Straight from the website - we could not have said it better, "The Greenbrier is an award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. As a National Historic landmark, The Greenbrier Resort's classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape, impeccable service and outstanding amenities have hosted distinguished guests from around the world since 1778." And they were RIGHT! We were amazed and thrilled to walk in the footsteps of the talented and powerful. Historic pictures around the estate denote the "greats" that have visited The Greenbrier. We came for the golf, but enjoyed so much more.
But this is a golf blog, so we'll stick to talking about that! The Greenbrier has three courses to choose from, The Greenbrier, The Meadows and the most famous, The Old White. The Old White TPC is home to The Greenbrier Classic PGA TOUR event, is the oldest course currently used for a PGA TOUR event as well as the only C. B. Macdonald course available to the public! We played, of course, The Old White - and we played The Meadows. Both courses were impeccably landscaped.
To have the honor of playing The Old White there is a "surcharge". Was it worth it? Maybe - to say we played - absolutely! But compared to Pebble Beach - maybe a little more than it should be (thankfully there is a Casino on property that you can try your luck and hopefully re-coup for the extra fee!). We had spectacular weather and enjoyed the round with Tony and Jeff (brothers), accompanied by our Forecaddie Duane. The course was being staged for the July pro tournament, so the rough was pretty darn rough! Each hole was named and had a story to go along with it. The greens were each different, even the speeds! Spectacular views and some amazing houses surround the course, including a view of Nick Faldo's house way high atop a mountain. Liz made the most of her round with plenty of (unfortunately) extra shots - but enjoyed nonetheless. Ending on a Par-3 is always fun - not enough course do that. There is a great photo-op at the bunker of the forward Tee with the Greenbrier logo.
The Meadows was an even more picturesque course and shorter (and easier!) Liz thankfully got back many a shot during this round...oh so close to breaking 100 starting the round with 2 pars in a row! A little more character on this course, the Tee markers were Tom Watson (Tips), Sam Snead (Blue), The Springhouse (White) and a Rhododendron (Red) (side note - the Rhododendron is the West Virginia State Flower and in Greek means "Rose" "Tree" or Romance). Each hole also is named and has a story - be sure to read the Tee Box signs. A 2nd wonderful round at the Greenbrier was had on another beautiful weather day - we were lucky!
If you love Golf, spectacular outdoors, beauty, peace and quiet consider a visit to Greenbrier. It's a special place for special occasions - many an Anniversary was being celebrated as we met the other lovely guests throughout the weekend. So much more to do than golf - Spa, Tennis, Horseback Riding, Art Gallery/Museum, much more - and the famous Bunker that was built in 196s for Congress for fear of a Nuclear attack. A very interesting tour provides a great understanding of the magnitude of thoughtfulness and secrecy that went into its creation.
For more information about this resort visit the Greenbrier website at http://www.greenbreir.com/.