The Meadows Golf & Swim, Christiansburg

Designed by Ray Vaughn, Sr. in 1955, Meadows Golf and Swim Club is among the oldest continually-run golf courses in the New River Valley. That distinction doesn't just mean the course is a good role model for younger courses: it also means challenges here are a bit different than modern-day facilities. Water comes into play on 15 holes, and fast greens make reading and executing putts a necessity for lower scores. No matter what happens from one hole to the next, though, the layout incorporates mountain views and lush rippling terrain. Away from the links, visitors can also warm up and stock up at the practice range and pro shop, or they can take a dip in the heated pool.