The Waterfront Country Club

The Waterfront Country Club is the crown jewel of golf at Smith Mountain Lake, and arguably one of the finest private golf experiences in Central Virginia. Designed by George Dillon to PGA Championship specifications, the course stretches a full 7,000 yards across the rolling hills and hardwood forests of The Waterfront community, delivering a round of golf that challenges serious players while rewarding everyone with views that make you forget the scorecard.

What Makes The Waterfront Country Club Special

This is not a course that was squeezed into a residential development as an afterthought. The Waterfront's layout was designed with the golf experience as the primary consideration, and it shows in every fairway, every green, and every strategically placed bunker. The course plays through dramatic elevation changes that take advantage of the natural terrain, with several holes offering sweeping views of Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond.

The 22,000-square-foot clubhouse matches the caliber of the course. Inside, you will find a full-service dining room, the 19th Hole lounge, a well-stocked pro shop, and event spaces that host everything from member tournaments to private celebrations. The staff here operates at a level of professionalism that members of country clubs in much larger markets would recognize and appreciate.

What to Expect When You Visit

Playing The Waterfront is a full experience, not just 18 holes. From the practice range to the first tee to the post-round drink at the 19th Hole, every touchpoint is polished. The course is maintained to tournament-level standards, with greens that run true and fairways that are consistently manicured throughout the season.

The routing takes you through a variety of landscapes: open meadows, tight wooded corridors, and holes where the lake shimmers in the distance. The par-3s are particularly memorable, with several requiring precision shots over water or across ravines. The par-5s reward strategic thinking over raw power.

Cart paths are well-maintained, signage is clear, and the pace of play is managed thoughtfully by the pro shop staff. You will not feel rushed, but you also will not spend five hours waiting on every tee box.

Insider Tips

Tee times in the early morning offer the best conditions: cooler temperatures, dewy greens that hold approach shots, and the most dramatic light on the mountain views. By mid-morning in summer, the heat and humidity can take the edge off an otherwise perfect round.

If you are playing the course for the first time, spend time on the practice range and putting green before your round. The greens have subtle breaks that are not always obvious at first glance, and the elevation changes can play tricks with your club selection.

After your round, the dining room offers a menu that goes well beyond the typical club sandwich. Seasonal specials and chef-driven dishes make dinner here a worthy outing even if you are not playing that day.

Nearby Communities

The course sits within The Waterfront community, where many homeowners enjoy direct golf-course access from their properties. Nearby communities including The Farm and South Harbour also offer easy access to the club.

Practical Information

The Waterfront Country Club is a private club, so access is limited to members and their guests. If you are considering a home in The Waterfront community or exploring membership options, the club can arrange a tour and guest round. Membership includes golf, dining, pool, and tennis access, with various tiers available to match different lifestyles. Contact the pro shop or membership office for current details, as availability and pricing can change seasonally.