A beautiful, 12,000 acre resort 3,000 feet up in Blue Ridge Mountains above Virginia’s Meadows of Dan, the elite Primland would be a prime travel destination without a world class golf option. In a well-maintained case of overabundance, it just happens to have one in the shape of The Highland Course.
Primland remains the finest resort in the region — a 72,000-square-foot resort hidden away in the hills along several miles of quiet Virginia roads. It now offers 51 guest rooms, Mountain Home estates, Pinnacle Cottages, Fairway Cottages, Tree Houses and Mountain Homes. Equipped with a cutting edge, Native American-themed spa and elite dining, there’s plenty to draw travelers to the property.
For the golf traveler, the Highland Course Golf Course would be reason enough to duck into the woods. Designed by Donald Steel in 2006, the course is celebrating its 10 year anniversary and headed into an autumn season that will see it remaining open every day, weather permitting. Immaculately kept and well laid out to take advantage of the terrain’s natural elevation changes, Primland’s Highland offers the classic, essential mix of natural beauty and challenging play.
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The fairways along the 18 holes are PGA event quality, with careful effort taken to keep the grass and second cuts around the well-rolled greens properly managed. The course’s location takes every advantage of the region’s gorgeous views, offering consistent vistas of the valleys below.
Rather than forcefully transform the hills into a golf course, there’s a constant effort to protect the surrounding environment. Bio-filters located around the golf course protect the natural trout streams and rivers around Primland. The Wetlands around the course are untouched and off-limits as environmentally protected areas.
While occasionally challenging due to length and limited width, the course is designed for resort play. Hills and bowled out of bounds limits roll the ball back into play when possible. The design also avoids too many blind tee shots.
While The Highland’s run would provide a pleasant enough stroll without 14 sticks on your back, its skillful design and loyalty to the natural environment make it a must-play for golfers venturing through Virginia.
Note: This positive review is not related in any way to the occurrence of my team winning a best ball tournament during the Highland media event and my often heroic role in said victory.
