The mountain town of Cashiers sits at the heart of Western North Carolina’s premier golf region, where elevation changes create dramatic playing experiences you won’t find anywhere else. With courses carved into mountainsides and fairways that wind through old-growth forests alongside rushing rivers, Cashiers golf represents something special in the American golf landscape. The cool mountain air at 3,000+ feet means comfortable summer play when courses at lower elevations become unbearable, and the fall foliage creates a visual spectacle that rivals any golf destination in the country.
This guide ranks and reviews the top golf courses in the Cashiers area, providing detailed insights into what makes each course unique. Whether you’re considering membership at a private club, planning a golf vacation, or simply want to experience mountain golf at its finest, this comprehensive resource will help you make informed decisions about where to play.
How We Rank and Review Cashiers Golf Courses
Our methodology for evaluating golf courses in the Cashiers area focuses on multiple criteria that matter most to golfers:
Course Design and Architecture: We examine the creativity and strategic thinking behind each layout. Great mountain courses work with the natural terrain rather than against it, creating holes that feel like they’ve always belonged in that landscape. We consider how architects utilized elevation changes, incorporated natural features like rivers and rock formations, and designed holes that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Playing Conditions: Consistent maintenance matters enormously. We evaluate fairway conditioning, green speed and trueness, bunker quality, and overall attention to detail throughout the season. Mountain courses face unique challenges with weather and elevation, so we recognize clubs that maintain exceptional standards despite these obstacles.
Mountain Views and Natural Beauty: One of the defining characteristics of Cashiers golf is the spectacular scenery. We rate courses on their visual appeal, the integration of natural features, and the overall experience of playing golf surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some holes offer panoramic vistas that stop you in your tracks, while others wind through intimate forest settings that create their own kind of magic.
Challenge and Playability: The best courses offer appropriate challenge for skilled players while remaining enjoyable for higher handicappers. We examine how courses use multiple tee boxes, the severity of hazards, and whether the design rewards good shots while not overly punishing less-than-perfect ones.
Amenities and Club Experience: Practice facilities, clubhouse quality, dining options, and overall member or guest experience factor into our rankings. Burlingame’s approach to dining and wellness facilities, for example, demonstrates how modern clubs enhance the overall golf experience beyond the 18 holes.
Value Proposition: For public and resort courses, we consider green fees relative to the experience provided. For private clubs, we evaluate initiation fees, dues, and what members receive in return.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Cashiers NC: Complete Rankings
1. Burlingame Country Club
Perched between 3,000 and 3,500 feet elevation in Sapphire Valley, Burlingame’s 18-hole championship golf course represents Tom Jackson’s creative vision at its finest. Jackson’s design philosophy shines through on every hole, where he collaborated with the natural terrain rather than imposing a manufactured layout upon it.
The course winds through mountains, alongside rivers and lakes, past waterfalls, and through old-growth forests that have stood for centuries. This isn’t golf where you simply walk from tee to green. It’s an experience where nature plays a co-starring role alongside the strategic challenges Jackson designed.
What sets Burlingame apart starts with its integration into the landscape. The course feels like it belongs here, like these fairways and greens have existed as long as the mountains themselves. Jackson achieved this by using the dramatic elevation changes to create memorable holes without resorting to artificial earthmoving. When you stand on certain tee boxes, the views stretch for miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you walk through forested sections, you’re surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that originally drew people to Western North Carolina.
The conditioning rivals any private club in the Southeast. Fairways are maintained at the perfect height to allow for clean contact while still providing enough cushion that you’re not playing off hardpan. The greens roll true at appropriate speeds—fast enough to reward good putting but not so severe that they become unplayable on slopes. Bunkers are raked to consistent depths with quality sand that allows for proper technique rather than forcing you to simply blast out.
