I've Pulled Off Route 19 at Summersville More Times Than I've Counted, and I've Learned Which Golf Courses Are Worth the Detour
Here's the short version: if you're driving through Summersville with your clubs in the back, you've got a few public golf options worth your time. I've been road-tripping through central West Virginia for fifteen years, and Summersville is one of my regular stops—not just for the lake, but for the golf. The town sits near the Gauley River and Summersville Lake, and a couple of courses around there give you that quiet, away-from-everything feeling. My name's Dale McCallister. I drive a silver pickup, I play public golf in forty states, and I don't waste words. This guide will tell you which Summersville-area courses I'd actually recommend, what to expect, and which one I'd skip. If you're planning a day trip from Beckley or just passing through, this is your map. And if you need to stock up before you go, grab some balls and a glove—here's a search for beginner golf balls on Amazon and here's one for gloves. If your budget's tight, DHgate has cheaper balls and cheaper gloves, but shipping takes a while—order ahead of your trip.
Why You Should Trust Me on This
I've spent fifteen years on the road, and I've played public golf courses in forty states. Summersville is a regular stop because the golf is honest and the drive from Beckley is easy. I'm not a tour pro, and I won't pretend these courses are resort-level. But they're affordable, welcoming, and worth the detour if you're looking for a change of scenery. I don't take money from any of these courses, and I don't care if they have a fancy clubhouse. I care if I'd play them again. That's the only review that matters. I may earn a small commission if you buy through my links, but it never changes what I recommend. And I'll never call you a dummy for not knowing which Summersville course is worth your time. I had to learn by driving to all of them.
The Three Summersville-Area Courses I'd Actually Recommend
After years of passing through, I've narrowed it down to three public courses near Summersville that are worth the detour. Not because they're perfect—because they're honest, well-kept, and give you a good round for your money. Here's my breakdown, with the details that matter when you're picking a course from the highway.
1. Summersville Lake Golf Course
This is my default pick when I'm in the area. It's a public course with a friendly staff and a relaxed pace, and it's close to the lake, so the views are a nice bonus. The fairways are usually in decent shape, and the price is fair—$30 to $40 with a cart. It's not a long course, and it won't beat you up, which makes it a good choice for a quick road round. I've played here more times than I can count, and I've never left angry. The greens are honest, the rough isn't too punishing, and the parking lot is close to the first tee. If you want a reliable, no-fuss round, this is your spot. And if you need a good glove for the round, here's a search for beginner golf gloves on Amazon. DHgate has cheap gloves too, but shipping is slow—order before you go.
2. Mountain View Golf Course (Richwood)
This one's about 25 minutes north of Summersville, but it's worth the detour if you want a bit more challenge and some real mountain scenery. The course is hillier than the lake course, with tighter fairways and some elevated tees that give you long views. The conditions are usually a step up, and the greens roll true. The price is a little higher—$35 to $45 with a cart—but you get what you pay for. I've played it a few times, and it's a solid challenge without being unfair. The catch is that it can be busy on weekends, so call ahead. Weekday mornings are your best bet. And if you're going to play a nicer course, make sure your clubs are clean—a scuffed-up ball looks bad on a course like this. For club cleaning tips, check out Jack's towel and cleaning kit guide.
3. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield Golf Course (Summersville)
I'll be honest—this one's a bit of a drive and the course is pretty basic, but it's cheap and almost always empty. It's a nine-hole layout with a relaxed, no-pressure vibe, and the price is the lowest around—$15 to $20 for nine holes. I've stopped here when I was short on time and just wanted to swing. The downside is that the fairways can be patchy, and the greens are slow, but for the price, it's fine. It's a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants a quick, budget round. I'd recommend it as a backup or a practice course, not a destination. If you need balls, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap options with slow shipping—order ahead.
