If you get a kick out of playing exciting online casino games, you probably also love the thrill of a hard-earned win on the golf course or aiming for that ever-elusive hole-in-one – and you’re definitely not alone! According to statistics released by the National Golf Foundation, 25.1 million Americans played golf on a course in 2021.
It’s a fact that the US has some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses and many of them can be found in West Virginia. This is unsurprising considering that the Mountain State is every traveler’s go-to for anything and everything to do with the great outdoors. It’s home to approximately 130 golf courses, each with its own special charm. Planning a visit in the near future but not sure which golf courses to add to your list of must-plays? We’ve handpicked a few for you below.
Pikewood National Golf Club
Breathe in the revitalizing mountain air at Pikewood National Golf Club in Morgantown. Perched on a mesa, this golf course promises spectacular panoramic views, as well as a challenge for golfers of all levels. According to the club’s website, the course has been built by players, specifically for players. Following your game, be sure to sit down to a hearty meal and a drink at the Champion’s Terrace, known for its legendary “Steak Night” on Thursdays.
Quick tip: Visit the course during autumn when the leaves’ colors are transitioning, or in spring when the fairways are at their smoothest and plushest, for the best (and most scenic) possible experience.
The Old White
The Old White is a golf course found on the grounds of The Greenbrier, dubbed “America’s Resort” since 1778. The stunning course was designed in the early 20th century by the “father of American golf course architecture,” Charles Blair Macdonald. It opened its doors for the first time in 1914 and has delighted golfers from far and wide ever since! The Old White is kept in immaculate condition all year round and is home to plenty of wildlife, including deer, eagle and many more interesting creatures, crawlies and birds. As you can see, there are countless reasons why it’s often rated as one of the “once-in-a-lifetime” courses to play in the US. You have to experience it to believe it!
Pete Dye Golf Club
Located in Harrison County, Pete Dye Golf Club allows you to merge your favorite sport with the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This club’s golf course is featured on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” and on Golfweek’s round-up of the “Best Modern Courses.” The terrain is rugged and challenging, with the 18 holes sprawling across 250 acres of land. Regardless of what time of year you decide to visit, there’s no doubt that you’re in for a game of golf that you’ll remember for a very long time.
Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain
This is another golf course cradled by the Appalachian Mountains, this time designed by golfing legend, Gary Player. Neither flat nor forgiving, as pointed out by a player who regularly tees off on this course, the Raven Golf Club golf course is a must for experienced golfers scoping out a notable challenge. Need another reason to give Raven Golf Club a visit? It has recently been ranked in the top five “Best Courses You Can Play in West Virginia” list by Golfweek (The Old White snagged the top spot.) Be sure to stop by to enjoy an afternoon of uncovering what all of the fuss is about! You’ll be glad that you did.
What to wear to the golf course
Just like a glitzy trip to the casino to take part in casino table games, remember to dress to impress when you visit a prestigious golf course like the ones on our list. You can’t go wrong with a collared golf shirt, golf pants, golf shoes and socks and a visor for some extra protection from the sun. Steer clear of denim, sweatpants, cargo shorts and open-toed shoes at all costs! It’s also never a good idea to wear sports shoes with metal spikes, as they could easily cause damage to the perfectly manicured fairways and putting greens.
Top sports-themed online slots at BetMGM
If you can’t make it to the golf course right now and you’re looking for a fun, rewarding way to de-stress, why not take our many great online slots for a spin? We have loads of sports-themed options that we’re sure you’ll enjoy, including a golf-themed classic. Read the reviews below.
Golden Tour
There’s more to love about this slot game than just its classic golfing graphics. It boasts a jaw-droppingly high Return to Player (RTP) of 97.71%. That’s 1.71% higher than the industry average! You play on five reels with five paylines and the chance of grabbing a maximum win of 2,000x your stake per spin. Designed by Playtech, Golden Tour is a low- to medium-volatility slot with a fantastic base game and an even better bonus game where you’ll choose between a driver, an iron and a putter to land instant cash prizes. Rest assured that playing Golden Tour is almost as exhilarating as a day spent out on a real golf course!
Football Champions Cup
Now one for the football fans, courtesy of NetEnt. Highly volatile and played on five reels and 20 paylines, Football Champions Cup is one of the best online slots for sporty gamblers. It was inspired by Euro 2016 and comes with two bonus features, including the Penalty Shootout Bonus and the Free Spins Bonus. The maximum win is 1,000x your stake and the game’s RTP is an impressive 96.82%.
Basketball Star
You have 243 ways to win when playing the Basketball Star online casino game by Microgaming. If you like playing casino games with rolling reels (also known as tumbling or cascading reels,) then this one’s for you. It’s possible to multiply consecutive wins by up to 10x their value thanks to this feature! Basketball Star is a medium-volatility casino slot with an RTP of 96.52% and a fun-filled free spins round. Land five of the basketball scatter symbols and you’ll earn a whopping 25 free spins.
Play real money casino games at BetMGM
West Virginia is home to more than just its fair share of beautiful fairways. It’s also home to its own BetMGM online casino games platform, offering an ever-growing menu of casino classics. Choose from many unique online slots, casino table games and the internet’s best live dealer casino games.
Go ahead and register when you’re ready to explore!
Still learning how to play online casino games? You’ll find a wealth of knowledge by delving deeper into our blog, including a look at what pro golfers and pro poker players have in common and some of the top gambling books of all time, to name just a few insightful pieces. Enjoy!
