Last updated: 07/10/2026 · By Fords Colony Team
Quick Answer
Williamsburg, Virginia, has become a well-known golf area, with more than a dozen championship courses alongside Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle. Among them, Ford’s Colony Country Club stands out because it offers 54 holes across three different Dan Maples-designed courses (Blackheath, Blue Heron and Marsh Hawk) at one semi-private club, with public tee times bookable online. The club has hosted PGA Tour qualifiers 12 times and the Virginia State Open twice.
Why Golfers Are Choosing Williamsburg
- Lots of quality courses in one area. You can play different layouts without long drives between them.
- More than golf. Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle give golfers and non-golfers plenty to do.
- Something for every golfer. Serious players, casual golfers, couples and groups all find courses that fit.
- A place to live and play. Many golfers come back as residents and members, not just visitors.
Ford’s Colony: Three Courses, Three Different Rounds
Most clubs give you one course to learn. Ford’s Colony gives you three, each with its own personality.
| Blackheath | Blue Heron | Marsh Hawk | |
| Par | 71 | 72 | 72 |
| Yardage (longest tees) | 6,632 | 6,954 | 6,650 |
| Rating / Slope (Black tees) | 71.7 / 139 | 73.6 / 133 | 72.5 / 135 |
| Style | Links-style, most picturesque | Longest, player’s course | Traditional championship |
| Defining feature | Water on 13 of 18 holes; island green on 18 | Generous fairways, Champion Bermuda greens | Tight, tree-lined fairways and doglegs |
| Signature hole | #4: three-shot par 5 with a 90° dogleg | #4: demanding par 5 with bunker and water | A shot-maker’s course throughout |
All three courses offer Black, Blue, White and Green tees, so every level of golfer can find the right distance.
Blackheath: The Most Picturesque
Blackheath is a links-style course with water in play on 13 of its 18 holes. Its signature par-5 4th is a true three-shot hole with a 90-degree dogleg into the approach. The round builds to a memorable closing stretch on 16 through 18, finishing with an island green on the 18th. From the Black tees, it carries the club’s highest slope rating (139), so position matters more than power.
Blue Heron: The Full Test
At 6,954 yards, Blue Heron is the longest of the three. It pairs generous fairways with long par 3s, demanding par 5s and Champion Bermuda greens. The par-5 4th is one of its toughest holes, with a fairway bunker and water shaping strategy from tee to green. It feels comfortable off the tee, but the approach shots ask for precision.
Marsh Hawk: The Original
Marsh Hawk is the original Ford’s Colony course. It features narrow, tree-lined fairways, natural lakes, well-placed bunkers and real elevation change. Strategic doglegs reward smart shot-making over hitting driver on every hole. [VERIFY: year opened]
Which course fits your game?
- First time here? Start with Blue Heron and its generous fairways.
- Want the full test? Blue Heron from the Black tees (6,954 yards).
- Want a memorable setting? Blackheath and its island-green finish.
- Want precision golf? Marsh Hawk.
👉 Book a tee time: Blackheath · Blue Heron · Marsh Hawk
See full hole-by-hole guides on our Golf page.
Planning a trip? See our guide to planning a golf weekend in Williamsburg, with 2- and 3-day itineraries, tee selection tips and a packing list.
A Championship Pedigree
Ford’s Colony isn’t just scenic. It has been trusted with serious competition:
- 12× PGA Tour Qualifier host
- 2× host of the Virginia State Open
- 54 holes designed by Dan Maples
When you play here, you’re playing the same courses used to test tour-level and state-championship players.
Off the Course at Ford’s Colony
Golf Performance Center
Work on your game year-round with indoor hitting bays, launch-monitor technology, private lessons, group clinics and custom club fitting. Subscription levels: Access, Access Plus and Premium. Ask about golf programs.
Dining
- Murdoch’s Tavern: casual dining with patio seating, open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary). Perfect after a round.
- The Colony Room: seasonal menus from Executive Chef Blair Machado. Dinner Thursday–Friday (open to the public) and Saturday (members only), 5–8 p.m.
See Dining.
Golf Outings and Tournaments
Planning a corporate golf day, charity fundraiser or association outing? With three courses to choose from, our team coordinates golf, food, beverage, awards and sponsor needs from inquiry to event day. Plan an outing.
Living in Williamsburg? Golf Membership Options
Ford’s Colony offers four 2026 memberships (Premier, Classic, Twilight and Social), with monthly dues from $79 to $449. See our guide to choosing a golf club membership in Williamsburg to compare them.
Full terms are in the membership guide (PDF). Compare memberships or schedule a tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Williamsburg, VA a good place for golf?
Yes. The Williamsburg area has more than a dozen championship courses, plus Colonial Williamsburg, dining and attractions, which makes it a strong choice for visiting and local golfers alike.
Can the public play golf at Ford’s Colony?
Yes. Ford’s Colony is a semi-private club, and public tee times can be booked online for Blackheath, Blue Heron and Marsh Hawk.
How many golf courses does Ford’s Colony have?
Three championship courses with 54 holes total: Blackheath (par 71), Blue Heron (par 72) and Marsh Hawk (par 72), all designed by Dan Maples.
Which Ford’s Colony course is the hardest?
From the Black tees, Blackheath has the highest slope rating (71.7 / 139), with water on 13 holes. Blue Heron is the longest at 6,954 yards with the highest course rating (73.6).
Which course has the island green?
Blackheath. Its closing stretch from 16 to 18 finishes with an island green on the 18th hole.
What tournaments has Ford’s Colony hosted?
Ford’s Colony has hosted PGA Tour qualifiers 12 times and the Virginia State Open twice.
Does Ford’s Colony offer golf lessons?
Yes. The Golf Performance Center offers private instruction, group clinics, custom club fitting and indoor hitting bays with launch-monitor technology.
How much is a golf membership at Ford’s Colony?
2026 monthly dues range from $79 (Social) to $449 (Premier), with initiation fees from $250 to $750.
What greens does Blue Heron have?
Blue Heron has Champion Bermuda greens.
Play Ford’s Colony
Ford’s Colony Country Club
📍 240 Fords Colony Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188
📞 (757) 258-4100
✉️ golf@fordscolonycc.com