ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
The entire course was hand-built by its founders, who were not professional architects, and Pikewood is often ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the United States despite this unconventional background.
About
Pikewood National Golf Club is an ultra-private, walking-only course set atop a West Virginia mesa, designed by J. Robert Gwynne and John Raese with input from Dow Finsterwald and Johnny Pott. Surrounded by mountain scenery and hardwood forests, it features dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, and a highly strategic layout intended for serious golfers.
Caddie Tip
Pikewood National demands careful club selection and precise play with its frequent elevation changes and firm, fast greens. Local caddies frequently advise players to play for the safer side of fairways and to always account for the significant wind and terrain when judging approach shots—especially on long par 4s and 5s. Expect challenging walks between holes; manage your energy.
The Main Challenge
The layout rewards accuracy and course management with narrow fairways framed by deep woods, sloping greens, and bold bunkering. Several holes require forced carries over ravines with severe penalties for wayward shots. Fast undulating greens and frequent elevation changes mean you’ll need to hit every shot in your bag to score well.
The Good
Golfers rave most about the tranquil mountain setting, seclusion, and the purity of the walking-only experience. Each hole plays through mature forest and over dramatic terrain, resulting in a golfing journey with almost no visual distractions—just nature and world-class golf architecture. The course is consistently praised for its immaculate conditioning and careful detail.
The Not So Good
The primary criticism is that the extreme elevation changes, forced carries, and challenging walks between holes make the course physically demanding, which can diminish enjoyment for some groups. Some guests also cite limited practice range size and lack of on-site overnight accommodations as drawbacks for a club of this caliber.
Signature Hole:
#
18
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Clubhouse
The rustic mountaintop clubhouse offers classic locker rooms, lounge areas, a pro shop, and food service, with a cozy atmosphere and panoramic views. The ambiance is refined but understated, matching the club’s focus on golf over formality. Expect attentive service and privacy, but no spa or extensive non-golf amenities.
Practice Facilities
There is a comprehensive practice facility, including a full-length driving range with mountain views, short game area, and putting green. The facilities are well maintained but designed for walking access. You can expect peaceful practice time in a quiet setting, though overall size and amenities are more modest than at top resort properties.
Dress Code:
Strict
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.
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