The two clubs have legendary amateurs as co-designers, but the similarities don’t end there. Kiniloch’s greens are some of the fastest and most pristine surfaces I’ve ever putted on. They undulate in ways that force a golfer to use their imagination, and their surrounds include many “closely mown areas” that would be good enough to be called greens at most everyday courses. There are several cabins near the clubhouse (I think they even have names) but none on the course.

Like Augusta National, Kinloch has a creek that runs through it – playing prominently into the strategy of several holes – and a breathtaking lake that guards the Par-3 18th green. Members and guests can even challenge that lake from the clubhouse, playing towards a fun 19th hole, which I experienced when playing in Kinloch’s big three-day Member Invitational.

Let’s take a closer look at the course that was set to host the pandemic-canceled 2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, as it finally gets its chance again by hosting 2024’s edition of the USGA  tournament for players aged 25 and over. (Fittingly, the winner gets a likely invitation to The Masters.)

VINNY GILES

Like Augusta and Bobby Jones, Kinloch will forever be linked with its co-designer, Marvin “Vinny” Giles. Before accepting my invitation (a process that took all of 3 minutes) I was well aware of Mr. GIles’ involvement in the club. What I didn’t know was that he co-designed it, taking a back seat to the professional golf architect Lester George but making sure he made the right decisions. Mr. Giles couldn’t have been nicer to me when we discussed the course, and while he didn’t say it directly, I’m pretty sure he had veto power over the design process.

The clubhouse is a shrine to Giles as the top living amateur in the United States and likely the world. Giles is a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, with seven Virginia State Amateur titles under his belt and three Virginia Opens as well. Giles played on four Walker Cup teams (1969, 1971, 1973, 1975), winning three times, and captained the 1993 team to victory. He also played on three winning Eisenhower Trophy teams (1968, 1970, 1972) and captained the 1992 team to a runner-up finish.

Vinny Giles after his 1972 U.S. Amateur win (Golfweek)

Giles played in 11 professional majors, making the cut in three of nine Masters Tournament appearances and in both U.S. Open appearances. He was low amateur in the 1968 Masters Tournament (tied for 22nd) and in the 1973 U.S. Open (17th). He was also low amateur in three U.S. Senior Opens, in 1993, 1996, and 1997. We have another post that details Giles’ amazing list of golf accomplishments. I love the fact that he chose law school over professional golf after playing for the University of Georgia – it’s not the kind of decision you see many talented young players make today.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The drive through the main gate is classy and understated. Across the street is a beautiful 36-hole residential country club with stately homes along the fairways. There is none of that at Kinloch. I was lucky enough to stay in the cabins during the tournament – nothing against local hotels but this was the luxe way to experience Kinloch. The cabins are very comfortable with golf memorabilia everywhere and a large sitting area with an open kitchen, a stocked fridge, and the requisite large-screen TV. Maybe they are cottages or just nice houses designed for eight golfers. Whatever you call them, this isn’t “roughing it.” And you get to know the other guests casually as you come and go. Stay away from the ice cream sandwiches – they’re addicting. But take the time for putting contests under the lights on the shared green out back. It’s conditioned just like the course!

THE PRACTICE FACILITY

I yearn for a practice facility like Kinloch’s. Stretching far and wide from the clubhouse, there are multiple greens for putting, short-grass chipping, bunker play, and of course, an expansive grass tee for full shots. An outbuilding provides indoor facilities with launch monitors and fitness equipment, plus restrooms and a small kitchen so that you can spend as much time working on your game as you want. The bays open to the range so you can watch ball flight and see all the numbers. I would love to come to Kinloch for a week to take lessons, hone my short game, and practice. And in the sweltering heat of summer, I’m sure I would appreciate the chance to take things indoors for a while.

The amazing Kinloch golf learning center

THE COURSE

Kinloch opened in 2001 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the top courses in Virginia and the nation. The course blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. On some holes, you feel isolated, while on others you have a view of several holes as you stand perched on a tee or green. The par three holes are difficult; both they and the entire golf course can be stretched out to over 7200 yards. A good driver of the golf ball will be able to shorten the effective length by taking strategic lines off the tee. On No. 8, for example, my best drives down the left side of the dogleg ran out an extra 50 yards, leaving a short iron to the green. The drive I played to the right side of the fairway one day left me 190 yards for my second shot, which is not what you want for an approach to a  two-tier elevated putting surface with wetlands in front.

Kinloch’s signature blend of classic design elements and modern course architecture—split fairways, driveable par 4s, and the aforementioned closely mown areas, to name a few examples—creates a playing experience that is both timeless and contemporary, appealing to traditionalists and modern golf enthusiasts alike.

Besides the course, Kinloch Golf Club offers a comprehensive experience with top-notch practice facilities, a luxurious clubhouse, and attentive staff who ensure that every round is memorable. The club’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the perfectly manicured fairways to the "just right" service members and guests receive. It's immersive golf, best experienced two or three days in a row.

Grasses so pristine it's hard to tell where the fairway ends and the green starts (USGA)

RANKINGS AND RECOGNITION

Kinloch Golf Club has consistently earned a place among the top courses in the United States, as recognized by prestigious golf publications. Golf Digest has frequently ranked Kinloch as the best course in Virginia, and it often places within the top 100 courses in the country. In their most recent ranking, Kinloch was listed as the 77th best course in America, highlighting its superior design and conditioning. Golf Magazine has also recognized Kinloch, ranking it in the top 100 courses in the United States and acknowledging its exceptional balance of challenge and playability. Golfweek, known for its rigorous course evaluations, has placed Kinloch among the top modern courses in the nation, often listing it as the best in the state.

Beyond its national acclaim, Kinloch holds a prominent position internationally. It has been featured in various global rankings, including those by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, which evaluate courses based on their architectural merit, overall experience, and contribution to the game. These accolades affirm Kinloch's status as not just a Virginia gem but a course of international repute. Golf Digest says, "Kinloch is a course that combines the best elements of classic and modern design, offering a layout that challenges the best while being accessible to all." This recognition underscores the club's reputation as a must-play destination for serious golfers.

TOURNAMENTS AND COMPETITIVE LEGACY

Kinloch Golf Club has hosted several prestigious tournaments that further cement its status as a top-tier venue. Perhaps most notably, Kinloch was set to host the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in 2020, but that was delayed until September of 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition to the U.S. Mid-Amateur, Kinloch has hosted numerous state-level events, including the Virginia State Amateur and various Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) championships. These tournaments highlight Kinloch's commitment to supporting amateur golf. As Golfweek Magazine said "Kinloch is a course that stands out not only for its beauty and strategic design but for the way it brings out the best in those who play it." Never is that more important than when hosting a major championship.

NOTABLE QUOTES AND PRAISE

Kinloch Golf Club has garnered unanimous praise from various publications. Here are a few of our favorite quotes: 

"Kinloch is a course where every detail has been meticulously thought out, from the layout to the conditioning, making it a standout among the elite courses in America." – Golf Digest

"Kinloch offers a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment, where the natural landscape and thoughtful design come together to create a truly memorable experience." – Golf Magazine

"The course is a modern classic, with a layout that is both demanding and rewarding, offering a fair test to golfers of all abilities." – Golfweek
You can add AmateurGolf.com to the list of publications singing Kinloch’s praises.