Salamander Resort & Spa

Played Creighton Farms yesterday in an outside event. This Jack Nicklaus signature course, set in Virginia horse country was a bit more severe than others I have played. The course has a significant amount of elevation change and a number of blind tee shots. There wan't any indication as to the hazards (of lack of) over the horizon and the map on the scorecard was in black and white and didn't call out the hazards too well. This is a private course so my impression is that you play this golf course way better the more you play it because these hazards are not much of a surprise. I think you'd also really benefit from the use of a caddy or a detailed yardage book. From a layout perspective, I much preferred the back nine because the course was much more out in front of you.

The condition of the course was fantastic and the surrounding country club amenities (clubhouse, locker room, pool, tennis) were top notch. I'd definitely like another crack at it in the future.

As someone who has played a particular Jack Nicklaus course (Pawleys Plantation in South Carolina) more than any other course, I am always eager to see a new Nicklaus layout. Creighton Farms shot straight to the #2 spot, just behind the super-private Mayacama in Santa Rosa, California.

It's a definite example of lush, big pre-Recession golf, but the course is nevertheless good fun to play, strengthened by a somewhat uncharacteristically diverse set of greens. There is a lot of both subtle and overt undulation, with plenty of chances to use slopes to move the ball close to the hole. Which is a relief, because the course plays fairly long and bunkers and rough can punish off-line shots big-time. Creighton Farms is private, but staying at the nearby Salamander Resort & Spa can get you access.

This very private Nicklaus Signature Design in Aldie is maintained to a level that would make you think no one plays there. That would probably be pretty accurate. A very small membership allows for a massive maintenance budget to keep the course in premium condition.

Thankfully, approximately once a month (in Summer months) the club opens to the public for an outing. I'd say that is when most folks get to play the course.

The driving range is perfect and all grass. The course itself rolls across former farm / horse pasture and offers a nice variety of holes. Some spots could use fewer trees and the course requires some local knowledge in places to score well (hence where being a member or playing with one helps).

Also, impossible not to mention/notice the houses along the course. Many of which are larger than the clubhouse. Probably some of the biggest in LoCo - or anywhere.

This is a private course but they had a resident appreciation day and allowed non-members to play. The course is in amazing shape. Challenging holes but nothing tricky. Good practice facility and great staff.

Enjoyed the day.

I have played this course twice and it's awesome. Driving range and short game area is nice and the clubhouse is pretty sweet. This course opens up to Fire and Police once a year for a discounted rate. Highly recommend to play this course if you have a chance to get on. This course is long and the greens will wear you out.

A "Jack Nicklaus Signature Course" that boasts wide and rolling fairways and that is very challenging. A great variety of holes. Many bunkers and a number of wetlands can wreck havoc on your scorecard. A great overall experience with state-of-the art facilities. Just a treat to play.

picturesque hole after hole, great Jack Nicklaus design