Discover and Celebrate the Bliss of the Asheville and Western North Carolina Area Golf Courses and Golf Communities and Clubs
Western North Carolina is home to some of the most gorgeous and the most challenging golf courses in the world. Many have been designed by such world class golfers or renowned course architects as Donald Ross, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and many others. When you peruse the couple of dozen golf courses, country clubs and gated golf communities we've assembled and linked to on this page, you'll see why some call the Asheville... and indeed Western North Carolina... the golf capital of the world.
Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Broadmoor Golf Links Par 72 Championship course. "...
no residential housing and no out of bounds. You will play in a wildlife refuge with many streams, ponds, and marshes. Certifiedl Audubon Sanctuary golf course member...." Fletcher, near Asheville Airport.
Cummings Cove Golf & Country
"... par 71 course features 18
distinctly different holes with a memorable 6,415
yard layout. Three unique par 3 holes highlight the
back nine; one virtually hangs from a cliff. And,
like Baltusrol, home of the PGA Championship, the
course finishes with back-to-back par 5’s.
Cummings Cove has everything that makes golfing in the mountains special including elevated tees, tree-lined fairways, lakes, streams, waterfalls and see-forever views.... Our private club atmosphere and service is available to visiting golfers and outside play..."
Information to Help You
Improve Your Golf Score
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Broadmoor
"...
is the region's only links-style course. Step back in time as you play a flat, natural terrain that lies in the Mills River Valley, beside the mighty French Broad River. You will enjoy a Par 72 championship course, ranging from 5900 to 7168 yards and is playable for every golfer. Broadmoor features bermuda grass tees and fairways along with the best bent grass greens to be found. Broadmoor is also a unique experience in that it is very convenient, right off Interstate - 26 at the Asheville Regional Airport, yet there is no residential housing and no out of bounds. You will play in a wildlife refuge with many streams, ponds, and marshes. Certifiedl Audubon Sanctuary golf course member...."
Etowah Valley Country Club and Golf Lodge
"... Golf Digest Rated One of Top 50 Golf Destinations.... Our lush fairways are meticulously manicured, and our bent grass greens
are as large as 9,000 square feet. Three nine hole courses allow you to
play a variety of 18 hole combinations with 4 tee positions...." Virtual Tour of Course Dining and Lodging available. Directions
"... Discover the course that Golfweek magazine included in its 2005 “America’s Best” listings and Golf Digest named in 2004 as 'one of the ten best courses in the United States that is 100 years old or more'....."
Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, the course is rated as the 8th best in North Carolina (with five of the seven courses rated higher located at legendary Pinehurst).
Design
This is a shot-maker’s course, emphasizing accuracy over power in its 6,720 yard, par 70 layout. From beneath the crest of Sunset Mountain, the players' ascent from the somewhat flat, yet undulating front nine to the gentle slopes and sometime steep inclines and descents of the back nine brings with it spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course is immaculately maintained and is considered one of the finest conditioned courses in North Carolina.
History and Restoration
The golf course first opened for play in 1899 and was redesigned in 1924 by the great Donald Ross. The passing decades gradually altered its play, and in 2001, the resort undertook an ambitious $2.5 million program to restore the course to the past glory and spirit of its original Donald Ross design.
The restoration program was a success and led to a number of accolades, including Golfweek’s “Best Restoration” designation in 2002.
The Fitzgerald
".... The Fitzgerald, a 24-unit luxury condominium project adjacent to The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa... a common terrace overlooking downtown Asheville and The Grove Park Inn's award winning golf course.... Residents will be able to take advantage of a Grove Park Inn Amenities package, including golf, dining, fitness and spa services..."
Lake Toxaway Country Club
"... a private club for the exclusive use by its members, their guests, and overnight guests at The Greystone Inn... offers the finest in facilities and amenities. Members and their guests may enjoy a variety of dining options, golf, tennis, swimming, and an array of special Country Club activities and events. The 18-hole, par 71 golf course (currently undergoing a major renovation project) provides exceptional mountain golf that is unsurpassed in natural beauty. Rich, luscious greens, streams and waterfalls, and a PGA rating of 69.6 provide a game of golf that is as challenging to play as it is spectacular to see. Only yards from the lake and Clubhouse are one hard and five Har-Tru tennis courts with staff professionals providing activities, programs, and instruction. The club swimming pool provides refreshing fun for both adults and children. Special family activities are an important part of the amenities program...." See Lake Toxaway site for information on rentals, vacation accommodations and real estate.
