Representative image Photo: Stuart Logan · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Olde Farm
Bristol, Virginia, United States
18 Holes · Par 71 · Private club — no published green fee; play is by member invitation · Parkland
— About
About The Olde Farm
The Olde Farm is a private 18-hole, par 71 course at Bristol, Virginia, designed by Bobby Weed and opened in 2000. It began as a working farm, and the design keeps the barns. Weed routed the holes through a valley, following the natural ridges rather than cutting across them, and the site's own topography brings pronounced elevation changes. Sinking Creek comes into play on seven holes, so water shapes a large share of the round.
- Jim McGlothlin, the man behind the club, was its founder and owner.
- The 2018 American Legends for Mountain Mission Kids event, played here, raised $56.6 million for Mountain Mission School.
- Tees, fairways and greens are all bentgrass, so the playing surfaces are consistent from tee to green.
- The Long Barn, a converted barn, works as a comfort stop, and the Party Barn is a dining hall.
History of The Olde Farm
The Olde Farm sits on what was a working farm, and some of its original farm buildings survive inside the course.
Signature holes at The Olde Farm
Carries and lay-ups over the creek recur through the round, played over ground that follows the valley's ridges and contours rather than fighting them.
When to play The Olde Farm
The Olde Farm is private, so the best time is whenever a member invites you to play. Bristol sits in the Appalachian foothills, where summers are warm and autumn color is a draw. Ask your host about course conditions before you go.
Playing The Olde Farm: tips
There is no public booking. To play The Olde Farm you need an invitation from a member, and the club does not publish a green fee.
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Olde Farm
Is The Olde Farm open to the public?
No. You need a member to invite you.
Is walking allowed at The Olde Farm?
Ask your host, along with the dress expectations, before you arrive.
Why is The Olde Farm known beyond golf?
It hosted a one-day charity event in September 2018 that raised $56.6 million.