Rolling Greens Photo/Ken E. May (Keswick Hall Resort)
Rolling Greens Photo/Ken E. May KeswickHallResort
Overview
Pete and Alice Dye’s renovations to an existing Arnold Palmer course at the 600-acre boutique Keswick Hall resort opened in 2014—garnering a ranking inside Golf Digest’s top 20 in Virginia ever since. Located just outside of Charlottesville on a serene piece of land with vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Dyes’ minimalist design offers options off the tee and open approaches to run balls onto greens if desired, but challenges golfers that are off line with tough, small bunkers.
About
Awards
Best in State: Ranked top 20, 2017-'22. Ranked 25th, 2023,'24.
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
“A nice central Virginia course with variety to test your game and beauty to please your senses."
Read More2024
Review
“Keswick offers the player a variety of hole designs to keep you engaged during the entire round."
Read More2024
Review
“Just fun and challenging to play"
Read More2024
Review
“Full Cry at Keswick Hall in Virginia is a Pete Dye-designed gem that offers a memorable, challenging experience set against a beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for his demanding and creative designs, Dye incorporated several of his signature elements throughout Full Cry, including subtle doglegs, deceptively sloping greens, blind shots, and deep, punishing bunkers. The course is crafted to test golfers' skill and strategy, rewarding those willing to take risks with excellent shot execution. Notable Holes at Full Cry Par 4 - Hole 5 This risk-reward par 4 hole is a standout, offering multiple ways to approach it. Off the tee, players face a challenging drive with a slight dogleg left that tempts longer hitters to cut the corner. However, cutting the dogleg brings into play Dye’s deep bunkers, ready to catch a wayward shot. The fairway narrows as it slopes toward a green that slopes subtly but demands precision for any chance at birdie. The surrounding landscape, especially with the mountains in view, makes this hole as visually impressive as it is challenging. Par 5 - Hole 10 The par 5 tenth is a true test of strategy and skill, weaving through undulating terrain that creates multiple risk-reward opportunities. Off the tee, golfers face a wide fairway with a slight bend to the right. An aggressive drive can shorten the hole, but the second shot brings Dye’s trademark deep bunkers and strategically placed water hazards into play. The green is well-protected, contoured, and fast, making it essential to approach from the right angle. For those who choose to play conservatively, the fairway rewards positioning and accuracy, setting up a makeable par. Par 3 - Hole 15 One of the most scenic and challenging par 3s on the course, the fifteenth hole requires a precise shot over a small ravine to a well-protected green. This green is elevated, sloping, and flanked by both bunkers and natural hazards. The winds on this exposed part of the course can also play a significant factor, adding to the complexity. This hole encapsulates Pete Dye's vision for Full Cry: strategic, visually striking, and a bit nerve-wracking, with accuracy rewarded by a great birdie opportunity. Playing Full Cry With its large, smooth-rolling greens, frequent elevation changes, and thoughtful layout, Full Cry demands creativity, patience, and adaptability. Dye’s touches, from deep bunkers to sharp greenside slopes, provide consistent tests that make every hole unique and exhilarating. The views alone are worth the round, but it’s the well-balanced blend of challenge and reward that makes Full Cry at Keswick Hall truly memorable for any golfer willing to embrace its daring design."
Read More2024
Review
“A gentle and more playable Pete Dye course in a beautiful and peaceful location in the Blue Ridge mountains. Definitely worth playing during a visit to Charlottesville, Virginia."
Read More2024
Review
“Great resort/golf course combination. Aesthetically pleasing and fun to play. Nice routing and some unique holes."
Read More2024
Review
“A softer, gentler form of Pete Dye with challenges and variety. Good condition. Don't miss the hounds on this property if you stay there."
Read More2023
Review
“Lovely, but very expensive hotel. Gorgeous 5-star property with a spa, an outdoor infinity pool, and excellent food. The Full Cry course is right outside the door and it's very playable with views of the magnificent property and Virginia countryside. Highly recommended - just bring your wallet!"
Read More2023
Review
“A beautiful piece of property nestled into rolling Virginia horse country and conveniently located between Richmond and Charlottesville. The golf has had quite a few changes over the years, most notably/recently by Pete Dye and Co. While often friendly off the tee with wide bermuda grass fairways and few bunkers, it is much less welcoming at the green, with most heavily protected by bunkers and dips and swales that restrict access. A few greens on the front feature approches that allow the player to use the slope of the ground to run the ball up onto the green."
Read More2023
Review
“One of Pete Dye's final designs, he substantially improved upon Arnold Palmer's prior renovation to produce one of the better courses in central Virginia. Conditioning is always excellent and the round has a great deal of variety, with short and long par 4s and par 5s. The main weakness of the course is the distance similarity of the four par 3s. Hole six is a terrific and tough par 4, and holes 15-18 are as fine and tough a finish as you will find anywhere in the state. This compensates for the much easier stretch of holes around the turn and in the first half of the back nine. The newly renovated hotel and restaurant elevate an already upscale private/resort facility."
Read More2021
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