Nestling within the mountain scenery of West Virginia lies America�s first organised golf course. Oakhurst Links in Greenbrier County dates back to 1884 where golf today is played the old fashioned way.

Forget the cavity-back irons, titanium drivers, and even golf tees, golf at Oakhurst is played with replica 19th century long nose hickory shafted clubs and "guttie" balls, hit from sand tees. Adding to the authenticity of the 19th century experience is the flock of sheep which roam the course, helping keep the fairways "mowed" while presenting unique challenges to golfers!

It all started back in the 19th century, in a small valley in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, when a group of Scottish, English and American gentlemen gathered to play a game new to the United States. They laid out a nine hole course. The year was 1884 and the game was golf. They named the course "Oakhurst Links", after the estate of Russell Montague, where the course was designed.

Over the years that followed, these neighbours would play regularly and compete annually on December 25, for the "Oakhurst Challenge Medal", which is recognized by the USGA as the earliest known golf prize in the United States.

The 9-hole "Oakhurst Links 9" course at the Oakhurst Links facility in White Sulphur Springs features 2,235 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 34. Oakhurst Links 9 golf course opened in 1994. Brief instruction on the use of the equipment, the art of forming a sand tee and swinging the "hickory's", and a tour of the Oakhurst Museum/Clubhouse is offered to golfers. The replica equipment is made in St. Andrews, Scotland exclusively for Oakhurst. ENDS Oakhurst Links, near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, was built circa 1884 and is the oldest existing golf course in the United States. Oakhurst has been restored, as close as possible to how it actually was in the 1880s -down to the sheep grazing the fairways. Modern golf equipment is not allowed for play at Oakhurst. 19th century equipment -reproduction clubs and balls- are available at the clubhouse. Ironwood Golf Group manages this facility.

www.Oakhurstlinks.com

Location Oakhurst is less than 90 minutes by air from select major cities, with service into Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) just 15 minutes away and Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) in Roanoke, VA, approximately 75 miles from White Sulphur Springs. Located off Interstate 64 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Bed and Breakfast The James Wiley House {5 minutes from Oakhurst}

The General Lewis Inn {15 minutes from Oakhurst} www.generallewisinn.com

The Great Oak B&B {12 minutes from Oakhurst} www.greatoakbnb.com

Hotels/Motels The Greenbrier Resort {5 minutes from Oakhurst} www.greenbrier.com

The Old White Inn {5 minutes from Oakhurst} www.oldwhiteinn.com

The Hampton Inn {15 minutes from Oakhurst} www.hamptoninn.com

The Brier Inn {15 minutes from Oakhurst} www.brierinn.com

For more information, contact Jane Wilson on wv@attachecommunications.co.uk or visit the West Virginia Tourism website on: www.wvtourism.com or www.wvgolfing.com.