If you're driving through Mason, West Virginia, it’s easy to miss. You might be focused on the Ohio River or just trying to get through town, but Riverside Golf Club WV is sitting right there, tucked away in a spot that feels way more secluded than it actually is. It isn’t some high-priced, exclusive resort where you need a six-figure income to get a tee time. Honestly? It’s a blue-collar course. It’s the kind of place where the grass is green, the beer is cold, and nobody is going to give you a hard time if your swing looks like you're trying to kill a snake.
It’s 18 holes of straightforward, honest golf.
People around here don't call it a "luxury experience." They call it home. Riverside has this reputation for being one of the most playable courses in the region, largely because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. There are no fake waterfalls or $500,000 bunkers. Instead, you get a layout that follows the natural flow of the land near the river. It’s flat. Like, really flat. For a state known for its "mountain" golf—where you spend half the day hiking up 45-degree inclines—Riverside is a massive relief for anyone with bad knees or a preference for walking the course.
What to Expect at Riverside Golf Club WV
The course plays as a par 70. It isn't the longest track you’ll ever set foot on, sitting at roughly 5,800 to 6,000 yards depending on which tees you’re brave enough to play from. But length isn't the challenge here.
Small greens.
That is the "gotcha" at Riverside. You’ll have a great drive, you're sitting in the middle of the fairway with a short iron in your hand, and suddenly you realize the target you're aiming at is about the size of a kitchen table. It requires a bit of precision. If you miss, you’re chipping from some tight lies, which can get spicy if the ground is dry.
The layout is interesting because it’s split. You’ve got holes that feel very open, and then you’ve got stretches where the trees start leaning in a bit. It’s a public course, so the maintenance is what you’d expect for the price point. Is it Augusta National? No. But the staff works their tails off to keep the fairways lean and the greens rolling true.
The Riverside Vibe
You’ll see guys in work boots. You’ll see teenagers learning the game. You’ll see seniors who have probably played these same 18 holes every day for forty years. That’s the magic of it. There is zero pretension. Most people show up, grab a cart, and just enjoy being outside.
The proximity to the Ohio River matters more than you think. Because it’s in a low-lying area, the moisture levels can vary. In the spring, it’s lush. In the heat of a West Virginia August, it gets firm and fast. You have to learn how to play the "bump and run" here. If you try to fly everything to the pin during a dry spell, you're going to watch your ball bounce right off the back of the green and into the rough.
The Local Knowledge: How to Actually Play It
Most golfers make the mistake of trying to overpower Riverside Golf Club WV. They see a 330-yard par 4 and think, "I can drive this." Maybe you can. But the trouble usually sits right where a mishit driver ends up.
Take the par 3s, for example. They aren't terrifyingly long, but they are well-protected. You need to be hitting your marks.
- The Front Nine: Generally a bit more open. It’s where you find your rhythm.
- The Back Nine: Things get a little tighter. You’ll notice the trees start to play a bigger factor in your club selection.
- The Water: It’s there, but it’s not overwhelming. You aren't losing a sleeve of balls every three holes unless you're having a truly catastrophic day.
The clubhouse is exactly what a golf clubhouse should be. It’s a place to grab a sandwich, talk about the putt you missed on 16, and pay a greens fee that won't make your bank account cry. Prices are incredibly reasonable. In an era where some courses are charging $100+ for a weekend round, Riverside stays accessible for the average person.
Why This Course Matters to Mason County
West Virginia has a lot of famous golf. You’ve got The Greenbrier, which is world-class. You’ve got Oglebay. But those places are destinations. Riverside Golf Club WV is a community staple. It provides a spot for local high school teams to practice. It’s where the local fundraisers happen.
Without places like this, golf becomes a sport for the elite.
Riverside keeps it grounded. It’s a "sneaker course." You don't need the latest $200 golf shoes or a matching outfit to feel like you belong. You just need a set of clubs and a couple of hours to kill.
Realities of a River Course
Let's talk about the "Riverside" part of the name. Being near the water means the ground can stay soft after a heavy rain. If the Ohio River is acting up, or if Mason County has seen a week of thunderstorms, check the weather. You might find "cart path only" rules in effect, or some damp spots in the fairways. It’s just the nature of the geography.
But when it’s dry? It’s one of the fastest rounds you’ll play. Because the terrain is so flat, you can zip around the course in under four hours even on a busy day. If you’re playing solo or in a fast twosome, you can sometimes knock out 18 holes in two and a half hours. That’s unheard of at bigger city courses.
Planning Your Trip to Mason
If you’re coming from Huntington or Parkersburg, it’s a pretty drive. You’re looking at Highway 62 or Route 2. The course is located right off the main drag in Mason.
Pro-tip: Don't just play the golf course and leave. Stop by some of the local spots in Mason or nearby Point Pleasant. If you’re into weird history, the Mothman Statue in Point Pleasant is only about 15-20 minutes away. It makes for a weird, quintessentially West Virginian Saturday: 18 holes of golf followed by a visit to a legendary cryptid statue.
Membership and Value
While it’s a public course, they do offer memberships. If you live within a 30-minute drive, it’s a no-brainer. The rates are some of the most competitive in the tri-state area.
They also have a driving range and practice area. It’s nothing fancy—no Topgolf-style tracking screens—just a field and some balls. But if you need to work on a slice or just clear your head after work, it gets the job done.
Things Nobody Tells You About Riverside
First off, the wind. Because you’re near the river valley, you can get some swirling winds that don't match what the treetops are doing. You’ll stand on the tee feeling a breeze in your face, hit the ball, and watch it get pushed sideways by a crosswind you didn't see coming.
Secondly, the "Mason Bounce." The ground here can get hard. If you're used to soft, pampered country club fairways, you might be surprised by how much extra roll you get. It can turn a 240-yard drive into a 270-yard drive pretty quickly.
Thirdly, the people. The regulars at Riverside are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet. It isn't uncommon to get invited to join a group if you're playing alone. It's a social hub.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Call Ahead: Even though it’s a local spot, they host scrambles and tournaments fairly often. Give the pro shop a call to make sure the course isn't closed for a private event.
- Check the Moisture: If it’s rained in the last 48 hours, wear waterproof shoes. The low spots near the river tend to hold onto water longer than the higher ground.
- Pack the Essentials: The clubhouse has the basics, but make sure you’ve got your preferred balls and tees before you arrive.
- Embrace the Flatness: Leave the ego at the door. You don't need to hit the "hero shot" over a mountain here. Just keep it in the short grass and you’ll score well.
- Walk if You Can: It is one of the best walking courses in West Virginia. You’ll save a few bucks on the cart fee and get some great exercise without feeling like you're climbing Everest.
Riverside Golf Club WV isn't trying to change the world. It’s just trying to provide a solid place for people to play the game they love. It’s consistent, it’s affordable, and it’s unapologetically West Virginian. Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who struggles to break 110, you'll find a fair test and a warm welcome in Mason.
Next time you’re in Mason County, pull over. Grab your bag. Play 18. You might find that this little riverside track becomes one of your favorite regular stops. There is something to be said for a course that knows exactly what it is and does it well every single day.
Bring a few extra balls for those tiny greens, though. You’re gonna need them.
Key Information Summary
- Location: Mason, WV (Mason County).
- Course Type: 18-hole public.
- Par: 70.
- Terrain: Exceptionally flat, river-adjacent.
- Highlights: Affordable greens fees, fast play, walkable layout.
- Challenges: Small, tricky greens and occasional wind from the Ohio River.