Tee off in Stafford

Three Courses. Two Days. Zero Rush.

Day One

Day one begins exactly where it should, on a course that knows how to make a first impression.

Augustine Golf Club is a 6,817-yard, par 71 course designed by Rick Jacobson, and it plays with just the right mix of beauty and bite. Thoughtfully designed fairways roll through the landscape, elevation changes keep you engaged, and every hole feels intentional without ever feeling overwhelming. There’s a reason this course earned a spot on Golf Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” It delivers a high-end golf experience that feels polished yet approachable, whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the rhythm of the round. This is the kind of place where you take an extra moment on the tee, appreciate the view, and remember that you’re not here to rush. Warm up, settle in, and let the course set the pace for the rest of the trip.

When 18 at Augustine leaves you wanting just a bit more golf, the Aquia Harbour Golf Course is an easy yes.

This classic nine-hole course leans into the land around it, with natural rises and dips that keep each hole feeling distinct. It’s the kind of layout that asks you to think through your shots. Greens are compact and thoughtfully guarded, rewarding well-placed approaches and a steady hand on the putter. Length isn’t the challenge here. Precision is. With tighter fairways and smart design, Aquia Harbour is ideal for golfers who enjoy strategy as much as swing speed. It’s relaxed, yes, but never dull. A perfect way to round out day one without committing to another full round.

After a full day on the course, or courses, there is nothing better than good food and cold drinks to ease into the evening. At Augustine Golf Club, The Grille is right on site and ready when you are, serving sandwiches, burgers, and grab-and-go favorites, along with a full bar that makes it just as easy to linger as it is to refuel.

For a sit-down meal, you have no shortage of great spots close by. Girlfriend’s Tap House is a laid-back stop that fits right into a post-round unwind, perfect for stretching out the conversation over a relaxed meal. El Jimador brings bold, familiar flavors in a lively setting that still feels easy after a day on the course. And Basilico New York Deli keeps things simple with casual, comforting bites that hit the spot without slowing down the evening.

If a cold beer sounds right, local favorites like Full Distance Brewing, Barley Naked Brewing Company, and Wild Run Brewing Company offer laid-back spaces where the vibe is friendly, the pours are solid, and one round often turns into two.

Day 2

Day two deserves a proper warm-up. Before you step onto the first tee at The Gauntlet, spend a little extra time at the driving range. Loosen up, find your rhythm, and shake off any lingering stiffness from day one. A few smooth swings and confident putts, and you’ll feel ready to tackle what’s ahead. This is where anticipation builds, and the round truly begins.

Once you’ve found your swing, the next step is putting it to the test. Designed by P.B. Dye, The Gauntlet delivers a championship course where precision and smart decisions shape the round. Stretching just under 7,000 yards with a par of 72, it delivers a bold, intentional layout that keeps you focused from the first tee to the final putt. Plush fairways, smooth greens, and the scenic lake at Curtis Memorial Park set the stage for a round you will not forget.

The experience continues beyond the course with an industry-leading TrackMan 4 Golf Simulator inside the clubhouse. Players can explore more than 130 world-famous courses, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, enjoy skill-based games, or analyze their swing with detailed shot feedback.

After a full day of golf, there’s no need to call it a night just yet. The Gauntlet Clubhouse Bar & Grille offers a full-service restaurant where you can shift from competition to comfort without leaving the view behind. Grab a seat inside or head out to the terrace overlooking the course, where pub-style dishes and cold drinks come easy. It’s a great spot to decompress after 18 holes, revisit the day’s best shots, and let the experience stretch a little longer before heading out. If you want to venture out for a full meal, you have a few easy options nearby. Amy’s Café offers a cozy, comforting plate in a relaxed setting, while Wild Waylon’s BBQ brings smoked meats and bold flavors that feel right after a long round. 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company bridges both worlds, serving food alongside craft beer, making it an easy one-stop stop for dinner and drinks.

If you’re simply looking to unwind with a drink, there are plenty of nearby breweries within a short drive of the course. Adventure Brewing Company, Laudenbach Brewing, and Highmark Brewing all offer laid-back atmospheres, solid pours, and plenty of space to settle in and swap stories from the round.

Stay in Stafford

With this much golf packed into the weekend, a nearby stay keeps things simple. Stafford’s hotels put you close to the courses, great food, and an easy start to the next morning. Consider it one less thing to plan and one more reason to settle in.