Ballyhack Golf Club

Roanoke, VA, United States • Private

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Jon Cavalier

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Jon Cavalier

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Jon Cavalier

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Jon Cavalier

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Jon Cavalier

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Jon Cavalier

Overview

After architect Lester George completed his design of No. 66 Kinloch, with its dual fairways, optional routes and triple-fairway ninth, he relished the opportunity to do it again on a site that might give him even more flexibility. He got that chance in hills outside Roanoke, and his Ballyhack design is Kinloch on steroids, with vast landing areas, joined fairways, center bunkers, double greens and a plethora of choices off the tees and into the greens. Call Ballyhack a pluperfect blend of challenging shots, rugged terrain and nasty native roughs, The Ballybunion of southern Virginia.

About

Holes 18

Length 7294

Slope 155

Facility Type Private

Year Opened 2009

Designer Lester George

Awards

Ranking history:

Second 100 Greatest:
2023-'24 ranking: 191st.

Best in State: Ranked fifth, 2023-'24.

Panelists

Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists

4.5

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot Options

7.2574

Character

7.0864

Challenge

7.5313

Layout Variety

7.3319

Fun

6.8865

Aesthetics

7.1316

Conditioning

7.2662

Reviews

1 / 10

Review

“Ballyhack is a very exposed and wide open golf course with a fabulous use of bunker placement and thick rough. For the most part, you can hit the ball in a lot of different places off the tee on the front nine and still have decent shots to the green, but there are definitely some riskier plays that could pay off in very short approach shots, if well executed. The back nine requires a bit more precision off the tee. The use of rugged terrain, elevation, double greens, and split fairways (or bunkers in the fairway) keep you excited throughout the round. Always a tough test!"

2023

2 / 10

Review

“A fun golf course featuring wide fairways, undulating greens and well-placed bunkers with background views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course offers 6 sets of tees ranging from 5,200 yards to 7,300 yards. The course is well manicured. The course designed by Lester George opened in 2009 and a great golf experience."

2023

3 / 10

Review

“Built across unrestrained land with bold features, Ballyhack features classic design elements and tremendous shot variety. A wonderful routing takes full advantage of a property that can be windier than a corn-fed cow. The smart player can find plenty of width and myriad options around the greens, but only after overcoming some of the most visually spectacular - and intimidating - views in mountain golf. The Goat Trak par three course makes for a great finish to a day of bold, bouncy golf."

2023

4 / 10

Review

“BIG in everyway in land forms and greens. Many will say it is too hard. Interesting greens but some pins are just inaccessible. May not be fair on many of the greens even if they are interesting. Conditions are excellent and firm and fast."

2022

5 / 10

Review

“A unique course that keeps you anticipating the next shot and the next hole. Green complexes add to the excitement. Accessible yet secluded."

2022

6 / 10

Review

“So much strategy on most holes. Some pin placements could ruin your day! Fantastic layout and in the wind, is extremely challenging."

2022

7 / 10

Review

“Course has quite a few really good holes but also has some very strange holes which look as if they were sort of forced into the location. First hole straight up a very steep hill does not make for a friendly opening hole and there was a par 5 which it turns out you are better off hitting a mid iron off the tee."

2022

8 / 10

Review

“This course is hilly with great views. Many of the holes have multiple shot options. The greens have lots of slope but are fair so you can make some putts."

2021

9 / 10