Almost Heaven, West Virginia
The two years between playing Pikewood National Golf Club and writing this have only enhanced my appreciation for the course. Of all the courses we've played so far, Pikewood stands out as the one I am most eager to revisit.
Our adventure began with Pikewood as the first part of a two-course weekend, with Pete Dye scheduled for the following day. Taylor and I set out for an early morning drive from DC, weaving along the Potomac River to the western edge of Maryland before heading south into West Virginia. The journey into the Appalachian Mountains was a scenic ascent, setting the tone for the day ahead.
Pikewood’s charm lies in its secluded location, nestled far from any major cities. With only 50 local members, the course is designed to accommodate just a few groups each day. This exclusivity was evident upon our arrival at the quaint clubhouse, featuring an intimate 8-seat bar. On the day we played, it comfortably hosted the two groups scheduled to play, along with the course’s owners and designers, John Raese and Bob Gwynne. Their presence added a touch of personal history and pride to the experience.
The true value of Pikewood, however, is said to lie beneath the surface. Built atop a limestone mountain, the course might one day be sacrificed to mine the valuable ore below. This underlying story adds a layer of intrigue and a sense of fleeting beauty to the course.
Pikewood is often cited as one of the most challenging courses in the country. With only two sets of tees, golfers must tackle the full length and difficulty of the course. The routing maximizes the natural beauty and topography of the land. The first hole, an uphill dogleg left, provides a gentle introduction before the course reveals its true character.
The second hole offers expansive sightlines stretching into Maryland, beginning a three-hole descent into a picturesque valley. This descent culminates at the fourth hole, which drops over 100 feet and is the first of Pikewood’s four top 100 golf holes in America, as ranked by Golf Digest. The remainder of the front nine climbs back up to the clubhouse, with the standout 8th hole waiting to challenge golfers.
Named “Audacity” after a visitor questioned the boldness of its design, the 8th hole is a par-5 crescent that curls around a chasm. I learned firsthand that even if your ball ends up in the chasm, a par is still possible, adding a thrilling element to the round.
One of the unique highlights of Pikewood is the culinary delight at the turn. When the caddies recommend the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you listen. This isn’t your average PB&J – it’s a grilled, golden, gooey masterpiece that rivals any specialty food item I've encountered at other clubs.
The back nine continues the trend of exceptional holes, including two consecutive ones ranked among the top 100. The 11th hole winds down the mountain through a narrow chute, presenting a long, demanding challenge. Following this, the 12th hole is a par-3 redan perched on a cliff, offering both beauty and difficulty.
Other notable holes on the back nine include the par-3 14th, a relatively short hole over yet another ravine, and the par-5 15th, which descends a hill before rising to an elevated green. The 17th hole is a downhill par-4 with a daunting approach shot over water, while the 18th climbs back up towards the clubhouse, providing a fitting conclusion to our 19th Quest round.
Pikewood’s blend of natural beauty, challenging design, and unique experiences makes it a course that stays with you long after the final putt. Each hole tells a story, and every round feels like a journey through the Appalachian wilderness. Pikewood is not just a round of golf, but an unforgettable adventure.
