Ballyhack Golf Club
Ballyhack Golf Club
3609 Pitzer Rd
Roanoke, VA 24014-6212
United States
Overview
After architect Lester George completed his design of Kinloch, with its dual fairways, optional routes and triple-fairway ninth, he relished the opportunity to do it again on a site that might give him even more flexibility. He got that chance in hills outside Roanoke, and his Ballyhack design is Kinloch on steroids, with vast landing areas, joined fairways, center bunkers, double greens and a plethora of choices off the tees and into the greens. Call Ballyhack a pluperfect blend of challenging shots, rugged terrain and nasty native roughs. The Ballybunion of southern Virginia.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Member of our Second 100 Greatest in 2023-'24: 191st.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top seven since 2013.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 5th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout this Lester George design do not foreshadow the difficulty you are about to encounter. Elevated and undulating greens, windy conditions, penal rough and well-placed hazards and bunkering make this a beast to score on. The course does feature some really nice short Par 4's that offer all kinds of options. The staff was warm and welcoming. If offered the opportunity to play here, you may get beat up a little but definitely accept the invitation."
Read More2025
Review
“Exceeded my expectations"
Read More2025
Review
“A beautiful but difficult course, especially in the wind. Lots of elevation changes throughout the course. Generally wide landing areas off the tees. There are several deep traps in the center of fairways that are in play. Big premium on second shots to the many elevated greens. Add an extra club because the big trouble is almost always coming up short. Beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from every hole. Native grasses add a dash of color and help define holes. If you can get an invite - Go! It may beat you up a little but you'll enjoy every minute! Service and conditions are top notch."
Read More2024
Review
“Ballyhack is a very exposed and wide open golf course with a fabulous use of bunker placement and thick rough. For the most part, you can hit the ball in a lot of different places off the tee on the front nine and still have decent shots to the green, but there are definitely some riskier plays that could pay off in very short approach shots, if well executed. The back nine requires a bit more precision off the tee. The use of rugged terrain, elevation, double greens, and split fairways (or bunkers in the fairway) keep you excited throughout the round. Always a tough test!"
Read More2023
Review
“A fun golf course featuring wide fairways, undulating greens and well-placed bunkers with background views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 5,200 yards to 7,300 yards. The course is well manicured. The course designed by Lester George opened in 2009 and a great golf experience."
Read More2023
Review
“Built across unrestrained land with bold features, Ballyhack features classic design elements and tremendous shot variety. A wonderful routing takes full advantage of a property that can be windier than a corn-fed cow. The smart player can find plenty of width and myriad options around the greens, but only after overcoming some of the most visually spectacular - and intimidating - views in mountain golf. The Goat Trak par three course makes for a great finish to a day of bold, bouncy golf."
Read More2023
Review
“BIG in everyway in land forms and greens. Many will say it is too hard. Interesting greens but some pins are just inaccessible. May not be fair on many of the greens even if they are interesting. Conditions are excellent and firm and fast."
Read More2022
Review
“A unique course that keeps you anticipating the next shot and the next hole. Green complexes add to the excitement. Accessible yet secluded."
Read More2022
Review
“So much strategy on most holes. Some pin placements could ruin your day! Fantastic layout and in the wind, is extremely challenging."
Read More2022
Review
“Course has quite a few really good holes but also has some very strange holes which look as if they were sort of forced into the location. First hole straight up a very steep hill does not make for a friendly opening hole and there was a par 5 which it turns out you are better off hitting a mid iron off the tee."
Read More2022
