I've Stood on Tee Boxes in West Virginia That Made Me Forget My Score, and That's Saying Something
Now hold on a second. I've played golf in Beckley for forty-four years, and I can tell you that some of the best views in the state are on our mountain golf courses. Not the fancy resorts—the public tracks where the fairways cling to the ridges and the mountains stretch out to the horizon. I remember a fall round at Grandview when the leaves were turning, and I stood on the 16th tee just staring at the valley below. I forgot I was holding a driver. That's the power of a good view. So if you're looking for golf that feeds your soul as much as your scorecard, let me tell you about three of my favorite scenic courses within an hour of Beckley. I'm Earl Buck Hatfield, and I've played them all more times than I can count. This guide will point you to the prettiest fairways in southern West Virginia, and I'll tell you exactly what to expect when you get there. Bring a camera, and bring your patience, because you'll want to stop and look. And bring a few balls—the mountain rough can be hungry. Here's a search for beginner golf balls on Amazon if you need to stock up. If your budget's tight, DHgate has cheaper balls with slower shipping—order ahead so you're not caught short on a scenic par 5.
Why You Should Trust Me on This
My name's Earl Buck Hatfield. I've been playing golf in Beckley since 1982, and I've walked every fairway worth walking in this part of the state. I know which courses have the best views, which ones are overrated, and which ones will make you forget your last double bogey. I'm not a travel writer, and I won't dress it up with fancy words. I'll just tell you where to go, what you'll see, and how to enjoy it. I may earn a small commission if you buy through my links, but I only recommend what I'd suggest to a friend. And I'll never call you a dummy for stopping to take a picture on the 5th hole. I've done it more times than I can count.
The Three Scenic Courses I'd Recommend for the Views
Not every pretty course is worth the drive, and not every good course has great views. I've picked three that deliver both, and I've played each of them enough to know what you're getting. Here's my honest breakdown, with the details that matter when you're chasing a mountain sunset.
1. Grandview Country Club (Beaver, WV)
This one's an obvious choice, and for good reason. When Grandview is open, the views from the 16th hole are the best in the county—maybe the best in the state. You stand on a ridge and look out over the valley, and on a clear day you can see for miles. I've played that hole a hundred times, and it still takes my breath away. The rest of the course is no slouch either, with mountain views on nearly every hole. The catch is that Grandview's status can be uncertain, so call before you go. If someone answers and says the course is open, jump in the truck and head over. It's worth it. If you want the full story on Grandview, read my honest look at Grandview Country Club. And if you need a glove that'll grip on those elevated tees, here's a search for beginner golf gloves on Amazon. DHgate has cheaper options with slower shipping. I never play Grandview without a good glove—the wind up there will test your grip.
2. Twin Falls Resort State Park
Twin Falls is a different kind of beautiful. It's a state park course, so the scenery is more forested and rugged, and the mountain views are quieter but no less stunning. The course winds through the hills, and several holes offer long looks down the valley. I've played there in the fall when the leaves were on fire, and it felt like walking through a painting. The price is reasonable, and the park setting means you can make a day of it—golf in the morning, picnic in the afternoon. It's about a 45-minute drive from Beckley, but the drive itself is part of the charm. If you're looking for a scenic day trip, this is my pick. And if you're bringing a non-golfer, they'll love the park even if they don't swing. If you want to make a weekend of it, check out my Beckley golf courses guide for nearby options. For a comfortable round, you'll want a good pair of walking shoes—here's a search for walking golf shoes on Amazon. DHgate has cheap shoes too, but shipping is slow.
3. Pipestem Resort State Park
Pipestem is another state park gem, and it's a bit more dramatic than Twin Falls. The course sits high up, and the elevation changes give you long, sweeping views of the Bluestone River gorge. I've stood on the 10th tee and felt like I was on top of the world. It's a tougher walk than the others, because the hills are real, but the views are worth every step. The price is fair, and the course is usually in good shape. It's about an hour from Beckley, so it's a full-day trip, but if you're up for it, it's one of the most scenic rounds you'll play in the state. I'd recommend a cart unless you're in great shape—those hills will test your legs. If you need a push cart for the flatter sections, Jack has a guide on the best golf push carts. And if you want to keep your hands warm on a breezy ridge, check out my winter gloves guide—it's not just for winter, those mountain winds can be chilly even in summer.
