Lake Chesdin

Lake Chesdin is a lengthy body of water south of Richmond, and the Lake Chesdin Golf Club is a public access facility available to visitors in the region. The course stretches to just less than 7,000 yards, however it has plenty of room to wander.

Although the course was completed by Barton Tuck and Ault Clark to accompany a real estate development, homeowners are kept safe from golfers (and vice versa) at most points by a layer of forest. The result is a rather isolated experience, free from the distractions of golfers on other fairways.

Lake Chesdin itself does not come into play (players may not realize just how near they come to it during hole Nos. 11 and 12) but the architects occasionally use smaller irrigation ponds to serve as forced carries for players on the par threes at nos. 4 and 12. Otherwise, the goal was to create a rather playable experience, with bunkers positioned only to create strategic hazards for those who wish to confront them.

Although the course is open to the general public, unfortunately the pool remains closed for members...you’ll need to soak your head elsewhere after a poor round.