Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of the course
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the course
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Michael Clemmer
Courtesy of the club
The Highland Course at Primland
Meadows of Dan, VA • Public
The Highland Course at Primland
2000 Busted Rock Rd
Meadows of Dan, VA 24120-4467
United States
Telephone
Overview
The Highland Course at Primland sits atop a mountain plateau overlooking some of the most unusual scenery in America, a deep river valley dotted with tall spirals of rock called the Pinnacles of the Dan River. The course design by veteran British architect Donald Steel is austere in its green contours and bunkering, as if not to overpower the setting. Aided by his then-associates Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert (who have since formed their own very successful partnership, Mackenzie & Ebert), Steel routed holes along ridges, over chasms, down valleys and into sideslopes, always offering a safe alternative to every perilous carry. There’s a stretch of three straight holes—13 through 15—with no sand, because dense trees and deep gulleys are hazards enough. Primland is Smoky Mountain majesty.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
Highest ranking: 103rd, 2013-'14.
Previous ranking: 155th.
2025-'26 ranking: 172nd.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2011.
Highest ranking: 13th, 2011-'12.
Previous ranking: 25th.
2025-'26 ranking: 29th.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top five since 2011.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 4th.
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
“Incredible setting for this David Steel design, atop the 12,000 acres of the Primland Resort. Course is a demanding layout with a high premium on shot placement both off the tee and in approach shots. High grass and penalty areas come into play and sloping fairways require accurate tee shot pacement on several holes. Course could be very challenging for a high handicapper, definitely requires a strategic approach no matter what level of player. Conditioning was excellent and it's hard not to be distracted by some of the long distance mountain views. Greens have a lot of undulation but enough level areas for fair pin placements. Definitely a course you want to play, although it may take a few tries to truly understand the best line of attach."
Read More2025
Review
“Hole 18. Was told they are building a pool to the right of #1 and behind hole 18 here thus why the fence in picture."
Read More2025
Review
“The golf experience here tantalized many different senses. From the third shot on the first hole into what looks like an infinity green dropping off a cliff into a deep gorge--this course just stirs you. The course is well laid out, most holes have a unique look to them and the conditioning is great. Fun course to play especially on the downhill shots, but also challenging. Well worth the effort it takes to get to the resort."
Read More2025
Review
“Located in southern Virginia in the middle of nowhere, Primland is a high-end resort that sits at the top of a mountain. Naturally, the course scores quite highly in the aesthetics category, with tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and some wild elevation changes throughout your round. The course is unwalkable and plays up and down the mountain over this large property. I don't think it's a stretch to say that Primland may be one of the most difficult courses in America, with forced carries and thick foliage on nearly every hole. Compounding this difficulty is the fact that nearly every one of these greens is elevated, huge, and contains wild undulations that make two-putting an achievement. There is really no let up with the difficulty and due to this, the average golfer may not have the most fun out here. It is a truly wild and unique course - definitely worth seeing if you enjoy mountain golf or are staying at the Resort, but not a course I'd seek out to play everyday."
Read More2025
Review
“Worth the trip for secnery and location alone. Nice layout, good variety, nice condition. Be sure you select the proper tees as there are tough carries. When weather is good it's where you want to play!"
Read More2024
Review
“The 7 mile drive from the gate to the top of the mountain to the clubhouse kicks off this mountaintop experience that is simply an amazing day of golf. The course conditions were immaculate, the greens were like glass, but held shots and rolled true. Great course to play."
Read More2023
Review
“Great views, elevation changes (player must know how to play up, down, and sideway on this course to be successful. Good condition with undulating fairways and receptive greens."
Read More2023
Review
“Primland was one of the best courses I played in 2019. I was expecting something thoroughly modern and non-traditional, but this was a real traditional course with modern elements thrown in for the better. It's a tough property, but the course uses it to great effect, with several very memorable and challenging holes. It struck me as a different category than some of the natural minimalist courses of late, almost as though Steel went a different direction, and it worked!"
Read More2022
Review
“One of the great mountain courses in the U.S. For golfers who seek isolation and serenity in their round, Primland more that fits the bill. Each hole is isolated from the others, and odds are that you will not encounter another golfer during the round. This Donald Steel course is carved out of dense highland forest. The front nine offers more varied terrain and spectacular views. The back nine has more of an upland forest feel and is flatter but offers excellent holes. The mix of holes (five par 5s and five par 3s) is interesting, with two par 5s reachable for many golfers. These birdie opportunities are balanced by some long, difficult par 4s. The greens have a wonderful mix of sweeping undulations combined with more subtle breaks."
Read More2021
Review
“A gorgeous golf course with a wonderful layout. If you love golf in the mountains you'll love Primland."
Read More2021
