Honestly, if you're driving down Interstate 77 near the West Virginia-Ohio border, you've probably seen the signs. They point toward a place called The Links at Woodridge. It's located just a mile off Exit 170 in Mineral Wells. For some, it’s just a pitstop. For others, it’s a weekend ritual.
The story of this place isn't just about grass and sand. It’s kinda about a comeback. A few years ago, you might have heard some pretty rough things about the conditions here. People complained about the fairways. They complained about the weeds. But things have changed. New ownership stepped in, and they’ve been working like crazy to bring the "links" back to life.
Why The Links at Woodridge is actually unique
Most people think "links" is just a fancy word for a golf course. It’s not. True links courses are usually coastal, built on sandy soil with very few trees. Now, Mineral Wells, West Virginia, is definitely not the Scottish coast. But The Links at Woodridge tries to capture that spirit. It’s got those rolling hills and wide-open spaces that make you feel like you’re playing in a different era.
The layout was designed by John Sayers and opened back in 1993. It’s a par 71 course. From the back tees, you’re looking at about 6,830 yards. That’s plenty of room to lose a ball if your slice is acting up.
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What to expect on the greens
If you haven't played here in a while, the greens are probably the biggest surprise. They use USGA Pennlinks greens. Under the new management, these have become some of the best-maintained surfaces in the Parkersburg area. They’re fast. They’re true.
The fairways are Bermuda grass. Now, Bermuda is great in the heat, but it can be finicky. In the past, this was where the course struggled. You’d find spots that were more "nature preserve" than "fairway." Today? It’s a different story. The staff has been aggressive with fertilization and mowing. You’ll still find some "character" out there—it's West Virginia, after all—but it’s a legitimate championship-style track now.
Beyond the 18th hole
It’s not just for golfers. The facility has turned into a major hub for events in Woodridge and the surrounding Greater Parkersburg area. They have a banquet room that can seat up to 300 people. You see a lot of weddings here.
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Why? The sunsets.
The clubhouse has these balconies that look out over the hills. When the sun starts to dip behind the ridges, the view is basically unbeatable for the price point. They’ve also updated the bridal suite and the meeting spaces. It’s common to see a corporate retreat happening in one room while a high school sports banquet is setting up in another.
The technical bits for the nerds
- Course Rating: 73.4
- Slope: 127
- Amenities: Two-tier driving range, pro shop, and a snack bar.
- Technology: They actually have a golf simulator now with over 100,000 courses. Great for when the West Virginia winter decides to be, well, West Virginia.
What most people get wrong about the price
There’s this idea that "links" means "expensive." At Woodridge, that’s just not true. You can usually grab a round for under $40, especially if you’re playing during the week. For a course that offers nearly 7,000 yards of play, that’s a steal.
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Is it perfect? No. There are still some drainage issues after a heavy rain. If the clouds open up for three days straight, you might want to wait a bit for things to dry out. But the value-to-quality ratio has shifted heavily in favor of the golfer lately.
Actionable insights for your visit
If you're planning to head out to The Links at Woodridge, here is how to make the most of it:
- Check the weather twice. Because it sits in the foothills, the wind can pick up. It changes how the back nine plays entirely.
- Bring extra balls for Hole 5. It’s a 570-yard Par 5. It’s a beast. Don’t be a hero; just try to keep it on the short grass.
- Use the simulator if it's crowded. If the pace of play is slow on a Saturday morning, the simulator in the pro shop is a great way to kill time while waiting for a tee time.
- Book the balcony. If you're planning an event, ask for the sunset-facing side. It’s the best "free" upgrade you can get.
The facility is located at 301 Woodridge Drive, Mineral Wells, WV. Whether you're a local or just passing through on I-77, it's worth a stop to see the progress they've made. It’s a scrappy course that’s finally finding its footing again.