News Summary
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, has officially opened a new par-3 course named The Shoe. Designed by Rees Jones, this unique 9-hole course provides an accessible golfing experience for players of all skill levels. With holes ranging from 43 to 137 yards, The Shoe enhances the club’s reputation, which already features two other courses. Additionally, a new putting course has been introduced, aligning with the growing trend of short courses across the U.S., catering to diverse golfing audiences.
Williamsburg, Virginia — A new par-3 course named The Shoe has officially opened at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, adding a unique 9-hole experience designed by acclaimed golf architect Rees Jones. The course, which opened in July, features holes ranging in length from 43 to 137 yards, aiming to provide an accessible and entertaining golfing experience for individuals and families of all skill levels.
The addition of The Shoe expands the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club’s offerings to a total of 45 holes, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The club already features the 18-hole Gold Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1963, and the Green Course, created by Rees Jones in 1991.
Alongside The Shoe, the golf club also introduced a 14,000-square-foot putting course designed in a similar entertaining style, further emphasizing the club’s commitment to fun and accessible golf.
The rise in popularity of par-3 and short courses reflects a growing trend across golf resorts in the U.S. towards affordable and engaging golfing experiences. Less than 5% of golf courses in the U.S. are par-3 courses, yet these types of courses accounted for over one-third of new openings in the past five years. This shift caters to golfers of all ages and abilities who seek short and enjoyable rounds.
Recent updates to the World Handicap System by the USGA and R&A now allow rounds played on nine-hole and par-3 courses to count toward golfers’ indexes, further incentivizing participation in these formats.
Rees Jones, often referred to as the “Open Doctor,” has an extensive portfolio that includes major championship courses like Baltusrol, Torrey Pines, Congressional, and Bethpage Black. His work on The Shoe continues a family tradition in golf course design that began with his father. This new course is expected to complement the broader attractions of Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, which is situated within Colonial Williamsburg, known for its historic significance as the world’s largest living history museum.
Colonial Williamsburg’s relationship with golf dates back to 1947 when John D. Rockefeller Jr. commissioned a 9-hole course, which has since evolved into the contemporary layouts enjoyed at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
With the opening of The Shoe and the new putting course, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club continues to position itself as a key player in the golf tourism industry, attracting visitors both for its historic roots and modern golfing experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: The Shoe – Rees Jones Colonial Williamsburg Par 3
- WTVR: Golden Horseshoe Golf Club July 14, 2025
- Daily Press: Colonial Williamsburg’s New 9-Hole Golf Course Debuts Friday
- Forbes: Golden Horseshoe in Historic Colonial Williamsburg Adds Par-3 Course
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