Linville Golf Club
"...Designed by Donald Ross in 1924, the championship 18-hole course at the Linville Golf Club is open to members and to guests of The Eseeola Lodge. Players are surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and a creek that winds its way across the beautifully conditioned fairways. As challenging as it is stunning, the Linville Golf Club is one of the most esteemed in North Carolina..." Greatest 100 Holes of Golf (The Par 4 third hole) — Golfweek "...Linville Golf Course may rank second only to the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va., as the best mountain course in the Eastern U.S...." Business Week
Maggie Valley Resort Golf Club
"...Maggie Valley Club Golf Course offers a unique challenge for beginners and the most seasoned players. This established, 6500-yard course is surrounded by centennial trees and includes 30 acres of fairways leading to large bent grass greens. The front Valley Nine allows players to warm up before tackling the significantly more challenging Mountain Nine, which features an elevation rise of 800 feet and panoramas of the valley and beyond. The course at Maggie Valley Club highlights some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular scenery. The area’s temperate climate and the course’s native foliage, perennial gardens and creek-fed ponds make for fantastic year-round golf...."
Mill Creek Resort and Country Club
"...
is one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains and now you are in on the secret. Here in the mountains of North Carolina you will enjoy hospitality at its best with deluxe accommodations, breathtaking views, an 18 hole championship golf course and amazing tennis facilities! Whether you golf or just want to get out of the summer heat, we have what you are looking for in a cool mountain getaway. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the colors of the season, fall at Mill Creek is spectacular. We are a year round resort. When you are ready for a vacation, we are ready to make it memorable. Within an hour's drive you can explore the culture of the nation's largest Cherokee Indian Reservation, tour the palatial Biltmore Estate of George Vanderbilt, or attend countless concerts, live stage performances, art exhibits and other cultural events...." 4 miles west of Franklin, 1-1/4 hours from Asheville... and about 2 hours to Atlanta.
Waynesville Country Club Inn & Resort
".... in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains is not only perfect for a golf vacation, the cool temperatures make the simple things like relaxing in a rocker overlooking the fairway, so much nicer. Donald Ross was inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, and you'll enjoy our picturesque setting, well stocked pro shop, charming accommodations, and gracious dining. Our location also offers great access to most activities in the Smokies including, Historic Downtown Waynesville, Cherokee Indian Reservation with Harrah's Cherokee Casino, Maggie Valley featuring Cataloochee Ski Area and Ghost Town in the Sky, and Asheville, North Carolina is only 30 minutes away the Biltmore House and Winery being a popular side trip. For the nature lover, the Great Smoky Mountains national Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also a short drive...."
Public Golf Courses
City of Asheville Municipal Golf Course "...One of the oldest golf courses in Western North Carolina. The 18-hole golf course designed by Hall of Fame golf architect Donald Ross .... designed to be challenging as well as fun. The par 36 front nine, measuring 3,246 yards from the back tees, features a flat, wide-open course allowing the use of a driver on every hole. The 3,194-yard back nine has narrow fairways and also plays to a par 36. Accuracy instead of distance is required for the best score on the back nine. The course rating from the white tees is 69.0, and from the blue tees it is 71.1.... open daily to the general public, weather permitting..." Tee times required. Rental clubs are available. Pro shop and concessions. Memberships for individuals, families, juniors and seniors.
Golfing North of Ashville
Mount Mitchell Golf Club
"...
offers a variety of challenges to the visiting golfer. The course received a four and one half star rating in Golf Digest's "Places to Play." North Carolina Magazine ranked Mount Mitchell in the top ten public courses in the state. It features bent grass from tee to green, is virtually flat, has a pristine river flowing through it and awesome views on every shot..." Public course. Dining and luxurious accommodations on site. South of Burnsville, on Highway 80 south between Celo and Hwy 40. Map About 1 hrs drive from Asheville Google Driving Directions
Click on each of the dozens of categories to the left to uncover what makes the Asheville area so vital, so intriguing and so, well, UTTERLY BLISSFUL!
