Greenbrier Golf History

Walk in the footsteps of legends and play where the pros play.

Golf is a gentlemen's game. Few gentlemen played it better than Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. These greats of the game are also legendary contributors to the history of golf at The Greenbrier. Sam Snead established The Greenbrier as the world's foremost golf destination. Jack Nicklaus put golf front and center when he redesigned The Greenbrier course for the Ryder Cup. Tom Fazio created an award-winning golf challenge for the private residential community The Greenbrier Sporting Club. The legacy of Sam Snead continues at The Greenbrier with current Golf Pro Emeritus Tom Watson and his annual 36-hole Pro-Am golf tournament.

Since 1910, golf has been synonymous with The Greenbrier. With four championship courses and The Greenbrier Golf Academy, America's Resort is unmatched in its dedication to golfers and the sport. Our first 18-hole course, The Old White TPC, was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald in 1913. The course was restored as part of a four-year project to return to its original design.

The Greenbrier Course was built in 1924 and renovated in 1977 by Jack Nicklaus. In 1979, The Greenbrier Course hosted The Ryder Cup, and in 1994 was the host to The Solheim Cup. The Meadows Course, formerly known as the Lakeside Course, reopened in 1999 after a complete course redesign by Robert Cupp. Also in 1994, The Greenbrier named Sam Snead as the resort's Golf Professional Emeritus, a position he held until his death in 2002.

The Snead Course, designed by Tom Fazio and named in honor of the legendary golfer, was opened in 2004. In 2005, Tom Watson became The Greenbrier's second Golf Professional Emeritus. At the heart of all our courses is The Greenbrier Golf Club.  Here we feature an award-winning pro shop, a full fleet of golf carts, and experienced caddies.  We also offer fine dining at Sam Snead's at the Golf Club, and refreshments and good times at Slammin Sammy's

The Greenbrier is a place nearly as old as American golf itself.  It's more than a game here-it's our heritage. The Golf Club prominently features Snead and Watson memorabilia throughout and the Tom Watson Fall Golf Classic is an anticipated annual event. The Greenbrier hosts The Greenbrier Classic on our famed Old White TPC course.

In the inaugural tournament, Stuart Appleby finished with in history-making 59 in the final round of The Greenbrier Classic, besting Sam Snead's previous record of 60. The 2011 Greenbrier Classic gripped fans with an exciting, one-hole playoff. Scott Stallings won with a score of 69. His first tour win moves him from 88th to 26th in the FedExCup standings.

When it comes to great golf, history will always repeat itself at The Greenbrier. Whether you are looking for a course to develop your drives, sharpen your shots, or perfect your putts, you will find your own sweet spot at The Greenbrier--where experiences are timeless and memories last forever.