Arg's Travel Log

[mci711]

4 hours ago, cassel191919 said:

Shadow Creek is so beyond overrated and the price tag is laughable.

 

Have you played it? Other than price, what did you dislike about the layout? 

Edited June 25 by mci711

[cassel191919]

16 minutes ago, mci711 said:

 

Have you played it? 

I did get to play it and the price is factored into my overrated comment. Its a very good golf course, but the course in my opinion is not in the top 20. I think the experience is an awesome and that course being where it is crazy to me. I also wouldn't have done it if work wasn't covering the bill. In my mind I am paying $1K plus for Oakmont, Cypress, Pine Valley, and Fishers Island and that's where the list stops.

Edited June 25 by cassel191919

[Looper34]

1 hour ago, cassel191919 said:

I did get to play it and the price is factored into my overrated comment. Its a very good golf course, but the course in my opinion is not in the top 20. I think the experience is an awesome and that course being where it is crazy to me. I also wouldn't have done it if work wasn't covering the bill. In my mind I am paying $1K plus for Oakmont, Cypress, Pine Valley, and Fishers Island and that's where the list stops.

Is your job hiring?

[Argonne69]

Another slog today, but not quite as rough as yesterday. A bit cooler, a light breeze, and a few clouds late in the round kept me from melting like the Wicked Witch of the West. Downed six 12 ounce bottles of water, and four 12 ounce bottles of Gatorade. Still managed to lose a few pounds of water weight I'm sure. Left my mini driver and PW in the Honda to lighten the load, knowing that I'd be carrying extra fluids. First group out with two members, but since they were riding, they played ahead on the 2nd hole. Despite taking a handful of short breaks in the shade to hydrate, I still managed a hair over threw hours. 

 

London Downs today. I had high hopes for this one as I pulled into the course. It looked about as lush as one could get. However, the design left me wanting. The parkland layout was designed by Russell Breeden. I was told that they flipped the nines recently. Pity. Apparently members were complaining about the hike uphill on the 18th. The new back nine is rather bland with homes visible on most holes, and little elevation change. The current front is definitely more interesting. 

 

Bunkering was very light. Water in play on 11 holes. A dozen holes with left/right movement including two doglegs. 

 

Very easy off the tee with generous fairways and very light bunkering. Minor misses would catch the generous rough. Big misses that didn't find the OB stakes were playable, as the trees were fairly sparse. 

 

Approaches were also fairly easy. Greens were a decent size with light bunkering. They were also quite soft, so very receptive. Greens had gentle contouring and slope. Fairly stress free day putting. Up and downs were moderately difficult due to the rough. It wasn't deep, but deep enough to catch a clubhead. 

 

Three of the par 3s were pretty good. Water in play on the three. The 2nd played over a pond. The 15th had an island green. Variety of length was meh. 9i to 6i. Par 5s were disappointing with little trouble. The right to left sweeper 11th was reachable with a good drive hugging the inside corner, but not much risk. The short 4th played uphill, so not really reachable by mere mortals. The pair of short 4s were benign. 

 

Conditions were excellent. Can't recall a better conditioned course in recent months. A couple of shaded teeboxes were closed as they recovered the turf. Fairways were lush, and looking good after a mowing this morning. Rough was also recently cut. Deep enough to grab a club without being overly penal. Bunkers needed grooming. Greens looked great, and speed was at least 10. 

 

Played the White tees at 6380 yds (71.1/134). Very happy with the Blballstriking today. Wedges were decent. Putter was once again cold. One birdie and five bogies. Shot of the day was probably the drive on the dogleg 18th. I was pretty much out of gas, but managed the best drive of the day to the middle of the dogleg. The teeshot on the par 3 2nd wasn't too shabby. Early in the round, I hit a nice 6h pin high over the water. 

 

I really wanted to give this one six cows, but it's a 5. The front nine is a decent set of holes, but the back nine sticks a needle in the balloon. Playable, but forgettable. Needs more sand, more contouring, a short and long par 3, and trouble on the 5s and short 4s. The $40 weekday rate was a pleasant surprise. Big tip of the straw hat for the conditioning while keeping the price so low. Also had bottled water in Igloo coolers on the course. Don't see that very often, especially at this price. Not a must play, but I'd be a regular if I was a local. Poplar Grove still gets my vote for the go to course in the area. 

