In April 2026, Stonehill Golf Management and its President, Michael J. Stonehill Sr., assumed corporate operations of New Direction Golf Management Corp., the operator of The Gauntlet Golf Club.
Since that transition, a professional management team led by General Manager John B. Zorich of Stafford County, along with Jessi Gray, who oversees Membership Services and Food & Beverage Operations, along with their dedicated staff, has helped transform The Gauntlet into one of the premier golf destinations in the region.
Course conditions have improved dramatically under the leadership of Superintendent Ryan Funkhouser, formerly of Fawn Lake Country Club. Membership has grown rapidly and is now approaching 350 members. As demand continues to increase, future membership enrollment may be limited to preserve the quality of play for both members and the public.
Now would be the perfect time to join our club as a full time member.
For golfers who are not ready to commit to a full membership, The Gauntlet offers affordable daily green fees for both 9-hole and 18-hole rounds. Guests can choose between our new fleet of EZGO lithium-powered GPS-equipped carts or our gas-powered GPS carts at no additional charge.
Every cart is now equipped with Pace Technology from EZGO Golf, allowing golfers to view the location of carts ahead and behind them on a large in-cart display. This innovative system helps improve pace of play and navigation around the challenging layout designed by renowned architect PB Dye, son of legendary golf course designer Pete Dye.
Golfers continue to enjoy our smooth bentgrass greens and outstanding zoysia fairways, and heavy green roughs, providing exceptional playing conditions throughout the course.
The Gauntlet Golf Club is proud to welcome Anthony Russell as our Golf Instructor.
A retired U.S. Marine with more than 28 years of service, Anthony brings a disciplined yet practical approach to golf instruction. His coaching philosophy focuses on improving each golfer’s performance by working with their natural swing and movement patterns rather than forcing a complete swing overhaul.
Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, Anthony helps golfers build confidence, consistency, and a more enjoyable experience on the course through efficient, repeatable fundamentals.
Shawn O’Donnell brings more than 50 years of golf experience as a player, caddy, assistant golf professional, and instructor. Having played over 130 courses and competed at various amateur and professional levels, Shawn offers a deep understanding of the game and its many challenges.
His teaching philosophy focuses on working with each golfer’s unique abilities, goals, and commitment level to create lasting improvement and greater enjoyment of the game. Influenced by respected golf professionals throughout his career, Shawn combines traditional fundamentals with modern instruction techniques.
As an instructor with New Direction Golf Academy, Shawn is dedicated to helping golfers of all skill levels improve their performance while incorporating the latest TrackMan technology and club-fitting insights into his coaching.
The 19th Hole Bar and Grill is a mecca for beer enthusiasts! We’ve got the best local draft and cans comin’ at ya like 6 Bears and a Goat, Solace, Hardywood Brewing Co, Honor Brewing Company, Center of the Universe and more. And if beer’s not your thing, don’t fret! We’ve got a full bar stocked with a variety of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch from all over the globe. We’ve got a little something for everyone!
In just the first 60 days of ownership, we have begun extensive cart path renovations and tree removal throughout the property.
These improvements will provide a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience while enhancing the overall appearance of the course.
But we’re just getting started.
Over the coming months, members and guests and the public can look forward to:
• A larger bar and dining area with “at home” vibe.
• Expanded seating and gathering spaces
• Improved outdoor seating for dining and relaxation with comfortable sofas and cool ceiling fans.
• Dedicated member areas during tournament events
• A new pizza oven offering fresh personal pizzas
• Enhanced food and beverage options with quick serve delicious hot dog with condiments, and healthy wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
• Continued clubhouse improvements including new upgraded dining & tournament venue.
Next year, The Gauntlet will introduce a completely new practice facility unlike anything currently available in Stafford County or the entire Commonweath of Virginia.
Planned Features Include
• Covered hitting bays
• 30 total bays
• Night lighting for evening practice
– proposed hours of operation
7 am – 10 pm. (in season)
• Six target greens ranging from 75 to 300 yards
• Ceiling fans
• Heating systems for year-round comfort
• Large-screen TVs and music
• VIP bays on one end of the range – for that special event or party
• Teaching facilitys with professional instructors
• A new putting green at the range
• Restrooms at the range for men and woman
• Food and beverage service with food trucks or order from the 19th hole
• Weekly leagues and competitions
• Private event opportunities
We are incredibly proud of the progress made by our staff and grateful for the support of our members, guests, and the Stafford County community. We remain committed to providing an exceptional golf experience and look forward to serving you for years to come.