Explore the Bliss of Asheville and Western North Carolina
Golf Carolinas! North Carolina Golf Guide "... a fun and exciting golf course reference guide with a user friendly
layout jam packed with information including scorecards, fees,
directions, course description and an easy-to-use rating system, which
enables golfers to maximize their golf experience! Included in the
guide are thousands of dollars of coupons for course play, driving
ranges, and merchandise, making them an exceptional value paying for
themselves through a few rounds of golf or visits to the driving range...."
The Ultimate Guide to Asheville & The Western North Carolina Mountains, 3rd Edition "...The Ultimate Guide is thoroughly researched, organized for easy use,
and illustrated with many of Pantas own gorgeous pen and ink drawings.... Because it was written by someone who actually lives here, the book has
a sense of caring, commitment and completeness that is often lacking in
regional guides written by visiting authors..."
--Hendersonville Times-News
Golfing Communities In The Southeast: Places To Live And Play In Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia And the Carolinas "... People’s passion for golf manifests itself in many ways. Some enjoy the game so much, they want to make it a prominent part of their retirement surroundings. This work functions as both an informative source for golfing aficionados who are looking for a place to retire, and as a helpful guide for non-golfers in the family. Here, details on golf communities in six southeastern states are presented: North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
"Organized by state, each chapter begins with information on state and city populations; sales, income and social security taxes; and a geographical description. Each state is divided into geographical areas that offer attractive retirement and golfing opportunities. For each city listed, a general introduction (including data from the 2000 Census) is provided. Information on the golf courses, a variety of real estate options, nearby dependable health care services, convenient and varied shopping, favorable year-round climate, continuing education opportunities, nearby recreation, attractions, and dining, and regional artistic and cultural amenities is offered.
Lists of both a state’s nationally ranked and overall best golf courses, as determined by Golf Digest, are also included at the end of each chapter...."
Golfing Discounts
Great Smoky Mountains
Golf Coupon Book "Golf for less than $3 a Round" The 2008 Great Smoky Mountains Golf Trails coupon book contains two regular
coupons (valid January - December, 2008) and two bonus coupons (valid January, February, March, November and December, 2008) for each of our 16 participating golf courses and resorts. Each coupon entitles you to one round of golf (18 holes) on weekdays. Two coupons must be surrendered for one round on weekends and holidays. See rules and restrictions for additional information. The 2008 Golf Trails coupon book is $149.95.
GolfCpons.com
"....saves you money on golf courses located throughout the United States and abroad! Whether you plan to visit a local course, or spend some time playing on your vacation or business trips,
Champion Hills Golf Community
"... Master architect Tom Fazio designed Champion Hills golf course as his home course and personal showcase. This 18-hole mountain masterpiece has sweeping vistas, making it as visually memorable as it is playable. Unlike many mountain courses, 14 of the 18 holes play from an elevated tee to a downhill fairway or green with no blind shots. It's no wonder Golf Digest rated Champion Hills one of North Carolinas' top 10 courses in 2007. Because of the mild four-season climate in the southern mountains, Champion Hills can be played year-round...."
Located in Hendersonville, NC, just a few miles south of Asheville.
Jefferson Landing
"....
combines the relaxing comforts of home with the breathtaking views and world-class amenities associated with luxurious vacations. Jefferson Landing has recently been recognized by national publications with a Travel+Leisure Golf listing as one of the "Top 100 Golf Communities” in the nation and Pinnacle Living listings as the “Best Value in a Planned Community” and "Best Communities for Family Gatherings". Golf Digest has even awarded the Larry Nelson designed championship golf course 4 ½ stars...." Located on the New River and Mt. Jefferson in Jefferson, NC, 110 miles north of Asheville
Kenmure
A private gated golf community in Flat Rock, less than 1/2 an hours drive from Asheville. "... ' Kenmure is a vibrant community with unique architecture, numerous club activities, and a natural beauty that envelopes you in the relaxing atmosphere of the South.'...Whether you play golf, tennis, bocce ball, bridge or canasta, the clubhouse awaits you and your friends for a genteel game. If you prefer hiking, gardening, literature, photography, or astronomy, there are several clubs within the community to satisfy any interest you may want to pursue....Kenmure Country Club, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of
Flat Rock, North Carolina and once voted among Top 50 development
courses in Southeastern United States by GOLFWEEK, extends you a warm welcome to experience why it is one of the best private facilities in Western North Carolina. Florida-based architect, Joe Lee, provides as stern a test as can be found, while maintaining a golfer-friendly course...."
