Stumpy Lake Golf Course
Stumpy Lake Golf Course presents a classic 18-hole Robert Trent Jones layout that blends strategic design with approachable play. Set by tranquil water features and gentle woodlands, this public course offers a practical yet rewarding golfing experience for a wide range of players.
Course Overview
Stumpy Lake Golf Course offers an 18-hole public layout that challenges players with its classic Robert Trent Jones design amid a natural Virginia Beach landscape. This course stands apart for its approachable yet strategic play, catering to golfers of varied skill levels. The layout guides you through gently rolling terrain marked by mature trees and water hazards that demand thoughtful shot placement rather than raw power. While the course has faced maintenance challenges in recent years, ongoing improvements have enhanced the playability, especially visible in the greener conditions observed during the summer months.
The fairways, though often narrow, reward precision and course management, while the bentgrass greens present subtle undulations that test putting skills without overwhelming less experienced players. Stumpy Lake’s signature holes emerge where water comes into play, requiring careful club selection to navigate ponds that guard key landing areas. The setting provides a modest yet refreshing escape from the urban sprawl, enhanced by occasional wildlife sightings around the lake and woodlands that frame the course.
Players will find the course length manageable, making it a practical choice for those seeking a solid round without excessive yardage. The general terrain keeps walking feasible, though the course’s soft conditions after recent rains mean appropriate footwear is advisable. Amenities on site include a driving range that supports warm-ups and practice sessions, alongside a welcoming clubhouse that provides essential services.
Despite periodic critiques on course conditions, Stumpy Lake’s accessibility and layout consistency hold appeal for both casual golfers and those seeking to sharpen their short game. The course offers a straightforward test without sacrificing character, making it well-suited for local residents and visitors aiming to enjoy golf in a relaxed, water-accented setting. For players planning a visit, mornings or late afternoons typically provide optimal pace of play and course conditions.
In sum, Stumpy Lake Golf Course invites golfers into a quiet, thoughtfully designed environment where strategy and shot-making take center stage. It remains an important golfing option in Virginia Beach for those valuing classic design and unpretentious challenges.
Course Highlights
The course highlights include several holes featuring pond hazards that require careful navigation, alongside mature tree-lined fairways that enforce strategic shot shaping. The bentgrass greens present subtle breaks rewarding precise putting. The course’s design balances challenge and fairness, making it accessible yet engaging. Recent maintenance efforts have improved turf conditions and overall playability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Steve Hamm
Great course for the money! Nice driving range
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 .
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.
Joseph Mcdougall
Now this is a place that knows how to space tee times.
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
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 .
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
Andrew Malkoski
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Course Details
Access & Location
4797 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Stumpy Lake Golf Clubhouse offers a pro shop and snack bar for convenience before and after rounds.
Walking is allowed; players should wear soft spikes and be prepared for some uneven surfaces after rain.
Open to the public; no prior reservation required but recommended during weekends.
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