 

Edited June 26 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

London Downs, Forest, VA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The back teeboxes were closed on the par 5 8th. Thankfully. Lol. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5yrf1ecverilol5b4cf1u/AObHzFz58Euf3zFN4sWXhqU?rlkey=px1x9mbn3qaol7oh0fcfphmyq&st=7ixc8qwb&dl=0

 

Edited June 25 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Not much open on the brewery front on a Wednesday, so it was back to Lynchburg Beer Cellar to grab a couple of cold ones from their cooler. Started with a Hardywood Peach Tripel. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Great way to end my short visit to Lynchburg. County Smoak Pit Bar-B-Que. Excellent Q. Brisket was tender and very fatty. Just how I like it. Ribs were a bit overcooked on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside. The jalepeno and cheddar link was very good. The beans and mac and cheese were both very good. The three sauces were top notch. Sweet and tangy original sauce was spot on. The spicy added a nice little kick. The mustard sauce paired well with the hot link. Only minor complaint was that they didn't offer ribs by the pound or bone. Didn't really want half a slab, but I'll have dinner for tomorrow. Definitely worth a visit. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Had to pay a visit to downtown Lynchburg. I passed through the river town years ago on the Amtrak Crescent on the way to New Orleans from DC. Seems like many other old river towns that have seen better days. Did like the steep cobblestone streets. 

 

Wanted to stop at Riverfront Park, but it was closed for renovation. Drove across the James River for a few photos from Riveredge Park. 

 

 

 

 

[CDM]

On 6/24/2025 at 9:52 AM, Argonne69 said:

 

I'm thinking Ireland or Australia would be possible. 

 

 

You know my opinion on those two. 

[Golf Pig]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Left my mini driver and PW in the Honda to lighten the load, knowing that I'd be carrying extra fluids.

 

Have you ever considered a push cart? The ones from Clicgear and Sun Mountain are light and don't take up a lot of room when collapsed. I carried most of my life but I made the switch a few years ago. I don't have to worry about packing rain gear and extra drinks. My back has certainly thanked me for it!

[Argonne69]

9 minutes ago, Golf Pig said:

 

Have you ever considered a push cart? The ones from Clicgear and Sun Mountain are light and don't take up a lot of room when collapsed. I carried most of my life but I made the switch a few years ago. I don't have to worry about packing rain gear and extra drinks. My back has certainly thanked me for it!

 

I have a ClicGear. I've only used it a few times in 4 years. I prefer to carry, especially on hilly courses. I find the pushcart strains my back pushing it up hills. Also don't like having to clean the dirt, grass, and goose droppings off the thing after the round.

 

Also, I found that I tended to accumulate even more junk in the bag, as I tend not to be too concerned with weight. Once cleaned out 57 balls out of my cart bag's pockets. Oy.

 

[buckI]

5 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I have a ClicGear. I've only used it a few times in 4 years. I prefer to carry, especially on hilly courses. I find the pushcart strains my back pushing it up hills. Also don't like having to clean the dirt, grass, and goose droppings off the thing after the round.

 

Also, I found that I tended to accumulate even more junk in the bag, as I tend not to be too concerned with weight. Once cleaned out 57 balls out of my cart bag's pockets. Oy.

 

I agree completely on the carrying vs push cart with some hills.   I am starting to think about an MGI or Motocaddy though.

 

Sounds you need to clean out that bag more often!

[caniac6]

Poplar Forest is very close to Lynchburg. Thomas Jefferson’s second home. Worth the visit if you have time.

[Argonne69]

2 minutes ago, caniac6 said:

Poplar Forest is very close to Lynchburg. Thomas Jefferson’s second home. Worth the visit if you have time.

 

Unfortunately I ran out of time, and the heat sapped me of the will to sightsee. 

 

[Argonne69]

Booked rounds at the Old and Cascades courses at Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA for next week. It's a 90 minute drive from Staunton, so I'll probably spend the night at a local motel. 

 

[buckI]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Booked rounds at the Old and Cascades courses at Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA for next week. It's a 90 minute drive from Staunton, so I'll probably spend the night at a local motel. 

 

Uh oh Arg, no walking rate from what I remember!

[twotees]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Booked rounds at the Old and Cascades courses at Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA for next week. It's a 90 minute drive from Staunton, so I'll probably spend the night at a local motel. 

 

While you’re in that area, The Golf Course at Cliff View is right down the road. While it won’t knock your socks off in terms of architecture (there are no sand traps), it’s in a pretty valley and the value can’t be beat (I think $20 to walk last I was there). 

[StudentGolfer4]

I’m surprised those don’t have a stay and play requirement. I know that’s your favorite arrangement!

[CDM]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I have a ClicGear. I've only used it a few times in 4 years. I prefer to carry, especially on hilly courses. I find the pushcart strains my back pushing it up hills. Also don't like having to clean the dirt, grass, and goose droppings off the thing after the round.

 

Also, I found that I tended to accumulate even more junk in the bag, as I tend not to be too concerned with weight. Once cleaned out 57 balls out of my cart bag's pockets. Oy.

