
Blue Heron Course
Fords Colony Country Club


About this course
Blue Heron is one of two championship courses at Fords Colony Country Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, designed by Dan Maples and opened in 1985. The course takes its name from the waterfowl common to the Virginia Tidewater region and reflects Maples' approach to working with the natural wetlands and pine forests characteristic of the area. The routing incorporates significant water features, with several holes playing along or across marshland and ponds that attract native bird populations throughout the year. The layout moves through rolling terrain that is relatively gentle by regional standards, with elevation changes that provide strategic interest without severe climbs. Maples designed the course to reward accuracy over distance, with fairways framed by mature pines and strategic bunkering that penalizes wayward shots. The greens are moderately sized and contoured, requiring careful approach play and thoughtful club selection on longer holes. Fords Colony serves a residential community in the historic Williamsburg area, and Blue Heron functions as the club's primary championship course alongside its companion Marsh Hawk layout, also designed by Maples. The course provides a traditional country club experience for members and their guests, with conditioning and pace of play reflecting the private club setting. The design has matured over nearly four decades, with tree growth and landscape evolution shaping the playing corridors and strategic options available to golfers of varying skill levels.
Quick facts
- Location
- Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1985
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Dan Maples
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,863 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.3/134
- Course Vaults score
- 6.5
Getting there
Fords Colony Country Club is most readily reached via Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), a mere twenty minutes south by car, or alternatively through Richmond International (RIC), situated roughly an hour to the northwest. Private aviation guests benefit from proximity to several regional strips, including the convenient Colonial Heights Airport nearby. The drive from either commercial gateway winds through the historic Virginia Tidewater landscape, transitioning from interstate corridors into the quieter, tree-lined roads that characterize the greater Williamsburg area, before arriving at the gated entrance of this distinguished colonial-inspired community. The final approach unfolds amid manicured grounds and the architectural grace that defines Fords Colony, a fitting arrival point for one of Virginia's most prestigious private clubs.

FAQ
Common questions about Blue Heron at Fords Colony Country Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Blue Heron at Fords Colony Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 6.5 out of 10 based on 10 logged golfers.
Blue Heron was designed by Dan Maples.
Blue Heron at Fords Colony Country Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Blue Heron is 72.
Blue Heron plays 6,863 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Blue Heron is 134.