Members consistently praise the variety in the routing. You’ll face holes that demand accuracy off the tee, others that reward length, some that require precision with approach shots to elevated greens, and several where strategic thinking matters more than raw power. The course never becomes monotonous because Jackson varied the challenges throughout the round.
The practice facilities support serious game improvement, with a well-maintained range, short game area, and putting green. The golf professional staff includes John, whose background includes working at Old Chatham, Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and Elk River—some of the most highly regarded clubs in America. This level of expertise translates into exceptional member services, tournament operations, and instructional programs.
Beyond the golf itself, Burlingame’s approach to club life creates an experience that extends from the first tee to the last putt and beyond. The recently renovated clubhouse complex features six distinct dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness and spa facility, four Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a regulation croquet lawn. This comprehensive amenity package means you’re joining a lifestyle, not just a golf course.
Signature Hole: The par-3 positioned alongside the Horsepasture River combines natural beauty with strategic challenge. The green is elevated and protected by water, with the river providing both a visual backdrop and a serious penalty for anything short or right.
Best For: Golfers who want championship-quality course design in a setting that celebrates mountain beauty, combined with a full-service country club experience that includes exceptional dining, fitness facilities, and a warm community atmosphere.
2. Wade Hampton Golf Club
Located just minutes from Cashiers in the exclusive Wade Hampton community, this Tom Fazio design consistently ranks among America’s top 100 courses. Fazio is renowned for creating courses that look natural while incorporating dramatic features, and Wade Hampton showcases this talent brilliantly.
The course tumbles down the mountainside with elevation changes that create memorable holes at every turn. Several tees offer views across multiple fairways and into the surrounding wilderness, giving you a sense of the scale and beauty of the property before you even strike your first shot.
What makes Wade Hampton special is how Fazio used the topography to create strategic interest. Many holes play significantly uphill or downhill, requiring you to adjust club selection and shot shape accordingly. The greens feature subtle undulations that make putting a thinking person’s game—you need to understand slopes and read breaks carefully to score well here.
The conditioning is immaculate. Fairways are lush, greens are pristine, and even the rough is maintained at a consistent height that doesn’t feel overly penal. This attention to detail extends to the entire property, from the entry gates to the clubhouse to the final green.
Membership is highly exclusive, with a limited number of members and a focus on serious golfers who appreciate world-class course architecture. The club hosts minimal outside events, keeping play times uncrowded for members.
Signature Hole: The par-5 finishing hole plays downhill with water running along the right side, creating a risk-reward decision on the second shot that can make or break your round.
Best For: Experienced golfers who want to test their skills on one of America’s elite courses and who value exclusivity and pristine conditioning.
3. High Hampton Resort Golf Course
High Hampton offers a completely different experience—a classic mountain resort course that dates back to the golden age of golf architecture. While it may not have the dramatic features of newer designs, it provides a charming, walkable layout that feels like stepping back in time.
The course winds through the property in a traditional routing, with holes that follow the natural terrain rather than dramatically altering it. You’ll find tree-lined fairways, elevated greens, and strategic bunkering that rewards smart play over pure power.
What High Hampton lacks in modern amenities, it makes up for in character and accessibility. Green fees are reasonable compared to other area courses, and the resort atmosphere means visitors are welcomed rather than treated as outsiders. The course is walkable, which has become increasingly rare at mountain courses where carts are mandatory due to elevation changes.
The recent renovations have improved conditioning while maintaining the classic feel. Greens roll true, fairways are well-maintained, and the bunkers have been restored to proper depths and sand quality.
High Hampton works particularly well for golfers who appreciate traditional architecture and don’t need every modern amenity. It’s a place where you can enjoy a relaxed round surrounded by natural beauty without feeling like you’re competing in a tournament every time you play.
Signature Hole: The par-4 that plays across a natural ravine to an elevated green protected by mature trees creates a beautiful risk-reward decision that defines mountain golf.
Best For: Golfers seeking a classic mountain resort experience with reasonable rates, walkable design, and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes visitors.
