Poplar Forest Golf Course

The fact that this course charges FULL PRICE for a non player to ride is just crazy. You can’t get a round of 9 in under 3 hours here because of how they manage t times and have no starter. If you enjoy golf even at a slower pace don’t play here. My experience playing has been so up and down.

I can see why some people would leave a low review, and Poplar isn't worth 5 stars in some aspects for sure, but the negativity from more experienced golfers is unfair and I am writing this to simply cancel out at least one of them (you'll know who you are). My first round of golf ever was at Poplar and for beginners it is the best place to go. As some people have said it has gone up in price, but still the cheapest option. Disagree with negativity on the greens and fairways as I always think those are decent. Is the range in rough shape? Sure. But it is also the MOST heavily used range in all of Lynchburg (again because it is perfect for beginners). Maybe help your grounds keeper out by having more mats only times so he can have some time to recover his grass :) Slow pace of play? For sure, but most reviews I am seeing that are negative recently are from people who have played here multiple times and should know what to expect. Poplar frequently has brand new players, date nights, parents with their kids, and have no starters. So as a frequent player to complain about pace of play holds no weight for me. Bottom line for me is this. Poplar is a 5 star for all beginners. You will feel 100% no judgement for being bad, playing in jeans, sharing clubs with your buddy, bringing your kids, playing with your wife, etc. Sooo for anyone leaving a 1 star and then comparing it to Colonial, Ivy, or London...go play at those places, but don't make it seem like Poplar isn't still doing for others exactly what it did for you when you first started, and leaving a 1 star review (trying to hurting Poplar) after you have played there 40 times and will continue to play there I am sure is a wild review to leave! Don't @ me cause I wont respond to anyone who disagrees with this :D

Editing down my 4 star review from 2022. It seems like the prices continue to go up and the conditions get worse. It can be extremely backed up in-season here as well. Their membership also went up by $100 and nothing was added or improved. I’ve played Colonial Hills several times lately and prefer to pay $1 extra after 2pm for better conditions and fewer crowds. This used to be a great budget option but I just don’t see it that way anymore. Here’s how it compares to other city’s budget course to play 9 on a Saturday. Roanoke: $20 Farmville: $24 Salem: $12 (walking) Poplar: $30