Mountain Greens at Massanutten Resort

If you're looking to play some mountain golf on a course that isn't real long but will challenge you and have you using every club in the bag, then the Mountain Greens Golf Course at Massanutten Resort is a course you've got to play.

The Mountain Greens Golf Course at Massanutten Resort in Virginia plays 6,443 yards from the Blue Tees to a par 72, From the back tees, it carries a course rating of 71.9 with a slope of 139. Less masochistic men may choose to play from 6,087 yards (70.2/135), while seniors can have a go from 5,608 (68.1/128). The ladies typically play from 4,846 (69.3/128). Choose the tees that best suit your game and you're certain to have a good time. When in doubt, move up a set of tees and play it forward.

At only 6,443 yards from the back tees, Mountain Green's length is not going to overwhelm anyone, however the slope says this is not going to be an easy round. Most doglegs seem to go to the left, making the preferred shot shape off the tee a draw. As you can expect from a mountain course, the topography is very hilly with quite a few elevation changes. There are plenty of woods and many tree-lined fairways as well as steep drop-offs on the peripheries and meandering streams that frame many of the fairways.

Most Memorable Hole: Number 8, Par 3, 140 yards (White Tees). This medium length par 3 plays uphill, so take an extra club off the tee. Clear the "M" shaped bunker short of the green and you're well on your way to a par of better. After you hole out, look back to the tee and admire the view. No wonder this is Mountain Green's signature hole.

Favorite Par 3: Number 16, 176 yards (White Tees). To score well on this long par 3, you'll need an accurate shot off the tee into this elevated green. Favor the right side and the ball should funnel down on to the putting surface. Par is a good score here.

Favorite Par 4: Number 12, 309 yards. Following the course's shortest par 3 is the shortest par 4. At only 309 yards from the White tees, consider something less than driver off the tee. Play your tee shot out to the left, short of the farthest fairway bunker. From there, you'll have an easy pitch shot into the green and a good chance at birdie. This is arguably the most scenic par 4 on the course.

Favorite Par 5: Number 2, 487 yards. At only 487 yards long, many players will think about going for the green in two. Given the fact that trees line both sides of the fairway, control and accuracy on your first three shots will provide the best opportunity at par or better. Plan on hitting your layup shot short of the 100-yard marker in order to have the best look into the well-bunkered putting surface. To add to the excitement, the green has quite a bit of undulation.

Last Word: Two tips if you want to have a good time on the course at Mountain Greens: 1) Play it forward. 2) Course management.

Mountain Greens is a great course to play when you think you're better than you really are; it's a reality check! With hardwood forests lining many fairways and rocks and drop-off areas just beyond that, accuracy and distance control is a necessity. On some of the par 4s, it may be best to hit a 3-wood or hybrid off the tee and have a longer shot into the green, just to keep a ball in play. There are several blind shots off the tee as well as a few blind approaches. On may holes, it's not about how far you hit it, but where you hit it, that will lead to a good score. Several greens are multi-tiered, and the breaks are directly influenced by the mountain itself. Mountain Greens provides golfers a true test of mountain golf. Even if you're playing your worst, look around and take in the beauty of the surroundings. For more information or to book your next round at Massanutten Resort on either the Mountain Greens Course or Woodstone Meadows Course, visit their website at https://www.massresort.com/play/golf/.