This MyGolfSpy Experience takes place at my home in Virginia. Virginia has been my home for 23 years. I like it. You would too. Coastal living, the artistry of our state capital, the breathtaking serenity of the Shenandoah Mountains and the rich history of our nation’s birthplace.
Located in the heart of Virginia is the state’s hottest new golf course, Cutalong at Tributer Resort. Tributer Resort brings a west coast vibe to the east coast, thanks to Reef Destinationsthe resort developer.
The Reef Destinations portfolio consists of Black Desert Resort, Marcella, Cornerstone Club and Sweetens Cove.
Tribute Resort
When you pull into the property, there are only a few houses. Although the residential vision is still a work in progress, there are villas, townhouses and a world-class clubhouse.
Tributer Resort is near Lake Anna, a summer getaway destination. The lake and surrounding area offer outdoor activities for people of all ages. Another selling point is Tributer Resort’s proximity to major cities. Washington DC and surrounding Charlottesville, Richmond and Hampton Roads are less than three hours away.
Cutalong to Tributer Resort
When I play a new golf course, I ask, “Can I play this course every day?” Cutalong leaves no doubt as to the answer. Yes, I will, but why?
Homage to the golden age of golf
Tom Clark took on the enormous challenge of designing Cutalong. Clark is no stranger to designing golf courses in Virginia. There are several courses near MyGolfSpy HQ that he has had a hand in: Cedar Point Club, The River and Woods courses at Kingsmill Resort, and the Yorktown course at Williamsburg National. It resides about 90 minutes from Cutalong.
Clark pays homage to the golden age of golf with his Cutalong creation. It takes inspiration from iconic golf course architects Charles Blair Macdonald, Donald Ross and Alister MacKenzie while weaving in historic mining grounds. The specific golf course Clark is inspired by is Macdonald’s work at National Golf Links.
There are influences from all three renowned architects here. All green complexes are inspired by them such as routing and bunkering. It is a modern layout with an unmistakable influence from one of the greatest eras of golf design.
The 12th hole is a signature “model hole” of Macdonald. The shape of the green is from front left to back right and features a large swale in the middle. Visually, it’s confusing and it’s best to make sure you hit the ball in the right place.
The 14th hole is the “mine” hole. This is a real risk/reward forum. It features a split fairway and if you have the courage to take the left side, you are rewarded with a better angle and a chance to come home in two on this challenging par-5. Take the safe path to the right and you will immediately be questioned about your decision.
The modern mix of three famous architects makes this course an absolute gem, especially for those who appreciate classic architecture and creative routing. Cutalong ultimately plays like a championship links/heathland course.
Championship golf is ready for action
From the back tees, Cutalong plays 7,343 yards with a course and slope rating of 75.7/148. The golf course is an absolute beast. Even from the “white” tees, the course plays all of 6,155 yards with a course and slope rating of 69.9/135.
The first thing you notice is how open the golf course. Visually, from the tee box, it feels like you have a lot of room to miss. But the rough is punishing, clumsy lies abound and as you traverse the golf course, you realize just how treacherous the fairways are. The natural terrain of Cutalong was the perfect canvas for this brilliant golf course. According to Clark, the course was built with minimal earth movement (~100,000 total cubic yards) to preserve the natural contours, with major shape only on the 5th and 16th holes.
Spotlight forums
There are many memorable holes on the Cutalong championship course.
The first is the par-5 third hole. This hole has pocket cross-bunkering that hides the landing area as well as the doglegs of the slightly straight hole. About 100 yards from the green are the first remnants of the tribute to the property’s history (Mineral, Va., and the surrounding area, including Tributer Resort, have a rich mining history). A railroad cut crosses the fairway to create a visual and strategic distraction.
The par-4 sixth hole is probably one of the most difficult holes on the course. It takes two well-executed shots to even bring par into the equation. It’s an uphill dogleg right that uses the natural scenery. Native grasses on the left and three deep fairway bunkers on the right make the tee shot challenging. Once you get to the fairway, the approach shot requires complete focus and execution. You will bring a deep ravine to a green with significant contours that is inspired by the complex greens of Ross’s Pinehurst No. 2.
