Pendleton Golf Club
Pendleton Golf Club provides a links-inspired 18-hole challenge set within Virginia’s rolling countryside. Its mix of wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and subtly complex greens offers a test suited to a range of skill levels, making it a compelling stop for golfers traveling through Central Virginia.
Course Overview
Pendleton Golf Club in Ruther Glen, Virginia, offers a distinctive 18-hole experience that challenges and rewards golfers with a compelling layout reminiscent of traditional links-style courses. This public facility, easily accessible just off Route 1, unfolds across gently rolling terrain, where wide fairways blend with layered bunkers and well-guarded greens that test both precision and strategy.
The course stretches over approximately 6,700 yards with a par of 72, demanding thoughtful shot selection and course management. Pendleton balances its design to suit a broad range of players — from those seeking a spirited test of their skills to those looking for a friendly, walkable round. Though the layout channels a links-like feel, its setting ties closely to the Virginia countryside, featuring open vistas and natural wind patterns that subtly influence play.
Fairways invite tactical positioning rather than brute force, while the putting surfaces present subtle breaks and consistent speed that reward careful reading. The rough, notably thick in places, adds an element of risk for off-target drives, especially during the fall. Sand traps are maintained with clear edges and soft sand, guarding scoring opportunities without overwhelming the course’s flow.
The practice facilities at Pendleton include a grass driving range and putting green, ideal for warming up before stepping onto the first tee. While the clubhouse hosts a grill area, golfers should plan accordingly as dining options are modest and there is no full-service restaurant on site. Carts are available, though walking remains a popular option for those prepared for some longer stretches between holes.
Visitors frequently comment on the course’s blend of challenge and enjoyment, noting its fair yet intriguing design. Seasonally, landscaping and ongoing maintenance efforts can impact certain holes, so checking course conditions ahead of a visit is recommended. Pendleton is suitable for weekend golfers and road-trippers alike, offering a memorable golf outing within Virginia’s Central region.
Whether aiming for a personal best or simply appreciating a course that demands thoughtful play, Pendleton Golf Club presents an engaging round framed by open skies and an approachable yet testing layout.
Course Highlights
The course’s links-style influences come through in its strategic bunkering, expansive putting surfaces, and the natural wind that subtly shifts play conditions throughout the day. The second and seventeenth holes are often noted for their demanding approach shots framed by well-positioned hazards. Maintenance efforts keep sand traps crisp, and the sizable greens provide a rewarding challenge to those who master their contours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Tony T
My group of 16 players enjoyed our single round of golf mid May 2025. The course was in very good shape. The staff was friendly breakfast at the clubhouse was delicious.
Amy Nelson
We had a really great time playing this course. It was conveniently located off 95 and perfect for our road trip. The greens were in great shape and the course was well maintained with plush fairways and tricky greens. We will definitely play here again on our next time passing through!
Vince M.
Good practice area, grass range. Big greens, slow (but it was hot). Place doesn't do water well so be sure there hasn't been any rain the week before. Charged $95 and two of the holes were mat only (turned par 4 into a 3). Most fairways are toast and under repair and many greens were under repair and they were still charging full rate without mentioning it when I booked. Also no restaurant only a grill. When we went in to drink beers after, the beer was warm and they don't give out the Wi-Fi. Kinda like they don't want you there.
Antonio Cerón
Jon Wyatt
Without a doubt, best Course in the area
Stephan Picard
What a diamond hiding in the rough. A super interesting course. It's like the 3 bears. Not too soft, not too hard. Just right. I really enjoyed the layout. Fairways were invited obstacles well placed. Very nice
Average Joe
Very challenging beautiful course off of Route 1. Just a lot of Housing Development going on at the time I went. The course itself plays like a Links Course. Put the ball in the middle of the Fairway and more often than not you have a challenging lie to contend with. On my visit, even after it rained, the greens are extremely slippery. The rough in the fall was thick and the ball had a tendency to nestledown making it also challenging. The greens were amazing safety boxes were for the most part very good. I wouldn't call this a walkable course there are some large distances between two boxes on some holes. Sand traps World nicely maintained and they had newer Yamaha golf carts. I don't believe they have a beverage cart out there so you may want to stock up in the clubhouse before heading out. They have a nice range where you can hit off grass or mat. You could not take golf carts into the parking lot so you might want to consider dropping your bag off prior to parking. I played on a weekday and it was $55 a person.
Vince M.
Good practice area, grass range. Big greens, slow (but it was hot). Place doesn't do water well so be sure there hasn't been any rain the week before. Charged $95 and two of the holes were mat only (turned par 4 into a 3). Most fairways are toast and under repair and many greens were under repair and they were still charging full rate without mentioning it when I booked. Also no restaurant only a grill. When we went in to drink beers after, the beer was warm and they don't give out the Wi-Fi. Kinda like they don't want you there.
Nathan Eskin
Some of the negative 1 star reviews are absurd. This is a local gem. Greens are phenomenal. They are constantly working on maintaining and improving conditions. One reviewer complained, among other things, about greens being aerated. Um, every decent golf course aerates. Another complained that they were scolded for playing as a group of 7! Ty pendleton for marshalling that group! Staff is friendly. A bad experience here or there shouldn't lead to hateful 1 star reviews. Keep on rockin Pendleton!
Ediesel88 3450
Beautiful course, even on a day after heavy rain and storms. Great conditions, great staff, absolute 10/10
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Course Details
Access & Location
6383 Declaration Dr, Ruther Glen, VA 22546, USA
Pendleton Golf Club Clubhouse featuring a grill and pro shop
Walking permitted and encouraged; some holes cover longer distances between tees, so comfortable footwear is advised.
Open to the public with no reservations required; tee times recommended during peak periods.
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