Laurence Lambrecht
Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
The Olde Farm
The Olde Farm
16639 Old Jonesboro Rd
Bristol, VA 24202-5001
United States
Overview
The Olde Farm is old school in concept and execution. The terrain of this site was so nearly perfect for golf that designer Bobby Weed staked it out in just two days, driving around the property in his rental car. The routing hugs the flowing contours of old farmland beneath the foothills of the Appalachians, with holes hopping Sinking Creek a few times and edging slopes of the adjacent hills. It’s a lay-of-the-land design featuring some semi-blind shots, but Weed always provides a target somewhere in the distance. Bentgrass fairways are kept dry and firm and most greens are open in front to encourage the old-style game of low, running approach shots.
About
Awards
Ranking History:
Second 100 Greatest: Since 2015.
Highest ranking: 103rd (current)
Previous ranking: 105th.
2025-'26 ranking: 103rd.
Best in State: Ranked from 2011-2024.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 2nd.
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
“The Olde Farm was an elite oasis for their mostly national membership with a secluded and sprawling property that is ideal for golf. Some of the holes that stood out to me were the par 4 3rd, which required the golfer to keep their drive to the right of the large hillside before hitting their approach into a green that feeds from right to left, which makes the left pin especially fun. The short par 4 5th, which is drivable in the right wind and offers an early birdie opportunity once you are on the large punchbowl green. The par 4 9th green is benched expertly in the hillside, which makes both the approach and any putts from the wrong side of the hole requiring extra attention. The par 4 10th offers a steep speed slot off the tee, which helps make the hole play much shorter if the player hits an excellent drive."
Read More2025
Review
“The experience at Olde Farm across all dimensions is very impressive. Set in the rolling hills of Virginia with numerous aesthetic elements naturally appearing hole to hole make for a beautiful environment as well as affecting how one plays the course. The layout is varied and each hole is unique in design."
Read More2024
Review
“Excellent place to play. Conditioning is excellent and you get your name carved into the flagstick for eternity if you get a hole in one. Jump at the chance if you get an invite here. What a treat."
Read More2024
Review
“The aptly named Olde Farm is a contemporary Bobby Weed design that was built on wide open, rolling farmland, in Southwest Virginia. The fairways and greens are massive, but the greens have a tremendous amount of movement and interest. Thus, this is a second-shot golf course. There are not a lot of hazards or penalty areas, so there are some hard pars but easy bogeys, and big numbers should be rare for the skilled player. The bunkers are lined with high fescue that is growing in the direction of play. This is an overly penal design that makes it more imperative to avoid the bunkers. The course is an entirely isolated property. There are few memorable holes and a number of holes that lack definition. This obsession with forcing bent grass in a climate that does not support it is unfortunate, as it must be soaked throughout the summer, so really good drives might get no rollout. Despite the lack of roll, the property (especially the greens) has a links-like feel, and those golfers who get a thrill out of working the ball toward the hole location by deftly using the green contours will have a terrific time at The Olde Farm."
Read More2024
Review
“Wonderful design, which lends itself to a fun, challenging round. Great variety of holes including a pair of short par 4s, a great variety of par 3s, and par 5s which give the option of going for them in 2. The bunkering is stunning and imaginative; essentially pot bunkers, with tall fescue in the place of layered sod. Great piece of land affording nice (without extreme) elevation changes."
Read More2024
Review
“The Olde Farm Golf Course is an absolute gem for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging and rewarding experience. From the moment you step foot on the course, you'll be captivated by the stunning variety of holes that await you. One particular standout is the par 3 fourth hole, where the front pin location from the back tees presents an incredibly difficult challenge. It will truly test your skills and strategic thinking. But fear not, because that's what makes this course so special. It pushes you to your limits and forces you to elevate your game. One aspect that cannot be overlooked is the impeccable conditioning of the course, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of superintendent Josh Pope. Every blade of grass is meticulously cared for, resulting in a playing surface that is nothing short of exceptional. The fairways are lush, the rough is perfectly cut, and the greens are simply immaculate. Speaking of the greens, they are a true work of art. The green complexes at The Olde Farm are both intricate and large, providing a multitude of hole locations. This adds an extra layer of complexity to each round you play, as you navigate the undulating slopes and subtle breaks. It's a golfer's paradise, where precision and finesse are rewarded. One of the most enticing aspects of this course is the opportunity to approach each hole with a different strategy. The layout is designed in such a way that you can choose to play it safe or take calculated risks. This versatility adds a refreshing element to the game, keeping you engaged and eager to tackle the next challenge. In conclusion, The Olde Farm Golf Course is a true masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise it receives. The variety of holes, the challenging front pin location on the fourth hole, the exceptional course conditioning by superintendent Josh Pope, the intricate and large green complexes, and the strategic flexibility it offers make it a must-play destination for golfers of all levels. Prepare to be amazed and inspired as you embark on a golfing adventure like no other."
Read More2023
Review
“Everyone should have the opportunity to place this course. No disappointment here."
Read More2023
Review
“A well-groomed walkable course with 3 available trips through the 'Long Barn' for snacks and refreshments."
Read More2023
Review
“This course has a little of everything which combines to make it a lot with good flow, continuity, wide fairways,, good greens and complexes, sand, stream, and pond."
Read More2023
Review
“The property, course and facilities are all top notch. An enjoyable modern day design that can be played and enjoyed by all."
Read More2022