I mentioned the 14th hole, the “mine” hole. Featuring a split fairway with a fairway dividing the landing areas, the hole creates a high risk/high reward opportunity. Opting for left routing creates a less visually demanding experience. Going right presents a dilemma: “OK, where do I hit it now?”. You can see the entrance to the abandoned mine about 100-120 meters from the green to the right. Positioning your second shot is critical to scoring on this par-5, especially if you’re going for the alternative fairway.
The 18th hole is a superb finishing hole. It’s memorable, especially with the new clubhouse that sits just atop the hill. There is a lone target bunker in the middle of the fairway that makes this tee shot feel tight and play tight. Fairway bunkers also run along the left side and right side of the fairway. A well-placed tee shot is necessary to score on this finishing hole because the complex green is smaller than the others and runs diagonally from right to left.
Experience MyGolfSpy unlike any other
Have you ever played a golf course for the first time and the course feels like home? The game feels natural and effortless. Dare I say, easy?
The first time in Cutalong in October 2025. Kevin Frisch sent me an invitation and I could not pass. One advantage of working in the golf media space is connecting with amazing individuals like Kevin. Kevin is the owner of Kevin Frisch PR. Kevin and his team invite members of the media and writers to golf destinations to highlight those properties. Kevin is an established player in his own right with over 25 years of experience in the golf industry. He knew that he and I were in a competitive duel.
Amazingly, we combined for a total of 13 birdies. It was absurd… a ride I will never forget. To my amazement, I got eight out of 13! We left the mine hole after my eighth birdie of the day and I sat at five under par (a career high). I couldn’t help myself and said to Kevin on the 15th tee box, “I’m going to shoot myself, but I have a personal best round.” Of course I bogeyed the last three holes to shoot 71.
However, despite that stumble, Cutalong felt at home.
Anticipation of the future
Tiger Woods. The name behind the newest effort at Tribute Resorta TGR Design championship golf course.
Members have access to the TGR championship golf course, Cutalong, and more new amenities come to Tributer Resort.
When will this popular golf course be available for members? A definitive timeline is unknown, but the anticipation is real.
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Virginia’s next largest golf destination
The attractions for Tributer Resort are Cutalong and the Lake Anna community. Life on the lake is full-time and part-time. Also, Cutalong is accessible to resort guests.
Cue the weekend golf trip.
Cutalong is the perfect mini golf getaway for Virginia residents. Due to its proximity to all major cities in Virginia, it only continues to gain attraction for visitors.
However, how do you attract visitors and keep them on the property?
Tributer Resort recently opened stay and play villas and cottages.
- The villas feature a four-bedroom layout with a king bed layout and a double queen bed slowly.
- The cottages feature two floors, two bedrooms slowly.
These newly added high quality accommodations significantly elevate the stay at Tributer Resort. Whether planning a golf getaway with friends or a trip with another couple, these lodging options provide an exceptional boost to the overall experience.
How much will it cost you?
Let’s be real – golf isn’t exactly easy on the wallet, and there really isn’t any sugar in it! But, Cutalong is worth the venture at least once!
To give you a ball-park figure, I estimated a two-night getaway in a cottage directly through their site. Thanks to Tributer Resort’s “Fall Into Travel” promotion, the total came to $825 with taxes and fees included.
Keep in mind that accommodation does not cover green costs. Playing 18 holes costs $178 plus a $50 forecaddie charge. Tipping your caddy is highly recommended, with gratuities starting at around $30 per golfer. If you schedule a tee time before 11 am, breakfast and non-alcoholic beverages are included. If you want another loop around the course, Cutalong provides an $80 replay fee.
If you decide to tackle this adventure solo, you’re looking at $1,341 for a two-night stay, two roundtrips and forecaddie expenses with tips included (always remember to take care of your caddie!).
Naturally, splitting the bill with a group of friends makes the price much more palatable. It truly is the ultimate golf escape.
Tributer Resort is here to stay
For me, Cutalong felt like a home away from home. The challenge that the golf course presents makes it a worthwhile visit. Whether you’re chasing a personal best round on the rolling greens or looking to escape the pace of Northern Virginia, Richmond or Hampton Roads for a peaceful weekend getaway, Tributer Resort is here to welcome you with open arms.
Fellow Virginians (and anyone else for that matter), tell me about your experience at Tributer Resort in the comments below!
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