4. Cullasaja Club
Cullasaja Club represents modern mountain golf at its finest, with a course designed to challenge accomplished players while remaining fair for all skill levels. The layout features dramatic elevation changes, spectacular mountain views, and conditioning that rivals any private club in the region.
Located between Cashiers and Highlands, Cullasaja takes advantage of its hillside setting to create memorable holes with significant elevation changes. Several tees sit dramatically above the fairways below, requiring you to adjust your club selection and trust your yardage calculations.
The greens are large with subtle undulations, meaning you need to position your approach shots carefully to give yourself makeable birdie putts. Miss the green on the wrong side, and you’ll face difficult up-and-downs that can quickly turn pars into bogeys.
What sets Cullasaja apart is the attention to detail throughout the property. The clubhouse is elegant without being ostentatious, the practice facilities are comprehensive, and the member services create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true community rather than just a golf club.
The membership model balances accessibility with exclusivity—it’s easier to join than Wade Hampton but maintains high standards for course conditioning and member experience. This makes it an excellent option for accomplished golfers who want a high-quality private club experience without years-long waiting lists.
Signature Hole: The downhill par-3 with panoramic mountain views requires precise distance control and club selection, with bunkers and slope creating challenges around a well-protected green.
Best For: Accomplished golfers seeking a private club with excellent conditioning, challenging design, and a balanced approach to exclusivity.
5. Highlands Falls Country Club
Situated in the nearby town of Highlands, this course offers another excellent mountain golf experience with scenic beauty and strategic design. The layout uses the rolling terrain to create interesting holes without relying on extreme elevation changes.
Highlands Falls emphasizes shot-making over pure distance. Narrow fairways reward accuracy off the tee, and approach shots require precision to hold greens that are well-protected by bunkers and natural slopes. The course demands that you think your way around rather than simply overpowering it with length.
The conditioning is consistently excellent throughout the season. The maintenance staff clearly takes pride in presenting the course in top shape, with attention paid to details like bunker grooming, cart path maintenance, and landscaping around the clubhouse.
The club atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with a mix of full-time residents and seasonal members who enjoy the cooler summer climate. The clubhouse facilities are well-appointed without being overly grand, creating a comfortable environment for post-round socializing.
While Highlands Falls may not offer the dramatic wow-factor of some mountain courses, it provides a solid, challenging layout that rewards good golf and punishes mistakes appropriately. It’s the kind of course that reveals more strategic depth the more you play it.
Signature Hole: The par-4 that doglegs around a natural pond requires a strategic tee shot followed by an approach to a green tucked into the hillside, testing both accuracy and distance control.
Best For: Golfers who appreciate strategic design that rewards thinking and precision over pure power, in a welcoming club atmosphere.
6. Lake Toxaway Country Club
Lake Toxaway Country Club offers the unique experience of golf combined with lake activities, creating a true resort lifestyle. The course winds through the property with several holes offering lake views, while the overall layout provides variety and challenge.
The design incorporates water hazards strategically, with the lake coming into play on several holes to create both visual appeal and strategic considerations. You’ll need to decide whether to challenge these hazards or play conservatively depending on your skill level and comfort with the shot.
Conditioning varies throughout the season but generally maintains good standards. The greens are the highlight, rolling true and maintained at appropriate speeds for the sloped terrain. Fairways provide adequate width for average players while still requiring thought on tee shot placement.
What makes Lake Toxaway appealing is the overall lifestyle package. Beyond golf, members enjoy boating, fishing, tennis, and other activities centered around the lake. This makes it particularly attractive to families where not everyone is passionate about golf but everyone can find activities they enjoy.
The membership is friendly and community-focused, with many multi-generational families who return summer after summer. Social events and family activities are emphasized alongside golf, creating a true resort community atmosphere.
Signature Hole: The par-5 that plays along the lake shoreline creates stunning views while requiring three well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation.
