A Golfer’s Delight

Vista Links combines gorgeous views with a challenging course.

By Doug Chase

Yard sale habituals know this; seekers of scenic, lightly traveled highways know this; and those in search of a unique dining experience know this.

Golfers of all skill levels and ages know this, too.

Add a new hidden gem for both duffers and skilled players alike with the recent opening of The Vista Links in Buena Vista, a spectacular 18-hole, par-72 layout that will overwhelm all who visit with its natural beauty and unique links-style design.

As course architect Rick Jacobson said of his creation, “{It is} a links style course, with the feel of a mountain course with many elevation changes with panoramic views and rock outcroppings.” There was very little disruption to the natural lay of the undulating 180-acre track on which the course was placed.

The Vista Links, which operates as a daily fee course open to all, is located between two mountain ranges and offers many panoramic views of the mountains and the city. Golfers checking in at the pro shop, which is located on one of the property’s highest points, can see full views of the course and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And all that wonder has occurred for the visiting linkster before the first foot has been set on the No. 1 tee box. Immediately, visiting golfers will notice the immaculate condition of the five sets of tee boxes available on each hole, offering the proper distance challenge from the scratch player to the beginner.

The course feature both bent grass fairways and greens. The manicured bent grass fairways are unusual in this section of the country, but offer the golfer an opportunity to experience a new and different challenge. The undulating greens are fair, yet demanding.

The links style course, which approximates many of those found in Scotland England, appears deceptively wide-open from the tee box. In fact, the fairway are wider and more forgiving than most on conventional courses, but a quick glance to the outside of the prescribed landing areas reveals the very, very deep native grasses and gorse so familiar to fans of The British Open.

The course plays at 4,924 yards from the forward tees and 6,855 from the championship tips. Accomplished players can traverse the track in 6,447 yards from the blue tees. Those playing from the white tees face a trip of 6,057 yards, and seniors teeing it up from the gold tees will travel 5,466 yards from the first tee to the cup on No. 18.

The facility boasts a practice area that golfers can use to work on every aspect of their game. Those hitting from the expansive driving range can aim at well-defined targets marked with proper distances. Golfers also can practice chipping and putting on the outstanding area.

Local retiree Tom Stagner, who has never seen a golf course he would not stop and play, is effusive in his praise of The Vista Links as he prepared to tee off on a windy 40-degree February day. “I’ve played down in the Pinehurst area when it was 16 or 17 degrees, so, shoot, 40 degrees is a warm day.

“I like playing The Vista Links because it is so different from most of the courses I play. I think it’s wonderful that I don’t have to travel so far to find some golfing diversity,” he explained.

“It’s wide open and you can just knock the heck out of the ball,” Stagner continued. “It’s not ridiculously tight, but if you do get over in that tall stuff, it’s really, really tall stuff.”

Gunter echoed Stagner’s thoughts, “People around here have been driving an hour or more for years to play golf everywhere else. I’ve got a feeling that anyone who comes to visit and play at our facility will keep coming back and keep coming back.”

Edward Armentrout is the general manager and Head PGA Golf Professional at The Vista Links. The 17-year veteran of the golf industry is in charge of the course’s day-to-day operations. He is also available for individual and group lessons.

While the course certainly can be walked, it would be difficult for anyone not in some semblance of good physical condition as walkers will have to move up and down several steep hills.

Trees, creeks, sand, tall grass and local knowledge will all come into play for even the most skilled players. There is a par-3 where the tee boxes rest well above the green and another where the green is well above the teeing areas. From the blue tees, the par-4s range from the 312-yard No. 11 to the daunting 444-yard finishing hole. From the blues, the four par-5s range from 502 yards to 557 yards.

On many occasions, skilled golfers and hackers alike will face blind shots with no look at the target area, whether it is fairway or green. “This is a course where you have to keep it in play,” said Don Sizer, a Buena Vistan and golf enthusiast. “While you’re keeping it in play, you can see some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever see anywhere.”

For more information, visit the course web site at www.thevistalinks.com. To make tee times, call 540-261-GOLF. Those seeking weekend tee times are advised to call well in advance. If coming off I-81, take U.S. Rt. 60 East toward Buena Vista. After coming down a long hill, but before crossing the H. Russell Robey Bridge, turn right on Vista Links Drive. Continue until you arrive at the course. If coming from the west, take U.S. 60 West through Buena Vista and cross the H. Russell Robey Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left on Vista Links Drive and continue to the pro shop. If coming from the Lynchburg area, take. U.S. 501 into Buena Vista, then turn left on 10^th St. just before Camden Football Field. Tenth St. subsequently turns into Paxton House Road. Continue on Paxton House Road until you see a cemetery on the left and an uphill par-3 on your right. Take the next right and continue to the pro shop.

There you’ll find that hidden gem, The Vista Links.