in elevation on nearly every hole. There’s rarely a shot where your not firing up-or-downhill out here.

The back 9 tones down the elevation a bit, though the narrow tree-lined fairway continue to demand precision off the tee.

Greens tend to be large at Primland, with the most extreme example being the par 5 13th, with a surface that runs 60 yards from front to back!

I found that subtle breaks could be found in the heart of most greens, while the perimeters were lined with humps, bumps and swales, meaning shots towards edges are likely to careen off and into collection areas. The middle of the green is never a bad play.

A few of my holes on the front were the opener, a reachable par 5 that sports those amazing mountaintop views, as well as the 494 yard 7th that demands two great shots to reach the surface and offers views of the Winston Salem skyline 70 miles away on clear days.

Making the turn, the 10th is a strong back 9 opener, running parallel to the incredible lodge, while the 484-yard final hole offers a few more scenic views, demands one more accurate tee shot, and finishes with a great backdrop.

Though we stuck to golf during our quick day trip, Primland offers a host of activities to guests meaning a full weekend here is ideal.

As I mentioned, there are rooms in the lodge, and plenty of cabin options too, but I’d recommend snagging one of the Tree Houses behind the 4th green, which provide a studio style room with quite the view.

Primland is an unparalleled experience, where you’ll be treated to an unforgettable round of golf.