Three Honest Drawbacks of Chasing Golf Course Views
I love a pretty course, but I won't pretend it's all postcards. Here are three real frustrations you might hit, and how to handle them.
1. The views can be a distraction. I've stood on a tee box, staring at the mountains, and completely forgotten my swing thought. It's a lovely problem to have, but it can cost you strokes. The fix is to take your pictures before you address the ball, then focus. I've learned to enjoy the view for a minute, then turn my attention to the shot. If you're prone to daydreaming, play with a friend who'll nudge you when it's your turn. And don't be afraid to take a few extra minutes on the scenic holes—you're out there to enjoy yourself, after all. If you want to work on your focus, check out Maya's practice routine guide. It includes some mental drills that'll help you stay present.
2. Mountain courses play longer and harder than they look. The same views that make these courses beautiful also mean elevation changes, uneven lies, and wind. I've hit what felt like a great drive at Pipestem, only to watch it stall against a headwind and drop 30 yards short. The fix is to take an extra club, swing easier, and accept that your score might be a few strokes higher. I've learned to not judge a mountain round by the number on the card. It's about the experience, not the score. If you want to learn how to handle mountain lies, read my guide on uphill and downhill lies. And if you're fighting the wind, my wind guide will help you keep the ball low.
3. You'll want to bring a camera, and that means extra gear. I used to leave my phone in the truck, but now I carry it for the views. The problem is, a phone in your pocket can be a nuisance. The fix is to use a small pouch or a cart mount, and to only pull it out on the truly scenic holes. I've also learned to take quick photos so I don't slow down the group. If you're playing with others, be considerate—take your shots, then move on. For a phone mount, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap mounts too, but shipping is slow. I use a simple clip that attaches to my push cart, and it works great. If you want to keep your phone charged for all those photos, consider a small power bank—I keep one in my bag for long scenic rounds. For more gear ideas, check out the beginner gear hub.
What to Bring for a Scenic Mountain Round
You'll need the usual golf gear, but a few extras will make the day better. First, bring extra balls—the mountain rough is thick, and the views can distract you into a few wayward shots. Second, bring a light jacket or vest, because the temperature can drop quickly at elevation. I always have a layer in my bag, even in summer. Third, bring water and a snack, because you'll want to take your time and enjoy the views. Fourth, bring a camera or a phone with a good lens, because you'll want to remember the day. And fifth, bring a sense of wonder—these courses are special, and they deserve to be appreciated. If you want to dress for the conditions, check out Maya's what to wear golfing guide. It'll help you stay comfortable while you're busy looking at the mountains. And if you need a new glove to keep your grip on those windy tees, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap gloves with slower shipping—order ahead. I don't leave home without a spare glove, especially when I'm playing a hilly course.
Red flags that mean a scenic course isn't worth the drive:
🚩 The views are only visible from one or two holes, and the rest of the course is forgettable. I've been disappointed by courses that promised mountain views and delivered a parking lot view.
🚩 The course is in poor condition, even if the scenery is nice. A beautiful view doesn't make up for dirt greens and patchy fairways.
🚩 The drive is more than two hours each way, and you'll be rushing to finish before dark. The best scenic rounds are leisurely. If you can't take your time, save it for another day.
🚩 The weather forecast calls for fog or low clouds. A mountain course with no view is just a hilly course. I've been fogged in at Pipestem, and it's no fun to play blind. Check the forecast, and if it's cloudy, pick a flatter course instead.
If you catch any of these, adjust your plans. There are enough good courses within an hour of Beckley that you can find a better option. I've learned to be flexible, and it's saved me from more than one disappointing round. If you want to know which courses are best for a scenic day, ask the pro shop or a local. We're happy to point you to the pretty holes. And if you're new to the area, Earl's list of Beckley golf courses will give you a starting point. Many of those tracks have beautiful views, and the staff will tell you which ones are worth the trip.
