The Open Stance Academy at Stoneleigh is my new address heading. When I gave one of my students a lesson here in June, I thought I had been transported to some fairy-tale village in a Walt Disney story. I was immediately in love with the place. Even now, I look out my window and feel a sense of peace here.

In graduate school, I took some architecture classes that emphasized a “Sense of Place”. They meant a place that melded perfectly with its surroundings. That is Stoneleigh.

The golf course cooperates perfectly with the surrounding property. Moreover, it demands that we obey its dictates or pay the consequences. At 6,750 yards, it seems gettable. However, it punishes doubt with impunity.

Each hole is unique and memorable. A month after playing that first round, I could easily remember every hole. Memorability is one criteria used to judge the greatest golf courses in the world. Stoneleigh is fantastic by that standard.

I’m partial, perhaps. But I won’t tell anyone I’ve written about her. Only those pursuing an Open Stance will know for now. However, in years to come, Stoneleigh will gain in reputation and prominence in Northern Virginia and the world for what it is… a special place.

The Open Stance Academy at Stoneleigh will conduct golf schools for Juniors and adults alike throughout the year. Our indoor, technology-centered, improvement lab will carry the hardy golfer through the Winter. We are currently conducting and competing in our first, annual, junior team championship. After only a month with a teaching academy, Stoneleigh’s eighteen junior golfers are competing against neighboring junior elite teams in “The Battle at Stoneleigh Farm”.

Join the crucible of golf at Stoneleigh, and you’ll be better for it.

Open your stance, and play golf.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy