The Olde Farm Course
Bristol, VA, USA





Deep in the heart of the Virginia Highlands, The Olde Farm is a testament to a singular vision – that of Jim McGlothlin, who sought to create a haven reflecting his deep love for the game. This late modern masterpiece, carved into rolling farmland near Bristol, offers a playing experience as generous as its West Virginia benefactor. Wide fairways encourage bold drives, but subtly undulating greens and cleverly placed bunkers await the wayward approach. The Olde Farm favors those who can both bomb it and show a deft touch around the greens. Designed by Bobby Weed, with input from McGlothlin himself, the course embraces the pastoral landscape. Bentgrass blankets the fairways and greens, while fescue roughs frame the holes, lending a classic, understated aesthetic. While not hosting professional events, The Olde Farm is a regular stop for top-tier collegiate tournaments, quietly earning a reputation as a demanding test for emerging talent. The club is known for its understated elegance and commitment to tradition. Its membership draws largely from the surrounding Appalachian region, a group as passionate about their golf as they are about their heritage. The Olde Farm is more than just a challenging course; it's a place where the spirit of the game is celebrated with genuine warmth and a shared appreciation for the simple pleasures of good company and well-played rounds. A member’s club where privacy and golf are celebrated.
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
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Best in USA
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Best in VA
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Golfers say The Olde Farm delivers an exceptional overall experience that often exceeds the course itself, with many praising the outstanding food, amenities like the snack barn and par 3 course, and pristine conditioning. Reviewers note the Bobby Weed design offers a well-balanced mix of challenging and easier holes, with standout risk-reward moments like a narrow, water-guarded green that rewards aggressive play. Most appreciate the property's seclusion without houses and the ability to see multiple holes from various vantage points, though one visitor found the routing slightly less impressive than anticipated due to unfamiliarity with the layout. The consensus is that this private club near Bristol, Virginia, is worth dropping everything for if you receive an invitation.
8.7
21 players
Best golfing experience I have ever had. Second best course.
The golf course itself was marginally a let down relative to expectations/ratings but the overall experience was incredible (food, snack barn, course conditions, par 3 course). This would be the perfect venue for a boys trip. I also got annoyed with a couple of situations where I got bit by lack of course knowledge which may be biasing slightly. Favorite hole is 15 (I think) with water pinching down right into a super narrow and firm green. Great risk reward dynamic. Push the tee shot for an easier 2nd or lay back and have a tough shot into a sliver of a green.
The Olde Farm is an exclusive private golf course located just outside of Bristol, Virginia, with 90% of the membership coming from national members. The course is the masterpiece of Bobby Weed with a perfect combination of tough and easy holes. I love golf courses where you can see multiple holes from different points on the property and that's exactly how Olde Farm is. Also really nice to have a course without a single house on it. If you are ever invited to play The Olde Farm, it's the type of place you should drop everything to go play.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Olde Farm has a Course Vaults score of 8.7 out of 10 based on 17 explicit golfer ratings.
The Olde Farm was designed by Bobby Weed.
The Olde Farm is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at The Olde Farm is 71.
The Olde Farm plays 6,857 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Olde Farm is 137.