 

 

I have a ALPHARD V2 on my clic gear. Add the new attachement option and it is awesome.  Setting it up before was gine but locking it in was pain, not now.  I agree with a puch you get lazy and stuff starts to build up and it becomes harder to push around. That noted, the V2 or MGI is 100% worth it.   Yes the bit of time to setup and take down but its worth it as you get a routine.    The new MGI are better for space too and ease of setup.    

[CDM]

12 hours ago, cassel191919 said:

I did get to play it and the price is factored into my overrated comment. Its a very good golf course, but the course in my opinion is not in the top 20. I think the experience is an awesome and that course being where it is crazy to me. I also wouldn't have done it if work wasn't covering the bill. In my mind I am paying $1K plus for Oakmont, Cypress, Pine Valley, and Fishers Island and that's where the list stops.

Fishers Island is $125 with a member.... but 110% for the price SC is charging there are SO many courses way way better for way less. 

[Argonne69]

10 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

I’m surprised those don’t have a stay and play requirement. I know that’s your favorite arrangement!

 

Yeah, I was surprised, but then again Primland also didn't require a stay. I didn't ask the price, but I have a feeling I might be in for a little sticker shock.

 

[Argonne69]

Had a bit of a mess to clean up this morning. Went to put away a few bottles of BCS in the Igloo cooler in the shower, and discovered a half inch of beer at the bottom of the cooler. Appears that one of the cans sprung a leak (?). I had several four packs of cans in their cardboard boxes, and a couple of cardboard six pack holders, and they all soaked up the sticky brew. At least the mess was contained to the cooler, and not all over the floor. 

 

Ugh. Just found out that the RV park in Staunton has a 3 pm check-in. That's nuts. Hopefully that only applies to the cabins, and not RV sites. I'll give them a call when the office opens to see if an early arrival is possible. It's a 2 hour drive from here, and my check-out time is 11 am. 'Had this happen a couple of weeks ago in Greensboro. I hate having to sit in a parking lot somewhere with the generator running. 

 

Edit: Looks like I can check in at 1 pm. Was hoping for noon, but I can live with 1 pm. 

 

Edited June 26 by Argonne69

[cassel191919]

9 hours ago, CDM said:

Fishers Island is $125 with a member.... but 110% for the price SC is charging there are SO many courses way way better for way less. 

I was more talking in a charity auction situation. Will keep my fingers crossed to find a contact, it is one of the courses on the short list.

[Argonne69]

Pleasant 2.5 hour drive to Staunton today. 'Somewhat scenic north on US-29 to I-64. Traffic was fairly light, and the pavement was relatively smooth. Just one pass on I-64 that had to be negotiated. 

 

Decent RV park 10 miles south of town. The park says that it was an old walnut farm. I couldn't get a site with a sewer hookup, so I'll have to use the dump station when I leave. The gravel site is fairly level, and no satellite issues. 

 

 

No plans today. With the somewhat late arrival, and the nearest decent brewery 20 minutes away, I'm just going to sit around and have a cold one from the stash. Trying to stay cool here, but it's a struggle. I've had both ACs running for an hour, and it's 87 degrees in here. Amazing how this tin box heats up sitting in the sun. The ACs are both 15000 BTU. Better than a 5000 BTU window unit, but still not enough to cool an RV with practically no insulation on a hot day. 

 

Looks like t-storms tonight, but that should help in getting the temps down. Looks like it'll be in the mid-80s tomorrow. 

 

I have a morning round at the Stoney Creek Course at Wintergreen Resort. Looks like a 45 minute drive through the mountains. 

 

I have Heritage Oaks booked for Saturday. Still have to find a course for Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be in Hot Springs at Omni Homestead. 

 

Planning to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday. Should be a scenic drive. Might stop for a couple of short hikes. 

 

Edited June 26 by Argonne69

[crcraig]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Trying to stay cool here, but it's a struggle. I've had both ACs running for an hour, and it's 87 degrees in here. Amazing how this tin box heats up sitting in the sun. The ACs are both 15000 BTU. Better than a 5000 BTU window unit, but still not enough to cool an RV with practically no insulation on a hot day. 

How does AC work when you're driving? Can those ACs run, or is there is separate engine-driven AC unit to cool just the front seat area?

[Argonne69]

51 minutes ago, crcraig said:

How does AC work when you're driving? Can those ACs run, or is there is separate engine-driven AC unit to cool just the front seat area?

 

When I'm driving I'm limited to the engine-driven AC. Enough to keep me cool behind the wheel, but the coach can heat up. 