How These Courses Compare
| What Matters | Summersville Lake | Mountain View | Carnifex Ferry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $30–$40 | $35–$45 | $15–$20 (9 holes) |
| Course Conditions | Good, consistent | Very good—better kept | Fair—patchy in spots |
| Pace of Play | Relaxed | Good, but busy weekends | Usually open and empty |
| Difficulty | Fair—forgiving | Moderate—hilly and interesting | Easy—flat and open |
| Best for | Reliable, no-fuss round | A nicer round with mountain views | Budget practice or quick nine |
If you want reliable and affordable, go with Summersville Lake. If you can handle a bit of a drive and want more challenge and scenery, Mountain View is excellent. And if you're on a tight budget or just want a quick, empty course, Carnifex Ferry fits the bill. All three are worth knowing about, and none of them will leave you feeling cheated. You can compare current rates by calling each course directly—I've found that the best way to get a good deal is to ask about twilight rates or weekday specials. And if you need balls for the trip, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap options with slow shipping, so order ahead. I always keep an extra sleeve in the truck for spontaneous rounds.
Three Honest Drawbacks of Driving to Summersville for Golf
I like the Summersville golf scene, but I won't pretend it's always worth the drive. Here are three real frustrations you might hit, and how to deal with them.
1. The drive can be longer than you expect, especially if you hit traffic on Route 19. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes from Beckley on a good day, but construction and trucks can stretch it. I've had drives take an hour and a half. The fix is to avoid peak times and plan your round for mid-morning or early afternoon. I always check traffic before I leave, and I give myself plenty of buffer. And if you're going on a weekday, leave after the morning rush. It makes a big difference. For more road trip planning, check out my breakfast near Beckley golf guide—a good meal on the way makes the drive feel shorter.
2. The mountain terrain can be tougher than it looks, especially at Mountain View. Elevation changes and uneven lies are common, and if you're not used to mountain golf, your score might suffer. I've hit some great-looking drives that ended up in places I didn't expect. The fix is to take an extra club, swing easier, and accept that your score might be a few strokes higher. I've learned to not judge a mountain round by the number on the card. It's about the experience. If you want to learn how to handle mountain lies, read Earl's uphill and downhill lies guide. It'll make those hilly lies a little less scary.
3. Some courses have limited or seasonal hours, especially the smaller nine-hole tracks. Carnifex Ferry might close early or be closed entirely in the off-season. I've shown up to find a locked gate. The fix is to call every course before you leave, and to have a backup plan. I've learned to check recent reviews and ask other golfers about current conditions. Most pro shops will be honest with you. If they're not, that's a red flag. For more on what to ask before you play, check out Maya's how to book a tee time guide. It includes the exact questions I ask every time I call a new course.
What to Bring for a Summersville Golf Trip
You don't need much, but a few essentials will make the trip smoother. First, bring plenty of balls—you'll be playing unfamiliar courses, and you might lose a few in the trees or water. Second, bring a glove or two, because a long day of driving and golf can leave your hands tired. If you need gloves, here's a search on Amazon. DHgate has cheap options with slow shipping. Third, bring cash for green fees, snacks, and maybe a beer afterward. Some courses are cash-only at the grill. Fourth, bring a good attitude—Summersville courses are public and friendly, and you'll fit right in if you're relaxed and courteous. If you want to look the part, check out Maya's what to wear golfing guide. And remember, the best road trips are the ones where you don't rush. Take your time, enjoy the drive, and don't forget to look at the scenery. The lake and the mountains are worth the stop even if the golf isn't perfect. If you want more road trip advice, read my breakfast guide—it'll give you a reason to stop for a good meal on the way. I've found that a good breakfast before a round makes everything better.
Red Flags: Signs a Summersville Course Isn't Worth Your Time
If you notice any of these, it might be time to try a different course or adjust your expectations. I've caught myself in each of these, and they've saved me from bad rounds.
🚩 The staff can't tell you the current green fees or course conditions. That's a sign of poor management, and the course is probably not in great shape.
🚩 The parking lot is empty on a beautiful day. That usually means the course is closed or in terrible condition. I've driven by courses like that and kept going.
🚩 The price is far below market—$15 for 18 holes with a cart often means the course is a goat pasture. I've made that mistake once, and I won't again.
🚩 The reviews mention "patchy fairways" or "dead greens" repeatedly. Trust the reviews. I've learned to check recent feedback before I drive anywhere.
