Second Shot
A couple’s shared vision, hard work and careful restoration give an old course a second chance to make a first impression.
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In an era when it seems golf courses are vanishing faster than you can tee off, replaced by housing developments or closed due to economic pressure, we don’t often witness a course’s return from the dead. So, when I first visited the newly revived Van Metre9 in Martinsburg, W.Va., it felt like some-thing extraordinary — a place where players can take part in golf history itself being rewritten.
The story begins with the Stonebridge Golf Course, a once-popular spot that closed years ago. Parts of it were sold off for housing, others were reclaimed by the kudzu. But instead of letting the property fade into obscurity, a visionary group decided to reopen the course, transforming it into what is now: Van Metre9. This sort of resurrection is rare enough, but it’s even rarer to see it revitalized so thoughtfully.
When I arrived at Van Metre9, I spotted three golfers heading toward the first tee. Two were pushing carts, and one had a carry bag slung over his shoulder. Their excitement was infectious, and I took a moment to chat with them before snapping a picture and cheerfully continuing on.
Jakki and Jim VanMetre, the owners, are the driving forces behind the course’s revival. I met them on the first tee for an impromptu “cart interview,” where they shared their vision for the course and the incredible amount of work that had gone into its restoration. Over the past three years, hundreds of trees were cleared to reclaim the fairways and greens, but the work didn’t stop there. New trees were planted with precision to shape shots and direct balls away from other areas. They’ve even added two putting greens and a driving range. The course is designed as a 9-hole layout that can be played twice for an 18-hole round, and there are extra holes for lessons and special events.
Water plays a central role on the course. A serene lake and winding creek add both beauty and challenge to the design. As I walked the fairways with Jakki and Jim, I could sense the care they’d taken in crafting a space that’s not just about golf but about offering a peaceful escape into nature. They’re preserving the
land for the community, allowing locals and visitors alike to reconnect with the outdoors.
After our tour, I sat down for lunch at the Sycamore, the course’s restaurant housed in a beautifully restored stone building dating back to 1922. The Arts and Crafts-style architecture—complete with a massive, restored fireplace—creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu is just as impressive. Over a juicy burger, hand-cut fries, and crispy Brussels sprouts, I watched golfers practice on the driving range. The entire staff went out of their way to make sure we had a memorable experience. Everything at Van Metre9, from the food to the service, is designed with a deep respect for hospitality.
But the real magic of Van Metre9 lies in its community-centered approach. High school golf teams regularly use the course for matches, and the team is hatching plans for a brewery and par-3 course expansion. Jakki and Jim are committed to turning Van Metre9 into a gathering place where families, friends, and golfers of all levels can mingle, building a community hub that will serve the region for years to come.
Out on the course, I met the course executive operating manager, Todd Armstrong. A former golf pro, he doesn’t play as much as he used to, but his knowledge of the game and his passion for Van
Metre9 shine. As he showed me around the course, pointing out strategic spots and sharing tips,
I became even more certain that every hole had been designed with a purpose. The layout flows beautifully, with well-placed trees and hazards that challenge golfers without overwhelming them. Todd’s expertise and enthusiasm breathe life into every blade of grass on the fairway.
Pulling out, I paused to look back at the restored clubhouse and the diverse golfers enjoying their rounds. Van Metre9 is a rare gem, a diamond-in-the-rough story in a fast-moving world that direly needs one. Here, Southern culture is honored, inclusive community thrives and the spirit of the game is alive and well. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend making the trip to Martinsburg to experience this historic project for yourself. I’m already looking forward to returning myself, not just to play, but to bear witness to the continued growth and success of Jakki and Jim’s remarkable revitalization.
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The menu at the Sycamore — Van Metre9’s restaurant — is as impressive as its Arts and Crafts-style architecture, complete with a massive, restored fireplace.