 

I generally pull over 10 to 20 minutes away from the RV park, start up the generator, and run a single AC using the generator. At least when I pull into the RV park the coach has cooled a bit until I hook up the shore power. 

 

[mmoran]

Run the generator while you're driving to keep the A/C on so you don't have to be miserable when you arrive.  RV's are built to work that way.

[Argonne69]

Enjoyable morning. The rain that passed through last night took a little bite out of the temps. 70s instead of 90s is nice. Humidity is still excessive. The low hanging clouds didn't do much for the photos. I was going to drive to a couple of lookouts after the round, but views wouldn't have been very good. Appreciated that the starter sent me out as a lead single for a nice walk, which was a little surprising on a resort course. Casual stroll in 3:10. Had to wait numerous times for the maintenance crew. Don't recall the last time I ran into this many workers. 

 

Stoney Creek GC at Wintergreen Resort today. Decent, but a little disappointing given that it's a Rees Jones design. The parkland resort course has three nines, Monocan, Shamokin, and Tuckahoe, sitting in the Rockfish Valley. Played the TM pair. Tuckahoe was pretty good with some nice elevation changes. Monocan had a few nice looks at the mountains, but the holes were generally flat. The area around the resort is a housing development, so most holes had holes lining them. Fairway bunkering was light. Very resort-like. Greenside wasn't a lot better, but there were a few holes that stood out. Water in play on nine holes. Ten holes with left/right movement, including three doglegs. 

 

Very easy off the tee with generous fairways and light bunkering. A couple of holes on Tuckahoe felt pinched, but overall it was stress free off the tee. Minor misses would catch the deep rough. Mounding was pretty good, so lies could easily be uneven. Big misses were generally OB. 

 

Approaches were generally pretty straightforward with decent sized greens and light bunkering. There were a few that were better protected. Greens had gentle contouring and moderate slope. Not particularly exciting. Up and downs were tough due to the rough and uneven lies. The ball would sit down below the top of the turf. 

 

Three of the four par 3s were decent with water in play, including two forced carries. M8 was meh. M5 and T8 were both fun. Variety of length was poor. 9i to 7i. Par 5s were very disappointing. Nothing reachable and practically zero trouble. M1 did have a small creek in front of the green. The three short 4s were snoozers. 

 

Conditions were decent. Fairways had a handful of iffy areas, but were generally very good. I swear that Tuckahoe had zoysia fairways instead of Bermuda. They were like walking on a mattress with loads of sponginess. Rough was consistent and deep enough to swallow a ball. Bunkers were trash. Compacted to the point where it was like hitting of a cart path. Greens looked great, but were very soft. The morning dew was kicking up rooster tails for half the round. Speed was probably 8. 

 

Played the White tees at 6276 yds (70.2/129). Was originally going to play the Blue/White combo at 6459, but I got very little rollout on the opening hole. Very good day off the tee. Irons were well behaved. Wedges weren't quite dialed in, though. Putter was useless on the slow greens minus a pair of six footers. Two birdies and five bogies. Shots of the day were the tee shots on the par 3s T8 and M5. Stuck a 9i and 8i six feet right of the pin on both. Highlight of the day was being sent out as a single on the "empty" course. 

 

I'll be nice and go with 6 cows, but it's probably closer to five. Beautiful scenery if you don't mind looking at houses. Reminded me a little of Old White at Greenbrier. Nice views of the surrounding mountains, but generally flat in the old river valley. Needs more challenging greens, a few more bunkers, a bit o' variety in the par 3s, a smidgen of trouble on the 5s and short 4s. Pleasantly surprised that they allow walking. Not sure if they have a walking rate, but the young staffer in the pro shop appears to have discounted my round at $79 when I was expecting $100. Much appreciated. Very playable, but I can't call it a must play. Nice setting, but too tame. 

 

[Argonne69]

Stoney Creek GC at Wintergreen Resort, Nellysford, VA 

 

Tuckahoe does have a nice looking opening hole 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lv5vf81wcm39ofmzspdik/ALCW9ZA7xAUY0MvyxxE5zfc?rlkey=420ylakqq2q2b5z62mq8koxoe&st=zw9u7hlm&dl=0

 

Edited June 27 by Argonne69

[dcmidnight]

Weather in Northern VA has been absolutely brutal this week. 115* heat indexes for four straight days followed by what must have been 6-8 hours of thunderstorms last night that wouldnt go away and again today there's just a stalled out band of rain here. Our club was closed this week to aerate the fairways, I pity the guys on that crew.

 

Looks like a great stop in VA so far though - Mattaponi has always been one of my favorites and if you hit it on the right day you can be the only person in the parking lot. 

 

ButI think people sleep on just how big this state is if you drive it one end to the other.