By Karson Crosthwaite

Nestled in Goochland County, Kinloch Golf Club may be one of the most deliberately crafted and exclusive golf courses in the world. In an effort to protect Kinloch’s hidden beauty, non-members must receive an invite from a member to play this course. This commitment to privacy displays Kinloch’s effort to protect its heritage.

Kinloch is a private, member-only golf club that was originally part of a 1,934-acre family-owned tract, which is now home to Broad Run neighborhood, Hermitage Country Club, Kinloch residential, and Kinloch Golf Club. In 1992, a 70-acre lake was constructed at Kinloch, which became the focal point for the neighborhood around it, as well as a valuable water source. In addition to the lake, this land was rezoned for an 18-hole golf course in 1997.

Kinloch was designed by Vinny Giles, a design consultant, and Lester George, a golf course architect. The design emphasis was to create a Golden Age look for the course that was meant for the property. Another goal Giles and George wanted to achieve was to have every hole have its own traits and personality. 

Kinloch logo. Photo credit: Golf Range Association.

Past golfers have described holes 3 through 9 as mystical and surreal. On the back nine, there is a lake view on every hole, making for a scenic end of the golf course. Interestingly, if a match is tied after 18 holes, there is a 19th hole par 3, with water and bunkers surrounding the green, making for an intense ending. The 19th hole was deliberately added to serve as a tiebreaker.

For the practice facility, Kinloch has three indoor heated bays for training and teaching. It also has a double ended range, four target greens, two pitching greens, and a short game area. Whether you are practicing drives, chipping, or putting, this all-around practice facility allows for golfers to get the most out of their time practicing. The heating bays are especially useful during the winter, allowing for practicing and coaching to continue at Kinloch, despite colder temperatures. With multiple greens and target areas, golfers can simulate real course conditions. 

Jack McComb (‘27) plays at Kinloch frequently and described his experience: “Playing at Kinloch is a special experience like no other. The course is stunning, fun, and peaceful. Compared to other courses, Kinloch feels like a more private experience with a friendly community.”

Kinloch Clubhouse. Photo credit: Golf Range Association.

McComb’s experience reflects what many other golfers think about Kinloch: a beautiful golf course with a warm community. In contrast to other local golf clubs, Kinloch will always have availability for members to play a round due to its exclusivity. . 

Amateur golfer Jimmie James decided to travel America after his retirement and create his own ranking of the top 100 golf courses, and he illustrated his experience at Kinloch on his website. James described how the neighborhoods around Kinloch were not gated, but the actual golf course and facilities were.

When you enter the golf club, “it is nothing but golf,” he said. He also described how each player or pair gets a caddy for the round to improve the golfer’s experience. When James finished his round, he visited the vast locker rooms, where there were showers, steam rooms, a sauna, and countless lockers for members to use. 

When leaving Kinloch, he checked out the elegant pro-shop, with various kinds of Kinloch-branded clothes. The shop includes a members-only room with exclusive items, alongside a retail room for both members and guests. The difference between the two rooms is the logo: the clothing in the members-only room features the traditional Kinloch emblem without the course name, while the items in the main shop feature the course name.

When James first arrived before his round, his car was parked for him by Kinloch staff. At the end of his round, when he was ready to leave, his car was waiting for him outside the pro-shop. He said, “I should note that when it was time for me to leave, my car was waiting with the air conditioning on and the inside already cool and comfortable. That’s service!” 

Kinloch course. Photo credit: LC Lambrecht.

All these elements of excellent service and a beautiful golf course give Kinloch a high reputation. Every year, Golf Digest ranks their top 100 golf courses in the world. In February 2017, Golf Digest ranked Kinloch number 53. In their most recent rankings in 2025, Kinloch was ranked 79th in the world and number one in Virginia. 

Kinloch also hosts high-level amateur tournaments. Past tournaments hosted at Kinloch include the 43rd U.S Mid-Amateur Championship in 2024, the 2011 U.S Senior Amateur Championship, and the VSGA Championships. 

In my experience in playing at Kinloch, which I have only visited a few times, the attention to detail and respect shown to the players is remarkable. The practice facilities prepare you for an ideal round, offering everything from indoor simulators to multiple outdoor greens. Playing with a caddie enhances the experience even further, allowing you to focus entirely on your game without having to worry about the fatigue of carrying your own bag. Standing on the first tee, set near the practice area and nearby lodges, I felt the pressure of wanting to hit a great shot down the middle of the fairway. Despite the nervousness, the wide and forgiving fairway put me at ease. As the round unfolded, the experience felt relaxed, driven by the enjoyment of the course and the luxury of having a caddie. Almost every hole had its own challenge, whether it was a tree in the way or water in play. I found that I was distracted from my poor golf play by the beauty of the course. Once my round was over, I was able to use the premium locker rooms and enjoy an excellent meal in the clubhouse. 

Kinloch represents the highest level of what golf can be. From perfectly cut grass and helpful caddies to a welcoming community, Kinloch is a golfer’s dream.