By Stephen Smoot
This week’s “Tee It Up” article focuses on Bel Meadow Golf Blub. Located in Mount Clare, this 18 hole championship tract has a long standing reputation of being one of the “must play” stops in the Mountain State. A former host of the West Virginia Open, Bel Meadow carries a great deal of notoriety. There are four tees with the tips playing 6,938 yards.
The front nine is slightly longer than the back side and it has “Big Daddy,” a 606 yard par five in the sixth hole. The front may be longer, but the back is harder with three of the top five handicap holes.Number ten is a par five that crosses water en route to an elevated green and is the fifth most difficult hole. Number 13 is a straightforward par five that is third in difficulty. Number 17 is a par four that doglegs over water. It is the classic example of risk versus reward. You can take an aggressive line, cutting the corner and leaving a shorter approach to the green.
That water hazard, along with others, comes into play on a dozen holes. Punishing rough, mature trees, and deep bunkers bring the level of difficulty to an extremely staggering pinnacle. The bunkers are some of the best in West Virginia. They are well-placed, deep, and they own huge lips that make quality exits from them few and far between.
A friendly and helpful staff make your pre and post round events top shelf. The 19th hole provides the perfect venue to recap your round.
It’s a fantastic day every day at the Bel Meadow Golf Course.