What to Do Once You've Played a Scenic Course
The first time you finish a round on a mountain course, tired but full of wonder, you'll understand why I wrote this guide. It's not about the score—it's about standing on a tee box and feeling like you're part of something bigger. I remember a round at Pipestem last fall, when I hit a bad drive on the 10th but didn't care, because the view of the gorge was so beautiful. I just smiled and walked after my ball. That's the magic of mountain golf. If you want to keep chasing those views, plan a few day trips. Twin Falls and Pipestem are both great, and if Grandview opens back up, it's a must-play. If you're looking for other scenic courses, ask around at the local pro shops. And if you want to improve your game so you can enjoy those views even more, check out Maya's practice routine guide. For all your gear needs, the beginner gear hub has honest recommendations that won't oversell you. Now go find your view, and remember: the best golf is golf that makes you stop and look around. I'll see you on the ridge—with a camera in one hand and a 7-iron in the other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Course Views in West Virginia
Which golf course in West Virginia has the best views?
For my money, Grandview Country Club has the best single view—the 16th hole overlook is unforgettable. But if Grandview is closed, Twin Falls and Pipestem Resort State Park both offer stunning mountain scenery on nearly every hole. I've played all three, and they're the ones I recommend to anyone looking for a scenic round. If you want more options, check out my Beckley golf courses list. And if you're planning a trip, call ahead to confirm the courses are open—especially Grandview, whose status can change. The best views are worth the extra planning.
Are mountain golf courses harder to play?
Yes, they usually are. The elevation changes, uneven lies, and wind make mountain courses more challenging than flat ones. I've shot some of my highest scores on the prettiest courses. But the challenge is part of the fun. I've learned to take an extra club, swing easier, and not worry about the score. If you're new to mountain golf, start with a course like Twin Falls, which is more forgiving than Pipestem. And if you want to learn how to handle the terrain, read my uphill and downhill lies guide. It'll make those hilly lies a little less scary. Just remember, the views are the reward, not the scorecard.
What should I wear for golf on a mountain course?
Layers are your friend. The temperature can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler at elevation, and the wind can pick up without warning. I always bring a light jacket or vest, even in summer. Good walking shoes are also important, because mountain courses often have uneven paths. And a hat will protect you from both sun and wind. If you want a complete guide, check out Maya's what to wear golfing article. It covers everything from shirts to shoes. And if you need a wind-resistant jacket, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap options with slow shipping. I never play a mountain course without one.
Do I need to book tee times in advance for scenic courses?
Yes, especially on weekends and during the fall foliage season, when everyone wants to see the leaves. I always book at least a few days in advance for Twin Falls and Pipestem, and I call Grandview as soon as I know I want to play. If you're flexible, weekdays are much easier to get a tee time, and the courses are quieter. I've had some amazing weekday rounds with the course almost to myself. For more on booking tee times, check out Maya's how to book a tee time guide. It includes the exact questions I ask when I call. And if you can't get a tee time, consider playing twilight—the views at sunset are often even better than midday.
Can I take photos on the course without slowing down play?
Yes, but be considerate of your playing partners and the group behind you. I take most of my photos on the tee box while others are hitting, and I keep my phone in my pocket the rest of the time. If you want to stop for a photo, do it quickly and then move on. I've seen people hold up the whole course because they were framing the perfect shot. Don't be that person. If you're playing solo on a quiet day, take your time. But on a busy weekend, be quick. For more on pace of play, read my pace of play tips guide. The best way to enjoy the views is to keep the game moving, so everyone can enjoy them too. And if you want a good phone mount, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap mounts with slow shipping. I keep one in my bag, and it's saved me from fumbling on the tee.
Where to Go From Here
Now that you know where to find the best golf views in West Virginia, the next step is to plan your trip. If you want to improve your game so you can enjoy those rounds even more, check out Maya's practice routine guide. And if you're looking for other scenic courses, ask around at the local pro shops. For all your gear needs, the beginner gear hub has honest recommendations that won't oversell you. When you're ready to book a tee time, Earl's list of Beckley golf courses will point you in the right direction. Now go find your view, and remember: the best golf is golf that makes you stop and look around. I'll see you on the ridge—with a camera in one hand and a 7-iron in the other.