Best For: Families seeking a comprehensive mountain resort experience where golf is one component of an active lifestyle that includes water activities and community events.
7. Trillium Links & Lake Club
Trillium offers a more modern take on mountain golf, with a course designed to be playable for a wide range of skill levels while still providing challenge for better players. The layout is less dramatic than some mountain courses, with gentler elevation changes that make walking more feasible.
The course features generous fairways that give average players room to work with, but strategic bunkering and green complexes reward precision. The greens are large with various pin positions that can dramatically change the difficulty of approach shots.
One of Trillium’s strengths is its practice facilities, which include a large driving range, short game area, and well-maintained putting greens. This makes it an excellent choice for golfers focused on improvement who want quality practice areas in addition to a good course.
The club emphasizes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere without the formality of more traditional private clubs. This appeals to golfers who want good golf without rigid dress codes or extensive social obligations.
Conditioning is generally solid, though not at the same level as the top-tier private clubs. The maintenance staff keeps the course in playable condition throughout the season, with particular attention to green quality.
Signature Hole: The par-3 across water to a peninsula green creates a dramatic visual and requires confident club selection and execution.
Best For: Golfers seeking a playable course with good practice facilities in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere without excessive formality.
8. Sapphire National Golf Club
Sapphire National provides a semi-private experience that allows both members and resort guests to enjoy the course. This accessibility makes it an excellent option for visitors to the area who want to experience quality mountain golf without needing private club connections.
The course features a traditional mountain layout with tree-lined fairways, elevated greens, and strategic bunkering. While not as dramatic as some nearby courses, it offers solid golf in a beautiful setting at more accessible rates.
The conditioning is workmanlike rather than exceptional—you’ll find the course in good playable condition but not at the pristine level of exclusive private clubs. This is reflected in the more reasonable green fees for non-members.
What Sapphire National offers is value and accessibility. Visitors can easily book tee times, the pace of play is generally reasonable, and the staff is welcoming to guests. This makes it a good choice for golf groups or families visiting the area who want quality golf without navigating exclusive membership requirements.
The practice facilities are adequate, with a driving range and putting green that allow for pre-round warmup. The clubhouse provides basic amenities without extensive dining or social spaces.
Signature Hole: The downhill par-4 with mountain views rewards a well-placed drive followed by an approach shot to a green protected by bunkers and natural slopes.
Best For: Visiting golfers seeking quality mountain golf at reasonable rates with easy accessibility and no membership requirements.
9. Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club
Mountaintop lives up to its name with a course that sits at high elevation offering expansive views across the Blue Ridge Mountains. The layout takes full advantage of this setting, with several tee boxes providing panoramic vistas that are worth the visit alone.
The course design emphasizes dramatic visual appeal, with holes that tumble down mountainsides and others that climb back uphill. This creates memorable golf, though the significant elevation changes make carts mandatory and walking impractical for most players.
Conditioning varies more than at top-tier clubs, with some areas showing more wear than others. However, the greens are generally well-maintained and the fairways provide adequate playing surfaces. The views compensate for any shortcomings in conditioning.
The club operates as a semi-private facility, allowing public play while maintaining a membership base. This model provides more accessibility than exclusive private clubs while still offering benefits for members.
The clubhouse and facilities are modest but functional. The focus is clearly on the golf experience and mountain views rather than elaborate amenities.
Signature Hole: The downhill par-3 with 360-degree mountain views creates one of the most photographed holes in Western North Carolina, combining beauty with a challenging shot over a significant elevation drop.
Best For: Golfers who prioritize spectacular mountain views and dramatic elevation changes over pristine conditioning and extensive club amenities.
10. Silver Creek Golf Club
Rounding out our top 10, Silver Creek provides another solid mountain golf experience with a course that balances challenge and playability. Located in nearby Morganton, it’s slightly removed from the Cashiers core but offers excellent value and quality golf.
