News Summary
Oglebay Golf Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, combines affordability with quality, offering three distinctive courses designed to appeal to all golfers. The resort features the historic Crispin, the challenging Klieves, and the Arnold Palmer-designed Palmer course, catering to various skill levels. With greens that present unique challenges and accessible pricing starting at $32 for 18 holes, Oglebay is a popular destination for regional visitors. Adding to the experience, the resort provides a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for families and golf enthusiasts alike.
Wheeling, West Virginia—Affordable, Championship-Level Golfing at Oglebay Resort
The Oglebay Golf Resort, situated within the city park system of Wheeling, West Virginia, offers a unique opportunity for golfers seeking a combination of quality and affordability. With access to three distinct golf courses, the resort provides a comprehensive showcase of American golf course design spanning nearly nine decades, making it a notable destination for both casual and serious golfers.
Overview of the Golf Courses
The resort’s three courses—Crispin, Klieves, and the Palmer—each bring a different historical and design perspective to the golfing experience:
- Crispin Course: Designed by Robert Biery and completed in 1930, this course measures 5,670 yards. It features the natural topography of West Virginia’s hillside with severe slopes and uneven lies. The greens are particularly large, sloped, and slower-paced, presenting a distinctive challenge that reflects early 20th-century course design.
- Klieves Course: Recognized for its challenging layout, details about the specific yardage are not provided, but the course is known for requiring strategic play and precision, appealing to experienced golfers.
- Palmer Course: A modern addition completed in 2000, this 6,800-yard, par-71 course was designed by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. It emphasizes broad fairways and mildly undulating greens. Its focus is on providing a fun and well-maintained golf experience suitable for a broad range of skill levels.
Notable Design and Scenic Features
The Jones Course, crafted by renowned designer Robert Trent Jones, stands out among the resort’s offerings. Covering 7,004 yards with a par-72, it has a rating of 75.1 and a slope of 141 from the back tees. Known for its scenic beauty, the Jones Course presents distinctive holes, including a 193-yard par-3 and a 511-yard par-5, challenging golfers to navigate both natural scenery and strategic hazards.
Accessibility and Cost
Oglebay Golf Resort is known for its affordability, with prices starting as low as $32 for 18 holes on weekends. This accessible pricing makes it an attractive destination for regional visitors seeking quality golf without high costs. The resort is roughly an hour from Pittsburgh, drawing many visitors from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Additional Activities and Facilities
Beyond golf, Oglebay offers a variety of outdoor and leisure activities, including other outdoor sports, a spa, and a Glass Museum. These amenities provide visitors with a comprehensive recreational experience, whether they are avid golfers or family vacationers.
History and Community Engagement
The resort has been a fixture in the local community since hosting the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) high school golf state tournament annually since 2002. The tournament’s scheduled continuation through 2028 underscores Oglebay’s importance as a regional golf hub.
Concerns Over Course Difficulty
Despite its reputation for affordability and scenic courses, some high-profile golf coaches have raised concerns regarding the challenge level of the Jones Course, particularly criticizing the greens’ difficulty for high school players. Nonetheless, the mix of traditional and modern course designs signifies that classic golf destinations like Oglebay continue to attract golfers seeking both history and quality play as the sport evolves.
Overall, Oglebay Golf Resort exemplifies a compelling blend of historic course design, affordable rates, and scenic beauty. Its diverse courses and amenities highlight its ongoing relevance as a premier golf destination in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- GolfWRX: The History of Course Design at Oglebay
- WVGazetteMail: Oglebay to Retain State Tournament
- WorldAtlas: 11 Best Golf Courses in West Virginia
- First Call Golf: Danny Ackerman
- Golf Course Industry: Oglebay and Billy Casper
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: West Virginia Golf History
- Google Scholar: Golf Course Design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Oglebay Golf Resort
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
