Destination: Greenbrier Resort

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The Greenbrier Course, shown above, is just one of the golfing options at the Greenbrier Resort.

Jul. 27, 2010
By LINKS Magazine

The golf world returns to White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., for the first time since the 1994 Solheim Cup. This week's Greenbrier Classic will showcase the Greenbrier Resort, which has been returned to its former glory by new owner Jim Justice, who bought the property out of bankruptcy.

There are plenty of activities and amenities for players and guests to explore on the 6,500-acre resort, from the historic Old White course to sporting pursuits like sporting clays to a unique attraction that is a reminder of the Cold War.

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WHERE TO PLAY

Old White: The PGA TOUR players teeing it up at the Greenbrier Classic aren't the only players who are able to tackle C.B Macdonald's template holes like the Redan (8th), Alps (13th) and Eden (15th). The Old White is the only Macdonald course in the country that is open to the public.

Glade Springs Resort: Greenbrier owner Jim Justice recently bought this nearby resort community. Now, visiting golfers have the option of adding Glade Spring's 54 holes to their stay.

Greenbrier: Jack Nicklaus redesigned this namesake course prior to the 1979 Ryder Cup. Although fairly short at 6,675 yards, the layout has plenty of elevation changes and is much more challenging than its distance would indicate.

WHAT TO DO

Bunker Tour: Built in 1962, this once-top-secret installation was scheduled to house both houses of Congress in the case of an emergency. Uncovered in 1992, this vestige of the Cold War remains one of the resort's most popular attractions.

Casino Club: Opened on July 4 weekend, the casino, which Justice describes as "Gone with the Wind meets Monte Carlo," is open only to guests, homeowners and members.

Greenbrier Sporting Club: In addition to having access to all of the resort's activities, homeowners of the Greenbrier's private community enjoy a number of member-only amenities, including a Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

WHERE TO EAT

Main Dining Room: For those who believe a meal can still be an event, the Greenbrier's showcase institution is not to be missed. An exception in a dining culture that is growing increasingly casual, jackets and ties are still required for dinner.

Sam Snead's: For a more casual atmosphere, the golf clubhouse offers regional, seasonal fare at the restaurant named for the resort's longtime golf pro emeritus. Afterward, take a tour of the clubhouse, which is filled with memorabilia from Snead and his successor, Tom Watson.

Prime 44 West: The new steakhouse honors West Virginia native and NBA icon Jerry West, who has a home at the Greenbrier. As at Sam Snead's, diners can enjoy not only the food but also memorabilia like West's 1960 gold medal.