The course features a well-designed layout that uses the rolling terrain to create interesting holes without extreme elevation changes. Water comes into play on several holes, adding strategic considerations to club selection and shot placement.
Conditioning is consistently good, with particular attention to green quality. The maintenance staff keeps the course in solid playable condition throughout the season, making it a reliable choice regardless of when you visit.
Silver Creek operates as a public course, meaning tee times are accessible and the atmosphere is welcoming to all golfers. Green fees are reasonable for the quality provided, making it an excellent value proposition compared to more exclusive options.
The practice facilities include a driving range and putting green adequate for pre-round preparation. The clubhouse provides basic amenities with a casual atmosphere focused on golf rather than extensive social programming.
Signature Hole: The par-4 that plays around a creek to a well-protected green requires both strategy off the tee and precision on the approach shot.
Best For: Value-conscious golfers seeking a well-maintained public course with good design and accessible tee times.
Best Private Golf Courses in Cashiers NC
Private clubs in the Cashiers area offer distinct advantages: pristine conditioning maintained specifically for a limited membership, uncrowded tee times, comprehensive amenities beyond golf, and a true club community atmosphere.
Burlingame Country Club leads this category by combining championship golf with a comprehensive lifestyle package. The Tom Jackson design showcases creative routing through natural terrain, while the club’s emphasis on wellness facilities, multiple dining venues, and activities like tennis, pickleball, and croquet creates a true family destination. Members appreciate that you’re not just joining a golf course but rather a mountain community where every family member can find activities they enjoy.
Wade Hampton represents the ultimate in exclusivity, with limited membership and conditioning that rivals any club in America. The Tom Fazio design is spectacular, and the club’s focus on serious golf means course access is never an issue for members.
Cullasaja Club balances exclusivity with accessibility better than most private clubs. The course challenges accomplished players while the club maintains a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true community rather than an exclusive enclave.
Private clubs require substantial financial commitment through initiation fees and annual dues, but what you receive in return includes guaranteed tee times, immaculate conditions, quality practice facilities, and a community of fellow golf enthusiasts who share your passion for the game.
Best Public and Resort Golf Courses Near Cashiers
For visiting golfers or those not ready for private club membership, several excellent public and resort options provide quality mountain golf experiences.
High Hampton Resort leads this category with its classic mountain course that welcomes visitors while maintaining reasonable rates. The traditional layout provides genuine challenge without being overly penal, and the walkable design creates a more intimate golf experience than mandatory cart courses.
Sapphire National Golf Club offers semi-private access that makes quality mountain golf available to visitors. While conditioning doesn’t match exclusive private clubs, the course provides solid design and beautiful setting at accessible rates.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club emphasizes dramatic views and elevation changes, creating a memorable mountain golf experience that visitors can easily access. The semi-private model allows public play while providing membership benefits for regular players.
Silver Creek, though farther from Cashiers proper, delivers excellent value with consistently good conditioning and a well-designed layout. For golfers planning multiple rounds during a mountain vacation, Silver Creek represents a smart choice that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price.
Public and resort courses allow you to experience mountain golf without membership commitments, making them ideal for visitors exploring the area or local golfers who play multiple courses rather than focusing on a single club.
Best Value Golf Courses in the Cashiers Area
Value in golf isn’t simply about low green fees—it’s about the quality of experience relative to cost. Several Cashiers-area courses deliver exceptional value by this measure.
High Hampton Resort tops the value category by offering a classic mountain course with character and charm at reasonable resort rates. You’re playing a historic layout with recent improvements in a spectacular setting, all without premium pricing.
Silver Creek provides excellent value for public golfers, with well-maintained conditions and quality design at green fees significantly below resort courses. The slightly longer drive from Cashiers is rewarded with uncrowded tee times and solid playing conditions.
Sapphire National offers good value for semi-private access, allowing visitors to play a quality mountain course without needing connections to exclusive clubs. The green fees reflect the less-than-pristine conditioning but remain fair for the experience provided.
