Algie Pulley is a household name to design-minded golfers who live in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At The Brookwoods, located about 15 minutes east of downtown Richmond, he crafted a manageable 6,700 yard, par 72 layout that literally follows the lay of the land. The result is a course cut out of thick woods that dips and rolls through surprisingly hilly terrain.
Opened in 1976, The Brookwoods calls for a fair degree of accuracy off the tee and a healthy dose of creativity on the part of the golfer. There's not a straight par 4 or par 5 on the course, and uphill, downhill and sidehill lies are the rule rather than the exception. In fact, you can only see the green from the tee boxes on the par 3s.
There's some water to avoid and a couple of well-placed fairway traps. But the real strength is its green complexes, most of which are elevated and heavily guarded. This is definitely a placement course, not a power course. Golfers have to use every club in their bags.
Just about every hole at The Brookwoods plays in its own secluded corridor -- away from the distractions of other golfers. And no two holes are even remotely alike. These two factors create a sense of adventure as first-timers "explore" each new hole. It is, quite frankly, one of the most enjoyable and interesting courses players will find in the greater Richmond area.
