Golf Course Review: The Plantation Course at Kingsmill, Williamsburg, Virginia

 THE PLANTATION COURSE at KINGSMILL

Williamsburg, Virginia

November 24, 2022

OVERVIEW

FACILITY TYPE: Resort

YEAR OPENED: 1975?

ARCHITECT: Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay

PAR: 72

LENGTH: 3,606 - 6,437 yards

USGA RATING: 59.2 - 70.9

USGA SLOPE: 100 - 130

TEE OPTIONS: 8

WEBSITE: https://www.kingsmill.com/golf/

PHONE: (866) 371-6732

 

Often overshadowed by its big brother, The River Course, The Plantation Course is a fun and accessible course open to the public at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. The resort has been around since 1975 when it was opened by the Anheuser-Busch company along with neighboring Busch Gardens.

For as long as I’ve known my wife, we’ve been going to Williamsburg for the 4th of July and Thanksgiving to visit her family, and seem to always play at least one round at The Plantation Course. Unlike the longer more challenging River Course which has hosted a number of Professional Tour events, The Plantation Course offers an opportunity for all players to post a great score.

COURSE CONDITIONS RATINGS

FAIRWAYS: 3.5

GREENS: 4

BUNKERS: 3.5

SCENERY: 3

LAYOUT: 3.5

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OVERALL: 3.5

It seems like every time I play, the course is in a similar condition. It’s never immaculate but it’s never had any trouble or disease either. The greens typically run a little slower than the River Course but typically roll pretty true. We’re always able to get a tee time, even if it means finding something last minute or adding more people to the group, and the more I play the course, the more I understand it and how to navigate my way around.

At only 6,437 yards from the back tees, the course isn’t that long and while there are some gentle rolling hills, there’s no challenging elevation change and only a few forced carries. There are a couple of holes that take some getting used to but once you know how to play it, the course is very getable with multiple par 5s that can be reached in two and par 3s that aren’t overly long. Depending on how far you hit your drive, the driver may not be in play on several of the holes. It’s better to be in play than to be long. Rarely are you going to have long irons into greens so as long as you can find fairways, you’ll have great opportunities to post a solid number.

During this most recent round, the greens were set up in an odd fashion. I don’t know if it was because we played on Thanksgiving day or not, but on the front 9, every hole location was placed in the most difficult spot possible. It was like playing in a superintendent's revenge tournament. On the back 9 however, it was the complete opposite, with every hole location placed in the easiest spot on the green. While I didn’t get confirmation from the golf shop about this, I think it’s safe to say it was intentional.

ACCESSIBILITY

COURSE DIFFICULTY: 2.5

WALKABILITY: 4

While I have never walked the Plantation Course, it seems like a very walkable course. The course has mild undulation with no extreme hills that need to be navigated. The course is fairly open and distances between holes are for the most part a short walk with a few exceptions although the path they cleared through the tall grass on the par three 9th would likely save a walker 3-5 minutes. 

The first time you play the course you may not be familiar with where to land the ball on each hole which sometimes requires less than driver to position yourself properly. On the other hand, some holes are very receptive to driver and will open a lot of possibilities. I highly suggest using a GPS, yardage book, or other tool to plan your round while you’re playing because if you can place the ball in the right places around the course, you can go low.

AMENITIES

GOLF SHOP: 4.5

PRACTICE FACILITIES: 4

COMFORT STATIONS: 3.5

FOOD & BEV: 4

The golf shop is always well stocked. You could show up with nothing and they could get you all the gear you need to play; clubs, balls, tees, apparel, and more. The club house overlooks the James River, holes 9, 10, and 18 on the River Course and hole 1 and 18 on the Plantation Course. Be sure after your round to hang out on the addirondak chairs, watch golfers come in, enjoy a beverage, and reminisce about the round you just had.

Also outside the golf shop is a large putting green, perfect for getting ready before you head out. While they do allow chipping around the green, there’s not much room around the perimeter do you’re best warming up your short game over at the driving range which is a short drive across the 10th hole of the River Course and sits adjacent to the 1st hole of the Plantation Course. Range balls are included with the round so be sure to get there early and warm up properly.

There may or may not be a snack cart on the course so be sure to stock up before you head out, especially since #9 doesn’t come back to the clubhouse at the turn. I’m a fan of their hot dogs so I usually grab one before heading out. Oh and don’t forget to ask about the local Virginia peanuts!

Once on the course, you will have a couple of opportunities to use a restroom. There are 3 comfort stations on the course. One after the par 3 5th, the par 3 9th, and the par 5 12th. Each station has two separate restrooms and in the summer time they’ll have water to fill your bottle.

SUMMARY

The Plantation Course at Kingsmill is the perfect place to play with the family, get in a relaxing round and post a good score. It’s a fair and rewarding course accessible to all levels of play. Any time I’ve had to make a reservation last minute they’ve usually had a spot for me, and the greens fees are reasonable. 

Kingsmill is a great place to stay while in Williamsburg. With many amenities for the whole family and easy access to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, there’s plenty of activities that will keep everyone happy.

MOVE BETTER - PLAY BETTER

COACH BLAINE ⛳🏌️‍♂️

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