When evaluating value, consider the total experience: course design quality, conditioning, pace of play, customer service, practice facilities, and overall enjoyment relative to cost. The best value courses deliver a satisfying experience that feels fair for what you paid, whether that’s $75 or $175.
Most Challenging Golf Courses in Cashiers NC
Mountain golf naturally creates challenge through elevation changes, but certain Cashiers courses take difficulty to another level through strategic design and demanding shot requirements.
Wade Hampton stands as the most challenging course in the region, with a Tom Fazio design that requires precise shot-making, excellent course management, and consistent execution. The elevation changes affect club selection significantly, greens feature subtle breaks that are difficult to read, and missing fairways often results in difficult recovery shots.
Burlingame’s championship layout challenges golfers through variety rather than single-minded difficulty. Tom Jackson designed holes that test different aspects of your game: accuracy off the tee, precision with approach shots, creativity around the greens, and solid putting. The course conditions are maintained at championship level, meaning greens roll true but fast, and fairways reward good strikes while punishing poor contact.
Cullasaja Club demands solid ball-striking throughout the round, with narrow fairways and well-protected greens that don’t forgive mistakes. The elevation changes require good distance judgment, and the green complexes test your short game when you miss in the wrong spots.
Challenge in golf should be fair rather than arbitrary—these courses are difficult because they reward good shots and appropriately penalize poor ones, not because they feature blind shots or unreasonable hazards. The best players will score well through excellent execution, while higher handicappers can still enjoy the experience by playing appropriate tees.
Golf Courses with the Best Mountain Views
One of the defining characteristics of Cashiers golf is the spectacular scenery, and certain courses showcase this natural beauty better than others.
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club earns its name through expansive views from multiple tee boxes and elevated holes. The panoramic vistas across the Blue Ridge Mountains create memorable backdrops for several holes, making photography as important as scorekeeping.
Burlingame Country Club’s setting between 3,000-3,500 feet elevation provides stunning mountain views while also incorporating water features, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. The variety of scenery throughout the round means you experience different types of natural beauty rather than single-note mountain vistas.
Wade Hampton’s elevated position offers commanding views across the surrounding wilderness, with several holes playing dramatically downhill while providing perspective on the scale of the mountain landscape.
The best viewing holes combine scenic beauty with strategic golf—you’re not simply standing on a tee box admiring the view but rather playing a hole where the visual appeal enhances rather than distracts from the golf challenge.
Many courses feature designated photo spots at particularly scenic holes, recognizing that mountain golf provides memories worth capturing beyond your scorecard.
Understanding Our Rating Criteria
Our comprehensive evaluation system examines multiple factors that contribute to overall golf course quality:
Course Design (25%): We assess the architect’s creative vision, strategic variety across 18 holes, use of natural features, risk-reward opportunities, and whether the design rewards good shots while not being unreasonably penal. Great design reveals more depth the more you play a course, with holes that remain interesting and challenging over time.
Playing Conditions (20%): Consistent maintenance matters enormously to the playing experience. We evaluate fairway quality, green speed and trueness, bunker consistency, rough management, and overall attention to detail. Mountain courses face unique challenges with weather and shorter growing seasons, so we recognize clubs that maintain exceptional standards despite these obstacles.
Natural Beauty and Setting (15%): The visual appeal and integration with natural surroundings significantly impact the golf experience. We consider mountain views, water features, old-growth forests, wildlife presence, and overall aesthetic quality. The best mountain courses feel like they belong in their setting rather than being imposed upon it.
Challenge and Playability (15%): Courses should offer appropriate challenge for skilled players while remaining enjoyable for higher handicappers. We examine the variety of tee options, strategic requirements, penalty severity, and whether design features are fair versus arbitrary. Multiple tee boxes allow golfers of different skill levels to play the same course with appropriate challenge.
