Cypress Point Country Club

Who doesn’t wish that Cypress Point was a facility accessible to the general public? It’s unlikely that the West Coast variant of the name will be opening its gates to the masses anytime soon, however those on the East Coast — Virginia Beach to be exact — can get a tee time at this semi-private course designed by Tom Clark.

This Cypress Point plays to a similar yardage as the Alister MacKenzie version, tipping out a little more than 6,500 yards. The holes’ defenses come thanks to the tightness of the fairways, which work their way in between residences on a peninsular property that heads toward Lake Smith.

As for the last-minute fireworks that can be found at Cypress Point West? Clark makes a go for it with his own No. 16 and 17 holes. The former is a short par four (just 317 yards) that wraps around a watery dogleg, beckoning big hitters to try the fade (but not too much fade). The No. 17 par three requires a carry over the lake. Although there won’t be waves crashing onto the bulkheads at this short hole, you’ll be assured that at least you’ll have the chance to try this one again if you’re not happy with your first attempt.