Shenvalee Golf Resort - Miller/Olde

Sure, there are times when we all want to be playing a course that reminds us of the ones we see the pros playing on TV. But most of the time we only have the money and time to play whatever’s around or maybe we have a fancy course lined up to play and want to get some practice reps in on a course we don’t mind beating up.

That’s the best way to think of Shenvalee Golf Resort. It’s an OK course for a good price that’s just the thing to scratch the golf itch. With three 9-hole courses to choose from and plenty of rock-bottom Hot Deals on GolfNow, Shenvalee caters to the budget golfer who’s not picky about buttery smooth putts or immaculately maintained and sculpted landscapes. Just give’em a tee box, a fairway, a couple bunkers, a green, and sprinkle in the occasional elevation change or water hazard.

Overall, this is a pretty easy course with wide fairways, flat, medium-speed greens, and shallow bunkers. The layout varies quite a bit based on which course you play but the favorite seems to be the Miller course (if not for the variety in the layout itself, then certainly for the majestic views of the Massanutten Range nearby). The only other nine I’ve played is the Olde 9 and its layout leaves a bit to be desired so the Miller 9 is a refreshing change.

Course conditions aren’t impressive until you look at your receipt, then you’ll decide they are pretty good. The bunkers are nicely ranked with a good bit of sand in them. The greens, while lacking undulation or any real shape at all are at least well cared for minus the ball marks and scuffs from heavy use. All grasses are native and mostly lush and even. You can wash your golf ball in the typical washers located by the tee boxes but also, unexpectedly, in the bottom of a few cups.

Pace of play here is good, I bypassed two groups and finished 18 holes in 2.5 hours. The staff is friendly and I’ve heard good things about the food, which is also pretty cheap. The other off-course amenities are fairly basic; they aren’t going to wow you more than any other aspect of the course, but again, that’s not really the point.

The point of this course is to provide you an outlet to get your golf fix on and not stress about the money you’ve forked over for 4 hours of entertainment, because you haven’t really spent that much. I paid the rack rate of $26, and while I wouldn’t pay much more than that for this course, I know most of the time I can pay quite a bit less.

Golf course and greens are beautiful and excellent condition this early in the year.

Course is overall good shape for early in the year with work being done on some tee boxes. Overall recommend, but could be a better value this time of year vs 40 with cart. Thankfully I had reward points.

I play the Shen 10 or 12 times a year. Never fails to satisfy. Always in good shape, fun, playable, no stress golf. Miller Grille is great, wings are awesome. The hotel is clean and comfortable and the pool comes in handy after a long day of golf. Book a weekend and enjoy.

I'm from the DMV area, so this is my first time out here.
Green was fast and it was amazing. It's on par with greens from 5 star courses in Williamsburg. In terms of green, it is better than Potomac Shores, Stone Wall, Blue Mash, Laurel Hills, Twin Lakes, etc.
The course layout and length is similar to Penderbrook in VA. Probably slightly better. Its not like East Potomac in DC, its much better than that. Its just not as good as some of the high-end courses mentioned above. Blue Ridge Shadows is not too far from but its a much better course, but the prices reflect that. The green here is probably better than blue ridege

Staff is helpful and a beautiful setting for the course.

Greens were challenging. Ball rolls right off and down a hill.

First time playing at this course. Greens are very well kept and can be quick. Will definitely go back.