It is exceedingly rare today to find a property where the history and evolution of golf course architecture over the past 90 years is at your fingertips. Oglebay in Wheeling, West Virginia provides locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to experience this history through its four golf courses.
Oglebay’s golf courses are unique because they are nestled inside Oglebay Park, a 2,000+ acre nature preserve. The property includes two championship layouts at the Speidel Golf Club. Oglebay also offers an 18-hole regulation Crispin Course and a 9-hole Par 3 course, complete with a lighted, 30-tee driving range.
The Arnold Palmer Signature Course is the newest at Oglebay, and was completed in 2000. This par-71 modern layout by Arnold Palmer spans 6,800 yards from the championship tees, scaling down to 4,200 yards from the forward tees.
The Palmer Course takes advantage of the existing terrain with the addition of strategically placed bunkers, attractive mounding and generous greens, and can accommodate golfers at every skill level. It is a masterful example of risk/ reward design.
Home to the West Virginia LPGA Classic for 11 years, the Jones Course is a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. championship design built in the 1970s. Ranging from the 7,004- yard championship tees to the 5,515-yard forward tees, the course utilizes a beautiful piece of land that meanders across the West Virginia foothills to create a collection of holes that are both memorable and challenging.
The 5,670-yard Crispin Course was built in the 1930s by local architect Robert Biery. A very playable, regional favorite for almost 90 years, the course is open year round. The product of a time when there was neither the money nor equipment readily accessible to produce gentle slopes, the course adventurously hugs the original contours of the West Virginia countryside.
After your round, choose from one of the many dining venues on property for a refreshing beverage and bite to eat. The Speidel Grill, overlooking the 18th hole of the Jones Course, features great food, a warm atmosphere, and spectacular scenery. The views are particularly charming in the fall months during the changing colors of the leaves. Located at the Par 3 driving range, Oglebay’s Route 88 Burgers & Brew offers signature-style single, double and triple smash burgers; New Jersey-style Rippers; Chicago-style hot dogs, and craft beers in a relaxed setting. Enjoy breakfast or dinner in the Ihlenfeld Dining Room at Wilson Lodge. Grab a pizza to go from Glassworks Grill or dine outdoors at the Garden Bistro overlooking the Terrace Gardens.
From single rooms to eight-bedroom estate houses, Oglebay also offers a variety of overnight golf packages that typically include golf, lodging and breakfast; or for groups of 12 or more, packages can be customized. Contact a friendly Oglebay sales professional at (304) 243-4056 for more information.
While Oglebay offers a spectacular golf experience, there are many attractions for those who choose not to spend a day on the links. After your round, relax at either Oglebay’s indoor pool and Jacuzzi or make an appointment at The West Spa for a manicure or facial, relaxing massage or choose to work out those kinks with a deep tissue massage, perfect for athletes and active individuals.
If “wild” is more your taste, check out the Oglebay Good Zoo – West Virginia’s only AZA-accredited zoo. Additional recreational opportunities include the aerial challenge course, rock climbing wall, hiking trails, swimming, tennis, pickleball, horseback riding, pedal boating, miniature golf, fishing and miles of paved walking/jogging trails. There truly is something for everyone!
Golf, package, lodging and park amenity rates vary by course, location, date and time. To make a tee time, call (304) 243-4050. For more information, visit www.oglebaygolf.com.
