New Kent County has quietly become one of the better golf destinations in eastern Virginia. The area's rolling terrain, wooded corridors, and open farmland provide the perfect canvas for course design — and the architects who built here took full advantage. You'll find Irish-inspired links, a course inspired by Augusta National and Pinehurst, and a daily-fee layout that rivals private clubs for conditioning.
The best part? Most of these courses are within 15-20 minutes of each other, making New Kent an ideal base for a golf weekend or a rotation of weekday rounds. Here's every course worth knowing about, with honest detail on what each one delivers.
Golf Courses in New Kent County
Royal New Kent Golf Club
Providence Forge PublicThe most famous course in New Kent County and one of the highest-rated public courses in Virginia. Royal New Kent is an Irish-style links design by the legendary Mike Strantz — wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, deep pot bunkers, and greens that roll fast and true. The course winds through a landscape that feels transported from the Irish countryside, with fescue grasses framing every hole.
It's a challenging but fair test of golf. The front nine plays through open, rolling terrain while the back nine tightens into wooded corridors. Royal New Kent has been consistently ranked among Virginia's top public courses and is a must-play for any golfer in the area.
Brickshire Golf Club
Providence Forge Semi-PrivateA truly unique design that draws inspiration from Augusta National, Pinehurst No. 2, St. Andrews, and Riviera — all in one round. Brickshire's routing is a creative blend of architectural styles that somehow works beautifully. The course features wide fairways, large greens, and strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful play.
The Strantz Pub at the clubhouse is a popular post-round spot with artisan flatbreads, gourmet burgers, an extensive craft beer rotation, and a patio overlooking the 18th green. The course is open to the public via tee times, with membership options available.
The Club at Viniterra
New Kent PublicSituated in the heart of New Kent's wine country, Viniterra is a Rees Jones-designed daily-fee course that weaves through rolling vineyards and wooded valleys. The conditioning is consistently excellent — often compared to private clubs in the area. The layout is playable for all skill levels but offers enough length and hazard placement to challenge low handicaps.
Vini Tavern, the on-site restaurant, offers craft cocktails, local beer, and casual food with a view of the course. The patio is one of the best outdoor dining settings in New Kent County. Golfers and non-golfers are both welcome.
Worth the Drive — Nearby Courses
Stonehouse Golf Club
Toano · ~20 min from New Kent PublicAnother Mike Strantz masterpiece, Stonehouse is a dramatic, challenging layout set on a former plantation in Toano. The course is known for its striking elevation changes, rock outcroppings, and the historic stone foundation of a 19th-century farmhouse that gives the course its name. It's a visual stunner and a tough but fair test of golf.
Stonehouse is part of the same ownership group as Royal New Kent and offers a similarly high-quality experience. It's a 20-minute drive from New Kent County and well worth the trip for golfers who want to play both courses in a weekend.
Mattaponi Springs Golf Club
Ruther Glen · ~30 min from New Kent PublicA well-regarded public course in Ruther Glen, about 30 minutes west of New Kent County. Mattaponi Springs offers a solid layout with good conditioning, friendly staff, and reasonable rates. It's a popular choice for local golfers looking for a value-friendly round without sacrificing course quality.
Hobbs Hole Golf Course
Tappahannock · ~30 min from New Kent PublicA public course on the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock, about 30 minutes northeast of New Kent. Hobbs Hole offers a solid, no-frills round of golf at budget-friendly prices. The course is well-maintained and the river views on several holes add a pleasant backdrop. A good option for a casual round when you don't want to spend premium rates.
Kiskiack Golf Club
Williamsburg · ~25 min from New Kent PublicA well-regarded public course in Williamsburg, about 25 minutes east of New Kent County. Kiskiack offers a challenging layout with tree-lined fairways, water hazards on several holes, and excellent conditioning. It's part of the Williamsburg golf scene and a popular choice for players coming from the New Kent side of the region.
Golf in New Kent — What to Know
Which course is the best for a visitor playing New Kent for the first time?
Royal New Kent is the must-play if you can only do one course — it's the most famous, the most distinctive, and the highest-rated public course in the area. But Brickshire and Viniterra are both excellent options that offer a different experience. If you have time for two rounds, play Royal New Kent and Stonehouse — they're both Mike Strantz designs and complement each other perfectly.
Are the courses in New Kent walkable?
Royal New Kent has significant elevation changes and is a tough walk, especially in summer heat. Brickshire is more walkable but still has some elevation. Viniterra is the most walkable of the three. All courses have cart rentals available, and most golfers opt for a cart, especially during the warmer months.
What's the best time of year to golf in New Kent?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal — comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and the courses are in peak condition. Summer golf is playable if you book early morning tee times (before 8 AM) or late afternoon twilight rates. Winter golf is hit or miss — Virginia winters can be mild enough for a round in December or February, but courses occasionally close after heavy rain or frost.
Can non-golfers enjoy the clubhouse and dining?
Yes. Vini Tavern at Viniterra and Strantz Pub at Brickshire both welcome non-golfers for dining and drinks. The patios at both venues offer golf course views and are popular for casual dinner or drinks even among people who don't play. Old School Cider House in Providence Forge is also nearby and draws a non-golfing crowd.
