Our Golf History

Imagine your arrival in the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Virginia. You are surrounded by centuries-old history around every corner. You’ve chosen one of five world-class accommodations where you’ll be able to relax and unwind.  Drawing back the curtain of your window, you look out to find you’re steps away from a plethora of fine dining, a relaxing, four-star-rated spa, and lush, sprawling green fairways.

This is Colonial Williamsburg Resorts.

One facet of Colonial Williamsburg Resorts is the championship golf courses.

History of Golf at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts

Dating back as early as the 17th century and more popularized by the 1700s, golf is a recorded pastime for Northampton and Norfolk counties in Virginia. There are even informal records of the last British colonial governor, John Murray, the Earl of Dunmore, playing and practicing on the grounds of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg!

Originally, a golf course was designed by management to be added to the Williamsburg Inn in 1941. However, the outbreak of World War II paused these plans, and it wasn’t until 1945 that design and construction could officially begin! Fred Findlay designed the layout for the 9-hole golf course that was completed and opened to guests on July 15, 1947. The first tee sits approximately fifteen yards from the current first tee of the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course!

Following the popularity of this 9-hole course, on September 11, 1963, Robert Trent Jones Sr’s 18-hole championship layout design, The Golden Horseshoe, was opened to the public. He lovingly refers to this course as “my finest design. “Jones then went on to reconfigure the original 9-hole course, incorporating several of the existing tees and greens. This executive-length course is named the Spotswood Course and opened to the public on October 31, 1964.

“The Golden Horseshoe" has important historical references. In 1716, colonial governor Alexander Spotswood organized a party of 63 men to explore the outer edges of the Virginia colony. When they returned from their arduous journey, Spotswood awarded each of his men a Golden Horseshoe, some of the horseshoes housing expensive stones resembling the heads of nails.

The Golden Horseshoe hosted an exhibition match, producing its long-standing course record. Touring golf professionals Jack Nicklaus and Mason Rudolph went head-to-head with amateur champions Marvin “Vinny” Giles and Sam Wallace Sr. Nicklaus won and set the course record with a score of 67. The Gold Course’s current record is now 60, set by Boyd Summerhays at the NCAA PING/Golfweek Preview Event in 2006 and later tied by Michael Schacter at the NCAA National Championship in 2007.

In the years that followed, The Golden Horseshoe Green Course, designed by Rees Jones, son of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., opened and became the venue for the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, September 14–20, 1998. The golf courses were later the site for the USGA State Team Championship, September 7-9, 1999. The latter championship also featured amateur teams from all fifty states and Puerto Rico!

In 2017, Rees Jones returned to restore his father’s design on the Gold Course. Today, Colonial Williamsburg Resorts is fortunate to have father and son side-by-side courses for guests to experience and enjoy on the same property.

Now, after more than three decades, we are proud to introduce the next chapter in our golf legacy with the construction of a brand-new course at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, The Shoe—a 9-hole, par-3 course—will open in the summer of 2025. This exciting addition will offer a fun, family-friendly experience, perfect for both newcomers to the game and seasoned players looking to refine their short game. The Shoe continues our tradition of world-class golf while making the sport more accessible to all, further solidifying Colonial Williamsburg Resorts as a premier golf destination for generations to come.

Time To Play Your Stay

Whether you are looking to utilize our top-rated courses or just take in the beautiful history that lives in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg Resorts has so much to offer! Avid golfers and families of all ages alike will enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Here are just a few:

• Five World-Class Accommodations
• Three Golf Courses
• Forbes Four-Star Full-Service Spa & Wellness
• Over 19 Unique Dining Outlets

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Historic Area and the many different museums, trails, and parks Williamsburg provides. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay with Colonial Williamsburg Resorts today!