Roanoke, West Virginia
Stonewall Resort’s Palmer Course delivers a beautiful, modern Arnold Palmer design that rewards smart shot placement over raw power. It’s a fun, challenging round embraced by the region’s golf travelers, combining scenic elevation changes with top-notch hospitality—perfect as the centerpiece of a West Virginia golf trip.
Stonewall Resort Palmer Course is a modern Arnold Palmer resort design that embraces both the drama and tranquility of north-central West Virginia. The routing weaves through striking elevation changes, often framed by the resort's lakes and ridge lines, but always avoids forcing drama for drama’s sake. Each hole is shaped to offer both risk and reward, with ample fairway width, framing bunkers, and a few forced carries over water or valley. Palmer’s trademark is visible in playable landing zones, subtly demanding approach shots, and green complexes that favor smart angle play. The experience is never overly punishing, but shrewd position and strategy beat out muscle golf. The post-2025 update, with fresh bunker faces and newly resodded tees, further sharpens its visual pop and tactical asks.
Palmer and Ed Seay aimed to create a course that serves the full range of resort golfers—championship challenge but with playable variety.
The longest hole on the course unfurls across rolling terrain with hazard flanking and varied lies. It's a classic three-shot par 5 where the ever-present temptation to cut distance is checked by water left and a sloped layup area.
Play for position with your tee ball; resist the urge to get greedy on the second. Layup short of trouble and leave your favorite wedge distance for the approach.
Aggressive lines bring water and a tricky downhill lie into play, and the green's run-off edges mean a missed third can spill into the lake.
Overall good and improving, with notably better tee boxes and bunkers post-renovation, though isolated rough spots on fairways and greens occasionally persist.
Resort-standard; 4.5+ hours is normal in peak season with cart use prevalent.
Relaxed, scenic resort atmosphere—friendly to buddies’ trips, couples, and charity events.
Resort golf casual—collared shirt and golf shorts/pants; check for posted rules in pro shop, but generally relaxed.
Prime times fill up quickly during weekends and high season—secure your time in advance to avoid disappointment.
Be prepared for some hilly walks and long green-to-tee transitions, even with cart-access portions.
Mountain weather means sudden shifts between sun, wind, and scattered rain—bring gear for every possibility.
Preview the bunkering and water runouts online or with the GPS app for smarter target lines.
Arnold Palmer Signature Course opens at Stonewall Resort
Golf Digest names it No. 2 Best New Course in America
Ranked #10 in West Virginia by Golf Digest
Major renovation updating tees and bunkers
Hosts WVGA Four-Ball and Club Team Championship
Arnold Palmer’s team shaped this course to maximize the rhythm of the land, blending challenge and playability while ensuring every guest feels the resort’s natural drama. The views and movement rival any regional resort test.
A round in 2026 feels fresh thanks to new sod on every tee and pristine new bunkers—part of a recent push to raise conditioning and restore the course’s luster after mixed reviews about wear-and-tear.
On multiple holes, lakes or inlets subtly creep into view, tempting bold lines but quietly penalizing over-aggression—especially when local breezes rise. Smart play, not just power, is the order of the day.
The course hosts high-profile charity events like the WVU Cancer Institute Golf Classic, making big days out not just about golf, but fundraising and camaraderie against a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Stonewall Resort was named for Stonewall Jackson, the famous Civil War general who was born nearby.
No homes border any of the golf holes—immersive, natural experience only.
Palmer’s team designed the layout to showcase the resort’s lake views and wooded ridges.
The course has played host to high-profile local tournaments and charity outings for West Virginia’s golf community.
A full resort experience includes lakeside lodges, biking, fishing, and hiking beyond just golf.
Top regional public layout for a variety-packed extra round
Accessible and enjoyable for a more casual round
Strong private-club challenge if you have a member connection
Stonewall Resort itself for convenience, or Bridgeport/Clarksburg for off-property dining and access
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Links of North Dakota a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Stonewall Resort Palmer Course.
Why it matches: Mount Washington Golf Resort is a natural next stop after Stonewall Resort Palmer Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Stonewall (Old Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Stonewall Resort Palmer Course.
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