Virginia Beach isn't exactly short on places to swing a club. You’ve got the high-end resort vibes at the Oceanfront and the massive, sprawling complexes further inland. But there's this specific pocket of the city, tucked away from the tourist traps, where the locals actually go. It’s a Tom Clark design that doesn't feel like it’s trying too hard. Cypress Point Country Club Virginia Beach VA is basically the quintessential neighborhood gem that somehow manages to maintain a "championship" reputation without the stuffy, over-the-road atmosphere you might expect from a private-turned-semi-private setup.
It's quirky.
Most people who live here know it for the layout. It's not just a flat piece of coastal land. Because it sits right on the edge of Lake Lawson and Lake Smith, the water isn't just "there" for the view—it's actively trying to ruin your scorecard. Honestly, if you can get through the back nine without losing at least one ball to the drink, you’re probably lying about your handicap.
The Layout Reality Check
When Tom Clark sat down to draw this up back in the late 80s, he clearly wasn't interested in making a "grip it and rip it" course. It’s a par 72, and while the yardage looks manageable on paper—it tops out around 6,600 yards from the back tees—the tight fairways make it feel much longer. You have to be precise.
Take the 18th hole. It’s a beast. You’re staring down a long par 4 that requires a carry over water, and the wind coming off the lakes can turn a decent drive into a disaster in about three seconds flat. It’s one of those finishing holes that can literally make or break a tournament. Local golfers often debate if the 18th is actually fair, but that's part of the charm, right? It's a mental game as much as a physical one.
The greens are usually the star of the show. While other courses in the 757 area struggle with the transition between seasons—switching from rye to Bermuda and back again—Cypress Point generally keeps their surfaces slick and true. They aren't the biggest greens you'll ever see, which means your approach shots need to be dialed in. If you miss, the bunkering is strategic enough to punish you without being totally sadistic.
Membership vs. Public Access
There is a lot of confusion about whether you can actually play here if you aren't a member.
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Here is the deal: It operates as a semi-private club. This means they have a dedicated membership base that gets the prime tee times and access to the "Country Club" perks—like the Olympic-sized pool and the tennis courts—but the general public can usually book a round if they plan ahead. It’s a smart model. It keeps the course busy enough to fund the maintenance while maintaining that "exclusive" feel for the people who live in the surrounding Cypress Point neighborhood.
If you’re thinking about joining, the vibe is surprisingly unpretentious. You’ll see guys in their 70s who have played there every Tuesday for thirty years, and then you’ll see younger families grabbing lunch at the grill. It’s a community hub. The clubhouse itself has that classic, slightly dated but incredibly comfortable feel. It’s not a glass-and-steel modern monstrosity; it’s a brick-and-wood place where the staff actually remembers your name.
What Nobody Tells You About the Wind
Because of the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding lakes, the micro-climate at Cypress Point Country Club Virginia Beach VA is a real factor. You might be standing in your driveway five miles away and think it's a calm day.
You're wrong.
By the time you get to the 5th or 6th hole, the wind tunneling through the trees and across the water can add two clubs to any shot. It’s a coastal course without being on the beach. This makes the par 3s particularly treacherous. There’s one over water where, if the wind is hitting you in the face, you’re basically hitting a 5-iron into a hole that should be a 7-iron. It forces you to play "boring" golf—keeping the ball low and playing for the center of the green rather than hunting pins.
The "Ailes" and the Amenities
Let’s talk about the food. Most golfers are used to a sad hot dog at the turn. The Cypress Point grill is actually a legitimate spot. Their Sunday brunch is a known thing in Virginia Beach, even for people who don't know a putter from a wedge.
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- The Pool: It’s a 25-meter pool that actually gets used. In the summer, the "Cypress Point Barracudas" swim team is a huge deal for the local kids.
- Tennis: There are multiple courts, and while the city has plenty of public parks, the maintenance here is consistently better.
- Events: The ballroom gets booked out for weddings constantly. If you're planning a Virginia Beach wedding and don't want the "sand in your shoes" beach theme, this is the go-to alternative. It overlooks the 18th green, which provides a killer backdrop for photos at sunset.
Comparing Cypress Point to the Competition
If you’re looking at Virginia Beach National or Heron’s Ridge, you’re looking at a different kind of golf. Those courses are big, expansive, and feel like "destination" spots. Cypress Point is more intimate. It’s "narrower." If you’re a high-handicapper who slices the ball forty yards to the right, you are going to have a very long, very expensive day (in terms of lost balls) at Cypress Point.
However, for the purist who likes shot-shaping and needs to think about where their ball lands, Cypress Point is usually the preferred choice. It rewards the "thinker" over the "bomber."
The pricing is also a major factor. In a world where some resort courses are charging $150+ for a morning round, Cypress Point stays relatively grounded. You’re getting a high-tier experience without feeling like you’re paying for a CEO’s third vacation home.
Why the Location Matters
Virginia Beach is a weirdly spread-out city. Cypress Point is located in the Northwest section, which makes it incredibly accessible from Norfolk and Chesapeake. You aren't fighting the oceanfront traffic on Pacific Avenue to get there. It’s tucked behind Wesleyan College, making it a "hidden in plain sight" situation.
The surrounding neighborhood is one of those established, leafy areas where the houses actually have character. This contributes to the quiet. You don't hear sirens or heavy traffic while you're putting. You mostly hear the wind in the pines and the occasional splash of a ball hitting Lake Smith.
Maintenance and Seasonality
Virginia Beach weather is... moody. January can be 65 degrees or it can be a sleet storm.
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Cypress Point handles the drainage remarkably well given its proximity to the lakes. Even after a heavy rain, the fairways don't turn into a swamp as quickly as some of the lower-lying courses near the North Landing River. The greens are generally kept at a speed that is challenging but fair for the average amateur. They don't try to make them "Tour fast" because, frankly, that would just make the rounds take six hours.
Actionable Advice for Your First Round
Don't be a hero.
That is the best advice anyone can give you for Cypress Point Country Club Virginia Beach VA.
- Leave the driver in the bag on the tight holes. A 3-wood or even a long iron in the fairway is infinitely better than a "perfect" drive that’s buried in the pine needles.
- Check the wind before you club up. The lakes create a draft that isn't always obvious from the tee box. Look at the tops of the trees, not just the flag.
- Budget time for the 19th hole. The bar and grill area is where the real local knowledge is shared. If you want to know which local tournaments are worth entering or who the best instructors are in the area, just hang out there for thirty minutes after your round.
- Book early. Even though it's semi-private, the morning slots for the public fill up fast, especially on weekends when the weather is even remotely nice.
If you're looking for a course that tests your accuracy rather than your raw power, this is your spot. It’s a piece of Virginia Beach history that has managed to stay relevant by focusing on the fundamentals: good grass, a challenging layout, and a clubhouse that feels like home. Whether you're a scratch golfer or just looking for a decent place to play 18 while you're in town, Cypress Point delivers a specific kind of "Old Virginia" golf experience that is becoming harder to find.
To get the most out of your visit, check their online portal for "twilight" rates. Playing these lake-side holes as the sun goes down is easily one of the best views in the city, and it usually costs a fraction of the morning rate. Just make sure you finish before the mosquitoes realize you're there.