Kinloch Golf Club, Manakin Sabot, VA

This is a championship-level golf course that has been on a number of national and state Top 100 list, and for good reason. It’s a destination golf course with private cottages on-site for a memorable golf vacation.

Kinloch is designed in an old forest, and each hole is cut into the natural landscape.The existing landscape and the golf course blend together in a seamless way. The course is further enhanced by a large lake that divides the front 9 and back 9, and a turd-style clubhouse. The course was designed by Lester George, and it opened in 2019. It has a sprawling design, and as such, it’s recommended to ride with a caddie.

The course is meticulously groomed and you can expect to be treated like a king here. The caddies are excellent and provide plenty of insight into course strategy (you’ll need their advice, trust me.) There are 5 tees on each hole.

The main hazard on the course is a very large lake in the middle of the course. The lake backs onto the greens on Holes #7, 9, 13 and 18. You’ll need a light touch to avoid overshooting. Hole #14 (152 yards from the blue tee) runs directly parallel to the lake on the left side. Watch out for blind shots and sharp doglegs on Holes #3 (doglegs left) and #9 (doglegs right.) Greens are extremely fast.

This course will continue to challenge you with greenside sand bunkers and plenty of uphill and downhill lie shots. There are many areas of the course where the fairway tends to slope into the lake. Bunkers are in challenging positions such as directly in front of the green, or concealed on the back side of a hill on a downhill lies.

Despite the level of play at this course, it’s so pretty that you can’t stay mad at it for long. From the old growth forest that it’s situated on, to the contract between the greens and the lake, plus the showpiece tudor-inspired clubhouse, this course has everything that a golfer could want. The course has a full offering of amenities, and you’re sure to enjoy your time in the clubhouse after your round. Kinloch golf club is a “must play.”

My son is a member here and what a beautiful place. Amenities are all A+ and even as guest you are treated as an owner. Golf course super well manitained. Caddies are friendly and know the course. Listen to them especially if you are not used to extra fast greens. Well deserved rated in top 100 courses.

Incredible! One of the nicest in the state and in the country.