If you get tired of fishing and water skiing at Smith Mountain Lake, there’s always golf, and there are a couple nice courses open to the public.
Mariner’s Landing, for example, is an 18-hole layout designed by Robert Trent Jones. It’s a semi-private course with practice facilities and a nice grill on site.
Another opportunity exists at the Westlake Golf & Country Club. I had the opportunity to play Westlake about three years ago and loved the course. Russell Breeden, with 100 course to his credit, did the layout. It’s a fun course no matter your skill level.
Say the pros at Westlake: The first hole eases you into the 6,511-yard course without too much difficulty, but things soon get a little tougher with tight holes cut out of the woods and a green that sits by one of Smith Mountain Lake’s many peaceful coves and beautiful inlets.
By the time you reach No. 8, you’re prepared for a challenge. After a blind tee shot, the hole quickly doglegs and then falls off to a thin green backed by a swiftly running creek.
The remainder of the course presents beautiful and challenging combinations of downhill tee shots and double doglegs, plus an irresistible opportunity or two for heavy hitters to open up.
With two great courses available, if you get a chance to visit SML, bring your sticks.