Owned by the University of Virginia, Birdwood opened in 1984 with a design by architect Lindsay Ervin, although Pete Dye & Associates oversaw a redesign in 2005. Not surprisingly, Birdwood is also home to the school's men's and women's golf teams, and is also a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

The resort guest and public walking rates are $52 on Mondays through Thursdays, then $65 on Fridays, weekends, and holidays (carts are $20/person). UVA faculty, staff, alumni, students, and juniors are afforded various discounts, while memberships and 9-hole rates are also offered.