
The Federal Course
The Federal Club Golf Course

About this course
The Federal Club in Glen Allen, Virginia, is an Arnold Palmer-designed private course that opened in the late 1990s. Palmer's work here reflects his characteristic approach to accessible yet strategic golf, with generous fairways balanced by well-placed hazards and greens that reward thoughtful approach play. The layout takes advantage of the rolling terrain common to the Richmond area, incorporating natural elevation changes and wooded corridors that define individual holes while maintaining a sense of openness. The property sits in the suburban landscape northwest of Richmond, where residential development meets preserved natural areas. The routing moves through mature hardwoods and across moderate slopes, creating variety in both shot requirements and visual character. Water features appear on several holes, and bunkering follows Palmer's preference for bold, visible hazards that clearly communicate risk and reward options to players of different skill levels. The Federal Club operates as a private facility serving the Glen Allen and greater Richmond communities. The course provides a championship-length test from the back tees while offering multiple tee options that make the layout playable for a range of abilities. Palmer's design philosophy of creating enjoyable golf for members rather than tournament spectacle is evident in the balance between challenge and playability throughout the round.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in VA
Quick facts
- Location
- Glen Allen, VA, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 2007
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Arnold Palmer
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,073 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.1/145
- Course Vaults score
- 8.1
Getting there
The journey to The Federal Club begins at Richmond International Airport, a compact and efficient gateway just twenty minutes east of the property. From the terminal, the route west follows Interstate 64 before turning north into the gently rolling terrain of Glen Allen, where suburban Richmond gives way to wooded estates and quiet country roads. The final approach trades highway for tree-lined lanes, the landscape growing more private and secluded with each turn, until the understated entrance to The Federal Club appears - a fitting threshold to one of Virginia's most discreet and meticulously crafted golf sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about The Federal
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Federal has a Course Vaults score of 8.1 out of 10 based on 17 logged golfers.
The Federal was designed by Arnold Palmer.
The Federal is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at The Federal is 72.
The Federal plays 7,073 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Federal is 145.



