PRIML AND
that simulate the flight path of game birds. My guide for the morning was local gentleman, Marcus Heath. An expert shooter who also guides turkey hunts on property, Heath patiently encouraged me, offered simple to understand pointers and seemed pleased with my progression, particularly so when I pulled off a double or two. Marcus also led me on a shortened version of Primland’s 150-minute tour of the property via recreational terrain vehicles (RTVs). There are many sights to see along the way, but the Virginia countryside was enough for me. I skipped the tomahawk toss and the archery instruction, as the skies were clearing and the golf course was beckoning me. Course architect Donald Steel designed the Highland’s holes. He has designed roughly 85 courses around the world and redesigned another 500 or so more, 20 of them major projects by his estimation. Steel’s minimalist style compares favorably to those of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. A unique routing that included five Par-5s and five Par-3s was built on what Steel said was the most difficult site he’s ever encountered. “We were determined we would die in our attempt to build the course,” Steel told golfchannel.com’s Brandon Tucker. “The land was so rugged. Steel built massive greens at Primland, even though he prefers a naturalist’s approach. “The views are the thing that people talk about.
Primland Racing Experience: Aug. 13 to 15 Spend three days with nine-time Le Mans winner and motor racing legend, Tom Kristensen, as well as elite endurance competitor, Harold Primat at this exclusive event. Hug every hairpin turn on the famed Virginia International Raceway as the pros whip you around the full course
If you cover up the views, it doesn’t reach its full potential.” He also told golfconversations.com in October 2012, that the mountaintop site was the last thing on his mind until he was told it had once been used for farming, and he was given a topographical map. “Our salvation was a topographical map with all the contours and that gave us an idea where the valleys and the plateaus and the slopes were. Piece by piece, we put together a coherent layout. There was a lot of earth moving involved. As you know, I’m more of a minimalist, but up there you had to be a maximalist. Otherwise, you couldn’t have built the golf course,” Steel said in the 2012 interview. Once the golf course had been completed, Primat decided to build The Lodge, a 72,000-foot structure perched on one of the highest ridges with 26 guest rooms featuring nine different floor plans with a mixture of kings and double queen suites – all with exceptional views. The ultimate accommodation is The Pinnacles Suite, which has 1,800 square feet of space and is located directly below the silo-designed Observatory, providing stunning views of the stars. Lodge amenities include a spa, an indoor pool, fitness center, recreation area, a ballroom, golf shop, locker rooms, a fully outfitted boardroom, meeting facilities, a theater and indoor parking. In addition to The Lodge, three Fairway Cottages and four Pinnacle Cottages, Primland also maintains 11 mountain homes for guests who want more privacy and more space to spread their wings. Speaking of wings, three intimate, ledge-perched Tree Houses —the Barn Owl, Golden Eagle and Coopers Hawk — have been built around the solid branches of treetops, each giving way to sweeping views of the majestic Kibler Valley and the North Carolina Piedmont from the comfort of huge private decks. Pets and children are not allowed, but comfort most definitely is. With relaxation front of mind, the Tree Houses feature a large studio with king bed, 400-thread-count Frette sheets, lush duvets, elegantly stitched quilts and a bathroom with soaking tub. They also include a four-wheel drive vehicle for when guests are ready to get back to exploring Primland’s great outdoors.
in an extraordinary racing machine, absorbing every white-knuckle second of G-force thrills.
Then, enjoy two nights in one of the Tree Houses, Fairway Cottages or spacious Moun-
tain Homes. Additional highlights of this special event include an exquisite reception and dinner, an awards ceremony followed by a Southern Soulful buffet with live music and a golf tournament on the acclaimed Highland Course. This is a rare experience, not to be missed. For reservations, contact Rebecca Moore at 276-222-3837 or r moore@primland.com.
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Indoors or out, experiencing all that Primland has to offer was an exercise in retracing my roots right back to the Virginia gentlemen that first taught me how to hunt grouse. A plentiful paradise here, indeed. PN