Mountain Air Country Club
".... CNBC TV Reporter Mike Hegedus visits Mountain Air.... where residents can "fly in" on their private planes, the highest runway East of the Mississippi River. (Burnsville, 35 minutes north of Asheville)
Reems Creek Golf Club
"... This most unique mountain golf experience is located only minutes away from Asheville, in a beautiful valley completely surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The Reems Creek Golf Club... offers a Scottish Highland look with its rolling terrain, deep and large knolls which bisect the beautifully manicured tees, fairways and greens. Reems Creek Golf Club offers a secluded setting which captures the splendor and rustic beauty of the North Carolina mountains and was rated 4 starts by Golf Digest's 'Places to Play',... . As you play our famous 16th hole, the picturesque panorama will almost take your breath away the first time you see it.... we like to say our courses have the look of the Scottish Highlands, but ours is the one where the fairways and greens were sculpted by Hawtree & Sons, a British firm that truly knows what Scottish golf is all about. Over the years, Hawtree has put the finishing touches on Royal Birkdale, a course that's part of the British Open rotation, and now Donald Trump has hired the Hawtrees to do a links course in Scotland as well...." Located in Weaverville, just north of Asheville.
Seven Falls Golf and River Club
"...You'll find it in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains, conveniently
located in the center of the cultural triangle of Asheville,
Hendersonville, and Brevard. It's where both a Golf Club and River
Lodge form the confluence of something that's better experienced than
explained. Seven Falls will feature an Arnold Palmer Premier Golf Club and a River Lodge and Outfitter located on the French Broad River, the world's third oldest river. With elevations from 2,100 to 3,200 feet, the views are truly majestic. The Town Village will become the heart of the community creating a quaint small town within the gates of Seven Falls. ..."
".... All the architecture at Seven Falls will use traditional materials such as field stones and
timber siding. The Clubhouse will have the feel of an old manor house, traditional,
elegant and welcoming. All the architecture will have a timeless appeal.
Seven Falls is the first Arnold Palmer Premier golf Championship course to break ground.
Palmer Premier is an exclusive golf and luxury lifestyle brand with every detail inspired,
influenced and elevated to the standards of Arnold Palmer.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Seven Falls provides unparalleled views and a
member friendly golf experience that will be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. The
golf facility includes a 19-hole championship course, a 58-acre practice area featuring a
state-of-the-art golf academy and a nine-hole short course. The practice area will be ready
for play in the spring of 2008...."
Smokey Mountain Country Club
"...a gated, 335-acre resort community in the mountains of Western North
Carolina, an hour west of Asheville. With the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park and the Nantahala National Forest at our doorstep, Smoky
Mountain Country Club offers our residents a truly unique environment – we are surrounded by over 1,000,000 acres of federally protected parklands.... private, wooded homesites and condominiums with stunning views of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park..... 18 hole mountain golf course...located in our clubhouse, is The Oaks Restaurant, recognized as one of the finest dining experiences in Western North Carolina..."
Springdale Country Club
"...In the summer of 1968 Springdale Country Club was born. What had once
been a working farm-school operated in conjunction with Columbia
University was now the site of Western North Carolina's newest golf
course community. Over the years, Springdale has grown into a
full-service golf resort and community.... golf reigns supreme, from the gradual elevation changes of the front nine toward Rocky Face Mountain, to the wide open fairways that await you on the back nine where Cold Mountain serves as a spacious backdrop. Springdale's breathtaking views and playful mountain terrain amuses and challenges golfers of all levels. Measuring over 6,800 yards from the tips, Springdale is not a challenge to be taken lightly, especially our 429-yard fourth hole, aptly dubbed the 'Springdale Spasm'.... The Springdale Practice facility offers a full length driving range, two practice putting greens and chipping greens with practice bunker...". Offers vacation resort accommodations complete with breakfast and dinner as well as 1-4 acre estates. Located in Canton, a short drive via I-40 west from Asheville.
Golf at The Cliffs Communities is a four-season sport, with soon-to-be eight championship golf courses and half a dozen sponsored PGA and Champions Tours professionals who call The Cliffs home. The Cliffs membership means membership in one community gives you access to the world-class amenities of all eight– one reason why Travel + Leisure Golf magazine ranks The Cliffs among America’s Top 10 Golf Communities.
