First Colonial Golf Course

```mediawiki First Colonial Golf Course, established in 1966, is a public golf course located at the intersection of Laskin Road and First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The course has served the local golfing community for decades and remains a popular destination for both residents and visiting golfers. Its location in the Great Neck area of the city, combined with its accessible design, makes it one of Virginia Beach's notable public recreational facilities.

History

The origins of First Colonial Golf Course trace back to the mid-1960s, a period of rapid population growth and civic development in Virginia Beach following its consolidation with Princess Anne County in 1963. City officials recognized a growing demand for public recreational facilities, and plans for a municipal golf course were set in motion. Construction began in 1965, and the course opened for play in 1966.

The designer of the original layout has not been conclusively documented in publicly available records. An earlier version of this article attributed the design to golfer Fred Couples and an architect named Rex Rictor; however, Fred Couples is a PGA Tour professional with no verified involvement in golf course design, and no corroborating source confirms either attribution. The designer credit should be treated as unverified until confirmed by official city records or a recognized golf architecture database such as the American Society of Golf Course Architects roster.

Over the decades, the course has undergone renovations to improve playability and infrastructure. Updates have included modifications to the greens, fairways, and bunkers, as well as improvements to the irrigation and drainage systems. Specific renovation years and project scopes are not consistently documented in publicly available sources.

Geography

First Colonial Golf Course sits at the intersection of Laskin Road and First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach, placing it in the Great Neck corridor rather than the oceanfront district. The surrounding area is commercially developed, with a shopping center adjacent to the intersection. That proximity creates a high-traffic environment that is well known to local residents.

The course features 18 holes with a par of 72. Water hazards, including ponds, come into play on several holes. The sandy soil composition common to the Tidewater region contributes to the course's drainage characteristics, allowing it to remain playable after periods of rain. Mature trees are integrated throughout the layout, providing both visual definition and natural challenges for golfers. Specific yardage figures and a hole-by-hole scorecard are available through the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

Operations and Ownership

First Colonial Golf Course is operated by the City of Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, which manages the municipal golf program. The course functions as a public facility, meaning tee times and access are open to residents and non-residents alike, typically at rates set by the city. Fee schedules, hours of operation, and tee time booking are handled through the city's official parks and recreation portal.

The course's pro shop carries golf equipment, apparel, and accessories. Golf instruction is available on site. The clubhouse includes a food and beverage option for players and guests and can accommodate private events.

Culture

First Colonial Golf Course serves as a focal point for the local golfing community in Virginia Beach. The course hosts leagues, tournaments, and events throughout the year, building connections among golfers of varying ages and skill levels. It's one of several public golf facilities the city maintains, and its central location in the Great Neck area makes it accessible to a broad cross-section of the population.

The clubhouse provides a gathering space for golfers before and after rounds. It includes a restaurant and bar and is available for private events. The course contributes to Virginia Beach's broader recreational offerings alongside the city's parks, beaches, and other public amenities.

Nearby Attractions

The surrounding area offers a range of options for visitors who aren't spending the full day on the course. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront boardwalk and beach are accessible within a short drive. Several parks and nature preserves are located nearby, including those within the city's extensive open space network.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, located on General Booth Boulevard, draws visitors interested in regional marine ecosystems and wildlife exhibits. Motor World, a family-oriented amusement venue, offers go-kart tracks and other activities. Together, these options make the First Colonial Road corridor a practical base for visitors combining golf with other Virginia Beach activities.

Getting There

First Colonial Golf Course is accessible by car via Laskin Road (Virginia Beach Boulevard) and First Colonial Road, both of which connect to the broader regional road network. Interstate 264 provides the primary route into Virginia Beach from Norfolk and points west. Parking is available at the clubhouse.

Public bus service in the region is operated by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), with routes serving the Virginia Beach corridor. Visitors arriving by air typically use Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located roughly 30 minutes from the course by car. Ride-sharing services operate throughout the area as well.

See Also

• Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• Great Neck, Virginia Beach
• List of golf courses in Virginia
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

References

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