
Plantation Course
Kingsmill Country Club
About this course
The Plantation Course at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg opened in 1975 as Arnold Palmer's first solo design project following his split from longtime partner Ed Seay. The course occupies a distinctive property along the James River, with three finishing holes that play directly beside the water and create one of the more recognizable closing stretches in American golf. The routing takes advantage of significant elevation changes and wooded corridors typical of Virginia's Tidewater region, moving through mature hardwoods and offering occasional views across the river. The layout gained prominence as host of a PGA Tour event, which has operated under various sponsorship names since 1968 (moving to Kingsmill in 1981). The tournament has featured the course annually on the Tour schedule, making it one of the more televised resort courses in the country. The par-3 17th hole, playing from an elevated tee to a green set against the river, and the par-4 18th, which runs along the shoreline, provide dramatic tournament finishes and are among Palmer's most photographed holes. Kingsmill operates as a resort with multiple courses, and the Plantation Course serves as the centerpiece facility. The property includes residential development and conference amenities alongside the golf offerings. Palmer's design emphasizes strategic options from the tee and approach play that rewards accuracy over pure distance, characteristics that have allowed the course to test professionals while remaining accessible to resort guests of varying abilities.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in VA
Quick facts
- Location
- Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1985
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Arnold Palmer
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,432 yards
- Difficulty
- 71/128
- Course Vaults score
- 8.0
Getting there
The journey to Kingsmill Country Club begins at Richmond International Airport, roughly an hour's drive southeast through the rolling Virginia Piedmont as it softens toward Tidewater. Newport News/Williamsburg International offers a closer alternative for those seeking a more direct arrival, while private aircraft can utilize Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport just minutes from the property. The final miles trace the northern bank of the James River, where colonial history gives way to the gated entrance of this storied resort community - a fitting threshold between America's founding landscape and one of its most refined modern golf sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about Plantation at Kingsmill Country Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Plantation at Kingsmill Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 22 logged golfers.
Plantation was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Yes. Plantation at Kingsmill Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Plantation is 72.
Plantation plays 6,432 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Plantation is 128.




