The Highland Course at Primland has been named at the top of the list of best new public golf courses in its category in the U.S. in a poll conducted by Golf Digest and appearing in their January 2008 issue now in circulation.
The Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain masterpiece has been attracting media attention since it opened in 2006 and was named by Travel and Leisure Golf in 2007 as one of America's best new courses.
Perched atop one of the highest ridges of the 12,000-acre resort, the course was designed by world-famous links course golf architect Donald Steel.
"The Golf Digest ranking is a testament to the imagination of its creator, who carved out the 18-hole championship course while retaining most of the natural terrain; and the local maintenance staff who have worked so diligently to maintain the fairways and greens to the highest level possible," said Steve Helms, Vice President and General Manager of the golf, hunting and fishing resort.
As part of the property's evolution, three new two-bedroom fairway cottages will open next spring and a new golf lodge is on target for completion at Primland to be ready for the 2009 season.
"The addition of luxury cottages and a five-star lodge further positions Primland as a premier destination in a unique wilderness setting with a challenging world-class golf course and outdoor adventures such as hunting, fishing, clay shooting, tennis, hiking, horseback and ATV riding," added Helms.
The three fairway cottages, each consisting of two guest bedrooms and kitchen facilities, blend into the landscape. Rooms feature five-star quality furnishings and finishes. Vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beams and stone fireplaces create the essential components of the cabins.
The cottage and lodge designs are reminiscent of the architectural style of historic structures in the Virginia Mountains. When completed, it will appear to be an old wood and stone mountain lodge, constructed with natural indigenous materials.
The lodge's 26 five-star quality guest rooms will feature nine different floor plans with a mixture of kings, doubles, suites and loft suites - all with exceptional Blue Ridge Mountain views.
In addition, the lodge will include a restaurant with seating for 72 guests, an adjacent terrace bar with living room seating for 25 guests. This area opens onto a terrace overlooking the practice tees and breathtaking mountain views. Conference facilities will accommodate 100 people for meetings and be capable of hosting 60 for private dining. A Golf Club wing will house a pro shop, men's and women's locker rooms. There will also be a spa and indoor swimming pool.
A round tower, evocative of silos in the area, will house a premier loft suite, observation level and observatory.
The Golf Digest ranking was for the category of best public courses in America $75 and over. Green fees for the 2008 season are $200.
For more information, go to the website www.primland.com