I don't know what courses other people are used to playing, but the fees were most definitely not high for a course of this level. Maybe this was a special rate for people who stayed at nearby Boar's Head Inn.

The course is different front to back - front nine is open, with not too many challenges other than an occasional required target shot. Back nine requires much more precision and offers greater risk/reward opportunities. It would be hard to play the back nine the first time as there are a lot of blind shots, but it's much more interesting visually. A wonderful setting - no adjacent housing developments - very quiet.

The course was in great condition (early October), but I was told by a local who played with us that it had been in so-so shape during August drought - not surprising. Also, the fairway is Bermuda, which affects the kind of shot you can hit. If you're in the rough or in wrong place for the holes requiring a well-placed shot, you're out of luck. Some very tricky greens.

Nice practice facilities.

This is a wonderfully landscaped and interesting course. I played in late April and the course was flawless. The green fees were rather high and it might restrict one to playing this course less often but the conditions and quality actually make it a reasonable investment. Wide fairways, greens that rolled fast and true and the elevation changes make this a pleasure to play. Highly recommended!

Customer Service

Customer service was as good as you would expect from a high quality course such as this.

Lush fairways, very true rolling greens. Also like the variety of the terrain.

Price, price, price, price....did I mention price?

Birdwood is probably the best manicured public access course in Charlottesville. However, unless you are a student (or have some other university affiliation), it's very expensive. Unless there have been drought conditions, the fairways are lush (like carpet), there are two cuts of rough, and the greens are firm, but playable. The greens are usually fast, but roll very true. The front nine is open, fairly flat, with predominantly slight doglegs, while the back is very hilly with sharper doglegs. Fair amount of water (and other hazards) on the course make it challenging, but not unfair. From the back tees it plays long. Golf wise, it's a great course. Greens fee wise, it's too pricey for the general public to play very often.

Customer Service

My only customer service was at the desk in the clubhouse, and they were friendly.

Not many... relatively close to town...

Condition of course, price tag

Birdwood is one of the lousiest golf values I've seen. The course has an decent layout with a fair number of elevation changes and undulating fairways. But the condition of the course (particularly the first cut of rough), the ammenities, and the overall experience fails miserably to justify the $78 price tag (includes a cart). You're better off putting some of that money into gas and driving to an alternative course in the area.