Deer Cove Golf Course

If you're a novice player and have access to the base this is a perfect course for you. Not only is it quite forgiving due to the lack of obstacles it's one of the most tranquil courses I've come across. That's because it's on the water, located on a base with very low activity, and there are no buildings or housing close to the fairways. As it turned out my wife and I were one of only a handful of players on the course the Saturday we played. Needless to say the only noises we heard (other than our teeing off) was the wind blowing through the trees. Perfect for teaching a new golfer.We actually found this course while searching the Swing by Swing website for military bases we hadn't played in Hampton Roads. Otherwise we never would have found it.Ranges: The driving range is directly behind the small clubhouse with about 8 to 10 covered and matted stalls that allow for up 250+ yard drives. However the course manager said we could move off the matt and onto the grass if we wanted to tee our drivers as long as we weren't creating a hazard to others. Since no one else was on the range, that's exactly what I did. Like the driving range the practice putting green is only steps away from the clubhouse and just as it is on the course the flat and well maintained. Clubhouse: Small but has everything you'll need. Restrooms, balls, tees, course apparel, snacks and cold drinks, including small liquors and of course beers. There is also a table to eat or just have a conversation with the staff or friends. Fairways: Except for one or two all the fairways are straight with very little obstacles and little to no slopes. If you're a low drive that has a tendency to bounce as it makes it way toward the green then you'll love playing here. All the fairways were well maintained surrounded by generally short vegetation, tall trees and no water obstacles. Greens: Medium to large in size, no slope (that I can remember), and only a few bunkers making them quite merciful.Service: There was only one staff member during our visit but he was very knowledge on the course, friendly and quick to get us anything we needed.Overall: We really found Deer Cove to be a very relaxing play. I'll definitely be back especially if I'm golfing with someone that's new to the game as there's so few players on the course we won't have to worry about backing anyone up. Still taking into account the relative ease of the course and the distance from VB/Norfolk/Chesapeake I can't give this place anymore than an a 2 Star rating.