Stumpy Lake Golf Course
Stumpy Lake Golf Course delivers a straightforward public 18-hole layout where natural wetlands and strategic bunkering shape an approachable yet engaging test of golf in Virginia Beach. With recent improvements to greens and an inviting price point, it suits players seeking solid play in an urban setting.
Course Overview
Stumpy Lake Golf Course presents an 18-hole public layout that balances classic design with a setting that challenges golfers without overwhelming them. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this course offers a mature landscape that feels both inviting and natural, shaped by gentle elevations and water features woven throughout its layout. While not a pristine or resort-style destination, Stumpy Lake emphasizes accessibility and affordability, making it a practical choice for local players and visitors seeking a traditional golf experience in an urban environment.
The course’s design reflects strategic play more than forced heroics. Wide fairways provide ample room off the tee, but many holes are guarded by well-placed bunkers and water hazards that demand thoughtful shot placement. Greens vary in size and contour, testing approach shots and short-game touch without intimidation. Players will find the course approaches manageable, with a layout that encourages steady scoring over flamboyant risk-taking. This quality makes Stumpy Lake approachable for golfers across skill levels, though it particularly rewards those willing to work on course management.
The surrounding scenery is a patchwork of mature trees and wetlands, lending a quiet backdrop that contrasts with the nearby city’s pace. Persistent winds can enter the equation, subtly influencing club selection and shot shaping. Amenities include a driving range and practice facilities that support warm-ups and skill development, though the course’s maintenance has fluctuated over time. Recent efforts by the grounds crew have noticeably improved the playing surfaces, especially the greens, enhancing the overall enjoyment and pace of play.
Visitors should expect a straightforward, no-frills clubhouse and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. With an affordable green fee structure, Stumpy Lake remains a go-to for golfers aiming for a solid round without premium pricing or exclusivity. Players considering a visit should prepare for walking conditions typical of a municipal course, with some areas less manicured than private clubs, and should bring appropriate footwear and patience during busier times.
Ultimately, Stumpy Lake Golf Course offers a reliable and honest golfing venue where the challenge comes from navigating natural elements and the course’s subtle intricacies rather than artificial flair. This is a place to fine-tune fundamentals, enjoy a social round, or experience everyday golf in Virginia’s coastal region.
Course Highlights
Stumpy Lake incorporates wetlands and gentle elevation changes that introduce water hazards on multiple holes, demanding careful placement off the tee and precise approaches. The driving range and practice green offer useful amenities for warm-up and skill refinement. The course is praised for its strategic bunkering that protects many greens and influences shot selection, while recent maintenance efforts have begun to restore finer playing conditions throughout the layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Kyle Holliday
I've played this course for over 25 years and it's sad what it has become. Stumpy Lake was never the "pristine" golf course, but it was affordable and in good shape in the early 2000's. Today it just seems completely unkept. A Robert Trent Jones design shouldn't be treated as such. If Stumpy Lake's course conditions looked like Riverfront, I'd easily pay $90+ to play here because the architecture of this course is beautiful, but it really needs an overhaul. Some greens were actually decent, but overall 3.5/5 for me. EDIT; I played today 7/5/24 and I have to say They have really turned this course around. This is probably the best condition I have seen stumpy lake in the last decade. Us golfers appreciate the greenskeepers thank you for keeping the course nice and playable. 4.2/5
Steve Hamm
Great course for the money! Nice driving range
MJ
Pacer play was ridiculous 5 hours to play 18 holes 3 hours on a front nine because you have people that should not be on a golf course they have no rangers and nobody repairs the greens from the ballmarks
Gregory Holmes
Non existent tee boxes, unkept greens especially on the front 9, I am from New England and came down to visit my cousin. He suggested this course. But said it was a good layout but in terrible condition it compared to one of the worst courses we back home but it would cost us 25 dollars less to play at thT course. I feel like I paid to much for such crappy conditions. I will never golf here again not worth the money I did pay. Even one of the people who ok worked there said the same thing .
Joseph Mcdougall
Now this is a place that knows how to space tee times.
Gary Brittingham
You won't improve your amateur score here. Not much grass under your club. Just pick it up, move it to where the grass is, play from there. You're NOT a pro. Be happy.
Donovan Kesler
Played on a Saturday with a 8:30 tee time so I did not expect a quick round but it took almost 6 hours. When we made the turn there were people waiting for carts to be returned. That means they don't have enough carts or they are overbooking. The first 3-4 holes the greens were in pretty bad shape. Plenty of bare spots. It has been very hot recently but other courses do not have this issue. They did have a beverage cart so that was the plus on the day.
Gregory Holmes
Non existent tee boxes, unkept greens especially on the front 9, I am from New England and came down to visit my cousin. He suggested this course. But said it was a good layout but in terrible condition it compared to one of the worst courses we back home but it would cost us 25 dollars less to play at thT course. I feel like I paid to much for such crappy conditions. I will never golf here again not worth the money I did pay. Even one of the people who ok worked there said the same thing .
Andrew Malkoski
Donovan Kesler
Played on a Saturday with a 8:30 tee time so I did not expect a quick round but it took almost 6 hours. When we made the turn there were people waiting for carts to be returned. That means they don't have enough carts or they are overbooking. The first 3-4 holes the greens were in pretty bad shape. Plenty of bare spots. It has been very hot recently but other courses do not have this issue. They did have a beverage cart so that was the plus on the day.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4797 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Stumpy Lake Golf Course Clubhouse
Walking permitted and common; course terrain is generally flat, though shoes with good traction are advised due to occasional wetland areas
Open to public daily; tee times recommended during weekends
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