8.75

Ballyhack Golf Club

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
2009
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Gas
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
11.5
City
Roanoke

Score

8.75
Design
40%
9.0
Conditions
25%
9.2
Desirability
15%
8.0
Scenery
10%
8.8
Fun
5%
7.6
Uniqueness
5%
8.1

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 146

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 11.5

7
15

Walkability Hard

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

A family of African Boer goats live near the 14th green, serving as natural grass trimmers and a curious fixture for visiting golfers.

About

Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Virginia is a private, destination club designed by Lester George. Recognized for its dramatic elevation changes, 150-yard wide fairways, and rugged bunkering, Ballyhack provides a firm and fast playing experience. Part of the Dormie Network, it’s known for architectural variety and scenic mountain views.

Caddie Tip

Ballyhack rewards strategic play. Avoid short-siding yourself around the massive greens, and always check the pin sheet — many putting surfaces, especially on the 18th, have multiple tiers. Mind the wind on approach shots, and remember that the fast, firm turf invites ground-game options from off the fairway.

The Main Challenge

Ballyhack’s defense comes from massive greens, deep bunkers, and frequent elevation changes that test every club in the bag. Navigating the slopes and reading the greens are crucial, as is adjusting to the firm and fast playing surfaces. The finishing stretch is especially demanding with long carries and strategic hazards.

The Good

Golfers rave about the bold architecture, huge fairways, and wild green complexes that create a pure shot-maker’s paradise. The mountain views complement a layout where every hole asks for strategy, risk-reward thinking, and creative recovery shots, guaranteeing a memorable and engaging round every time.

The Not So Good

Some uphill holes are viewed as too severe for walking, and the gas-powered carts can be loud on the hilly terrain. A few golfers would like additional walking paths or more gradual routing to balance out the dramatic elevation changes and increase walkability for traditionalists.

Signature Hole:

#

15

The 15th hole at Ballyhack Golf Club is a stunning par-5 dogleg right that plays shorter than its yardage due to a dramatic elevation drop of over 100 feet. This hole offers multiple strategic routes off the tee, with the prevailing wind often dictating club selection. The approach demands precision to navigate carved bunkers and rugged terrain surrounding a challenging green complex. As a true test of shot-making and course management, the 15th perfectly captures Ballyhack's rugged beauty and strategic depth, making it a favorite and defining hole on the course. Take your par and run if the pin is tucked, this green easily punishes wayward shots.

Clubhouse

No items found.

A full-service clubhouse under Dormie Network management offers upscale dining, locker rooms, and a golf shop. Guest accommodations and member lounges are available. Service is attentive, and members enjoy an inviting atmosphere for relaxation, events, and post-round camaraderie.

Practice Facilities

No items found.

The club offers a comprehensive practice area with a large grass range, multiple target greens, short game practice areas, and contoured putting greens that reflect the on-course conditions. Instruction is available for members, and facilities are maintained to match the course’s tour-level standards.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Virginia
U.S.A.