When we pulled into Brier Patch, there was a scramble just beginning to start. Our tee time was scheduled for about 30 minutes later, so we went to the driving range to warm up. The view of the course from there looked like it would be a bunny course with wide-open spaces and rolling hills. So I merrily hit my bag of balls.

At our designated tee time, the group was out of the way. The starter pointed us to the direction of the first tee in the opposite direction of the "bunny" holes. Off we went up a steep hill, lined with trees. The clubhouse far below was no where to be seen. "It was a good thing the cart has lots of power," I said.

When we arrived at the top, there was a foursome in front of us. We learned they were a part of a group that had come to Brier Patch for the weekend. This day they were playing in a scramble format. We expected slow play, but they moved right along.

Then, while we were waiting, we were matched with another couple who had a tee time after us. They were visitors, too. They were from Virginia.

Tee #1 overlooked the fairway, lined with trees on the left, and which was far below. The first shot required focus to land your drive on the fairway and away from the trees. At the turn, the path brought you out of the woods-like course down to the clubhouse.

Once you came down to more level ground, there were still challenges awaiting you. Plenty of bunkers (some pot belly ones), water holes, and other obstacles in strategic places were there to test your golfing ability.

In 2000, Jim Justice II overhauled this unique course design, which boasts the only island green in the state. "The Beast" is a 642-yard par 5 on hole #18.

Playing the course was no cakewalk, but I really enjoyed playing it. The course was in great condition.

Brier Patch Golf Links is about two miles off Interstates I-64/I-77 in Beckley, WV. For information, call (304) 253-GOLF.