9/25/2023 0 Comments Milestone 9 devils backbone beer![]() Wintergreen has its own added attractions, most notably the Copper Mine Bistro at the Mountain Inn, the resort headquarters. Players don't need to be staying at the resort to play it.īoth golf facilities are fun, and so is the journey between them. In addition to the stunning elevation changes offered at Devils Knob, these courses have a babbling brook running through the property.Īll three nines were designed by Rees Jones, best known for all the work he has done getting courses tweaked to host U.S. A third nine, Tuckahoe, was added in 1990 just before Biggers arrived as superintendent. It consisted of what is now the Monocan and Shamokin nines. ![]() Now Devils Knob limits play to members and resort guests.Īs Wintergreen grew in popularity the second course, Stoney Creek, was deemed a necessity. Ellis routed the first nine holes and Dan did the second. "It was unusual because the land was so high and rocky,' said Biggers, who doubts that the course could be built today because of probable environmentalists' concerns.īut it was built in the mid-seventies at roughly the same time the ski slopes were created and the first resort and lodging facilities went up. Devils Knob was a $50,000 project for the Maples. In the mid-seventies a golf course designer generally received about $3,000 per course. Dan started his own design firm after his father's death and his portfolio of courses is now approaching 50.Īs for Devils Knob, Ellis - who was also an outstanding player - and Dan set foot on 1,000 acres of thickly wooded hillsides after landing what was then a prize assignment. Ellis, who died at age 73 in 1984, and Dan are both in the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame. Five generations of Maples have been involved in golf, with two others being head professionals and two more working as superintendents. The Maples clan is legendary in golf circles, especially in their native North Carolina. It's the first of 17 course co-designed by the father-son team of Ellis and Dan Maples. Devil's Knob also has a big edge on Stoney Creek as far as historical interest goes. Temperatures there are generally 12-18 degrees cooler than they are at Stoney Creek.Ī milestone 40th anniversary for Devil's Knob is closing in it opened in June of 1977 so it's 11 years older than Stoney Creek. 15 tee, Devils Knob is the highest course in Virginia. Though Stoney Creek is on much lower land, its elevation changes aren't much different than the stunning ones that would be expected on the higher, more mountainous terrain of Devils Knob.īiggers, a 6-handicapper, believes that Devils Knob is a bit more challenging but that doesn't appear to be a universally held opinion. ![]() I'm no fan of driving on the steep, winding roads in the Wintergreen area, but getting from Devils Knob to Stoney Creek isn't much of a problem and the courses are comparable in terms of terrain and the challenges offered. His winter duties, though, include helping out with snow removal. Fred Biggers is superintendent for both golf facilities but isn't involved with the ski slopes. They're about nine miles apart, but Stoney Creek remains open all year long - though occasional snowfalls admittedly preclude play at various times in the winter months. Skiers never touch the course but the climate is different than it is down below, where Wintergreen's other golf facility - 27-hole Stoney Creek - is located. It'll open for play on April 16 this year, though it was probably playable a few weeks before that. Golf play ends in late October so that the ski slopes can be ready in time for a hoped for opening on Thanksgiving weekend.Īfter the ski season ends, usually in mid-March but sometimes later, Devils Knob is given a later spring opening date than most courses. The crew at the older of Wintergreen's two courses, Devils Knob, begins the transition from golfers to skiers in early fall. ![]() Wintergreen has 37 ski trails and is probably better known for that sport, but the golf is just fine, too. Frequently at places where both golf and skiing are offered one gets the edge over the other in terms of facilities. It's possible to enjoy both sports on the same day during the winter months at Wintergreen.Īnd another thing sets this place apart. Wintergreen also has 45 holes of golf available and, while it's not unusual for resorts to have both ski slopes and golf courses, this one is notably different. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort is a destination for skiers - but it's also quite a bit more than that.
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