The Cliffs at High Carolina will be home to the first Tiger Wood’s designed golf course in the United States. Read the news release.
The Cliffs is the only club in America with two Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and two Fazio designs. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove opened to rave reviews in April 2005 - called "an instant classic", and was being followed by another Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in May 2007 at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. The Tom Fazio course at Keowee Vineyards ranked seventh among the best new private courses in the nation by Golf Digest. A second Fazio design breaks ground this summer at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, our exclusive retreat for families and site of the future Keowee Springs Lodge and Spa, and is slated for completion in 2008.
In April 2006, The Cliffs Communities announced its seventh golf course – The Cliffs at Mountain Park course – will be designed by none other than Gary Player, designer of 250+ golf courses worldwide and known as the International Ambassador of Golf. So inspired by The Cliffs, Gary Player will be moving his family and corporate headquarters to The Cliffs at Mountain Park.
Wilderness Trail
".... Hidden away within North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, outside the resort village of Banner Elk, is Wilderness Trail. Here you'll discover an exclusive 1,000 acre Fazio-Robbins golf community that rises to over 4,500 feet, offers breathtaking vistas across three states, and reminds you of your favorite National Park. Wilderness Trail masterfully blends the timeless splendor of the North Carolina Mountains with all the luxury amenities of modern living. Carefully crafted to work in harmony with Nature, Wilderness Trail is a member of the Audubon Silver Signature Program...the first and only community of its kind in Western North Carolina.....Banner Elk.... Home to Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain Ski
Resort, Beech Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, these majestic hills
are renowned for their four seasons of outdoor recreation and
inspiration. With miles of mountain peaks, rolling valleys and Nature
trails as your playground, you're guaranteed countless opportunities
for adventure. Recreational choices are abundant...from hiking, biking,
skiing and snowboarding--to fishing, swiming, boating, rafting and, of
course, mountain climbing. And, for our exclusive Wilderness Trail..." See introductory video
Private Country Clubs
in the Asheville Area
Biltmore Forest Country Club
Designed by Donald J. Ross, ASGCA. Opened in 1922. The 18-holes, 6,606 yards from the longest tees, par 72. Course rating: 72.2. Slope rating: 135.
Discover the Bliss of Golf
Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf ".... Harvey Penick wrote his masterpiece with this book, a simple, common terms, way to understand all you ever needed to know about golf. In an age of technical, computer, look-alike golf swings, Harvey Penick wrote a book that the common man can understand.
"I have used the thoughts and tips from Harvey's book for over five years now, and it has done nothing but help me become a better golfer, and student of the game. Harvey's tips are great not only for amateurs, but are used by professionals as well. This book is the bible of golf books, a starting point for anyone interested in the game, or interested in getting better.
"I know people who read this book every year getting ready for the golf season, and it does nothing but help them with their game. Some of the best parts of this book are when Harvey shares anecdotes from his life, which are always filled with humor and applicable to the golf world, and life.
"Harvey Penick was a man who had integrity, and that is why his legacy lives on. This book is highly recommended to golfers, and non-golfers who might just catch the golf bug after reading this book...."
Tiger Woods: How I Play Golf "...If you are like me, your golf swing will never be confused with Mr.
Tiger Woods’s magnificent arcs. On the other hand, I enjoy watching him on television (even a lot of nongolfers do, too), and How I Play Golf is a very valuable, detailed look a how he eats, exercises, practices, prepares mentally, thinks through shots, sets up, and executes. I found this book to be the most revealing look at one golfer’s game that it has ever been my pleasure to look at and read about...."
The Match "....is without a doubt one of the best GOLF books ever written...For someone who has loved golf since the late 40's it has helped me re-live those wonderful years and some of the history of those four great players and that era...If you love golf and its history do not miss this book...It compares favorably to another great book "The Walter Hagen Story" ...If you love the game and its history, both books are must reads..."
Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game "...Shortly after reading the book, I went out and "trusting" my swing not only hit a lot of great shots, but actually began having fun again. I enjoyed myself so much that I scheduled a full day lesson with Dr. Parent. Talk about a book brought to life. He was wonderful. Not only was he full of insight and stress relieving approaches, but he was really fun to play with. In the last year or so, I have been shooting a lot of 80's and even some 90's. Employing Dr. Parent's concepts I shot 77 AND had a fun time...."