Club Amenities (10%): Practice facilities, clubhouse quality, dining options, and additional activities contribute to the overall experience. Burlingame’s comprehensive approach to amenities demonstrates how modern clubs enhance the golf lifestyle through fitness centers, spa facilities, multiple dining venues, and activities for the entire family.
Value Proposition (10%): For public courses, we evaluate green fees relative to the experience provided. For private clubs, we consider initiation fees, annual dues, and what members receive in return. Value doesn’t mean cheap—it means fair pricing for the quality delivered.
Member/Guest Experience (5%): Customer service, pace of play management, staff professionalism, and overall atmosphere affect how much you enjoy your round. Welcoming clubs where staff remember your name and preferences create loyalty beyond just course quality.
Expert Opinions and Member Testimonials
Golf architecture experts consistently praise the Cashiers area for how courses integrate with mountain terrain. Tom Jackson’s work at Burlingame receives particular acclaim for creative routing that showcases natural beauty while providing strategic variety.
Members at private clubs emphasize community as much as course quality. One Burlingame member notes: “The first season at BCC has been a wonderful experience—men’s golf, the Wednesday mixed golf event, tennis four times a week and at the fitness center 5-6 days a week and Bridge three days a week. The highlight is our regular seat at the bar for dinner every Friday night when we are in town and the Wednesday buffet culinary delights.”
This testimonial reveals how comprehensive club experiences transcend just golf, creating a mountain lifestyle that brings families back throughout the season.
Another member shares: “Friends introduced us to Burlingame and we are still pinching ourselves at having found such a warm, welcoming, unpretentious and FUN place to meet new friends, eat great food and RELAX in the beautiful North Carolina mountains.”
The emphasis on “unpretentious” highlights a key characteristic of the best mountain clubs—they balance quality and exclusivity with genuine warmth rather than stuffiness.
Visiting golfers consistently mention how mountain golf differs from courses at lower elevations. The cooler temperatures, spectacular views, and elevation changes create a unique experience that draws golfers back repeatedly.
Photo Gallery: Cashiers Golf Course Highlights
[Note: This section would include high-quality photographs of signature holes, mountain views, clubhouse exteriors, and course features from various Cashiers-area courses. Images would showcase the natural beauty, elevation changes, and unique characteristics that define mountain golf in this region.]
Interactive Course Ranking Tool
[Note: This section would feature an interactive tool allowing visitors to input their preferences (public vs. private, difficulty level, budget, amenities desired) and receive personalized course recommendations from our top 10 list. Users could also compare courses side-by-side on various criteria.]
Share Your Golf Course Review
Have you played golf in the Cashiers area? We welcome your reviews and experiences to help fellow golfers make informed decisions about where to play.
To contribute your review, please include:
Course Name and Date Played: This helps us track seasonal conditions and recent changes.
Overall Rating (1-5 stars): Your general impression of the course experience.
Course Condition: How were the fairways, greens, bunkers, and overall maintenance?
Difficulty Level: Was the course appropriately challenging for your skill level? Too easy? Too difficult?
Pace of Play: How long did your round take? Was the course overcrowded or comfortably paced?
Value Assessment: Do you feel the green fees or membership costs were fair for the experience provided?
Standout Features: What made this course memorable—specific holes, views, amenities, staff service?
Areas for Improvement: Constructive feedback about what could enhance the experience.
Would You Play Again?: Simple yes or no with brief explanation.
Your detailed reviews help us maintain accurate, current information about Cashiers golf courses. We particularly value insights about seasonal condition changes, new improvements, and evolving policies at various clubs.
Planning Your Cashiers Golf Experience
The optimal time to play golf in Cashiers runs from late April through October, with peak season during summer months when temperatures at elevation remain comfortable while courses at lower elevations become too hot for enjoyable play.