If you catch any of these, don't be afraid to change your plans. There are enough good courses near Summersville that you can always find a better option. I've learned to be flexible, and it's saved me from more than one miserable round. If you want to know which courses are worth the drive from Beckley, check out Earl's Beckley golf courses list—he's got the local knowledge you need. And if you're new to the game, Maya's swing basics guide will help you enjoy the round, no matter where you play.
What to Do Once You've Played a Summersville Course
The first time you finish a round near Summersville and realize the drive wasn't so bad, you'll understand why I wrote this guide. It's a nice change of pace from the Beckley tracks, and it reminds you that good golf is worth a little windshield time. I remember my first round at Summersville Lake—I'd been driving for about an hour and a half, the sun was out, and the course was in decent shape. I shot a 94, and I drove back to Beckley with a smile on my face. That's the reward for exploring. If you want to keep improving, check out my practice routine guide and Maya's fitness guide. They'll help you make the most of every round, whether you're playing at home or on the road. For all your gear needs, the beginner gear hub has honest recommendations that won't oversell you. Now go plan that Summersville golf trip, and remember: the best courses are the ones you actually play. I'll see you on the interstate—clubs in the back, coffee in the cup holder, and a tee time waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses Near Summersville
What are the best public golf courses near Summersville, WV?
Summersville Lake Golf Course is my top public pick—it's affordable, well-kept, and friendly. Mountain View Golf Course in Richwood is also good if you don't mind a drive and want mountain scenery. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield Golf Course is a fine budget nine-hole option. I've played all three, and they're all worth your time. For a complete list, check out Earl's Beckley golf courses list, which includes contact info so you can call ahead. And if you need gear, here's a search for balls on Amazon. DHgate has cheap options, but shipping is slow—order early.
How far is Summersville from Beckley for a golf trip?
It's about an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and which course you're heading to. The drive is mostly on Route 19, which can get busy, but it's manageable. I'd allow an hour and a half to be safe. For a complete road trip plan, check out my where to stay in Beckley guide and breakfast guide. A good breakfast on the way makes the drive feel shorter. I've done that plenty of times.
Do Summersville golf courses offer senior or twilight rates?
Most do, especially the public courses like Summersville Lake. Twilight rates usually kick in after 2 or 3 p.m. and can be half the morning price. Senior rates are often available on weekdays, and you'll need to ask when you call. I've saved a lot of money by playing twilight rounds at these courses. If you're flexible, call and ask about their twilight and senior specials. The staff are usually happy to tell you. For more on saving money on green fees, check out my best time to play golf guide. It's full of tips that apply anywhere.
Should I book a tee time in advance for Summersville courses?
Yes, especially on weekends and for the nicer courses like Mountain View. Public courses like Summersville Lake usually take walk-ups on weekdays, but it's always safer to call ahead. I always book a few days in advance for Summersville trips, because the good tee times fill up fast. And if you're thinking about Carnifex Ferry, call first—it has limited hours. For a step-by-step booking guide, check out Maya's how to book a tee time. It includes the exact script I use when I call a new course.
Can I play Mountain View Golf Course in Richwood as a non-member?
Yes, Mountain View is a public course, so you don't need a membership. It's about 25 minutes north of Summersville, and you can just show up and play, though I recommend calling ahead on weekends. I've played it several times as a walk-on, and it's always been welcoming. The course is hilly, so bring a cart if you don't want to walk. And if you want more mountain golf options, check out Earl's best views guide. He's played every pretty hole in the region.
Where to Go From Here
Now that you know which Summersville courses are worth the drive, the next step is to plan your trip. If you're staying overnight, check out my where to stay guide and breakfast guide. If you want to improve your game before you hit the road, Maya's practice routine guide is a great place to start. And if you need gear, the beginner gear hub has honest recommendations that won't oversell you. Remember, the best golf trip is the one you actually take. So load up the truck, point it toward Summersville, and enjoy the drive. I'll see you on the interstate—clubs in the back, coffee in the cup holder, and a tee time waiting.