Early season (April-May) offers fewer crowds and spring conditions as courses emerge from winter, though weather can be variable and some courses may not reach peak conditioning until later.
Summer (June-August) represents prime season, with lush conditions, perfect weather, and all courses operating at full capacity. Expect higher green fees at resort courses and fuller tee sheets at popular times. Book well in advance for summer weekends.
Fall (September-October) provides spectacular golf with mountain foliage creating stunning backdrops. Temperatures remain comfortable, conditioning is excellent after a full season of growth, and crowds thin out after Labor Day. Many consider fall the best time for Cashiers golf.
Most courses close or operate on limited schedules from November through March due to weather and course maintenance needs.
Becoming Part of the Burlingame Golf Community
Burlingame Country Club welcomes golfers who appreciate championship course design combined with comprehensive mountain club amenities. Membership provides access to Tom Jackson’s masterpiece golf course along with tennis, pickleball, croquet, fitness facilities, spa services, and multiple dining venues—all set in the natural beauty of Sapphire Valley.
The club emphasizes community and family, with over 600 members who share a passion for mountain living and outdoor adventure. From the Wednesday mixed golf events to seasonal celebrations to impromptu gatherings on the Outdoor Dining Deck, life at Burlingame is about connection to nature, to each other, and to the timeless rhythms of mountain living.
Contact Burlingame to schedule a personal tour and experience firsthand why members call it “The Best of Times.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Cashiers NC Golf
What makes Cashiers golf courses different from courses at lower elevations?
Cashiers courses sit at 3,000+ feet elevation, creating cooler summer temperatures, dramatic elevation changes on holes, thinner air that affects ball flight distance, and spectacular mountain views. The elevation also means a shorter growing season, so courses focus intensely on conditioning during the playable months from April through October.
Can I walk golf courses in Cashiers, or are carts mandatory?
Most Cashiers courses require carts due to significant elevation changes and distances between holes. High Hampton Resort is one exception, offering a walkable classic layout. The mountainous terrain makes walking impractical or prohibited at most courses, though the cart rides themselves become part of the scenic experience.
What are typical green fees for public golf in Cashiers?
Public and resort courses typically charge $75-150 for 18 holes depending on the season, day of week, and course prestige. High Hampton and Sapphire National fall toward the lower end, while semi-private clubs with better conditioning charge premium rates. Private club guest rates (when available through member sponsorship) typically exceed $200.
Do Cashiers golf courses offer different tee box options?
Yes, quality mountain courses provide multiple tee boxes to accommodate various skill levels. This is essential because elevation changes and mountain terrain create enough challenge without unnecessarily long distances. Most courses offer 4-5 sets of tees ranging from 5,000 to 7,000+ yards.
What’s the membership process for private clubs like Burlingame?
Private club membership typically begins with contacting the club to schedule a tour and learn about membership categories, fees, and availability. Most clubs require member sponsorship, an application process, and board approval. Initiation fees vary widely from $25,000 to $100,000+ depending on club exclusivity, with annual dues ranging from $10,000 to $25,000+. Burlingame’s membership team can provide specific information about current opportunities.
Can visitors play at private clubs in Cashiers?
Private clubs generally restrict play to members and their guests. If you have connections to members, you may be able to play as their guest (typically with the member accompanying you). Some clubs offer limited resort or reciprocal access through affiliated clubs. Public and semi-private courses like High Hampton, Sapphire National, and others welcome visitor play without membership requirements.
What should I know about pace of play on mountain courses?
Mountain courses with significant elevation changes and cart-only policies tend to play slower than flat courses. Expect 4.5-5 hours for 18 holes during busy times, faster during weekdays or off-season. The scenery and challenging terrain justify the slower pace for most golfers. Courses maintain pace-of-play policies to prevent excessive delays.
Are there golf instruction opportunities in Cashiers?
Most private clubs offer professional instruction for members, with some extending lessons to non-members during slower periods. Burlingame’s golf professional brings experience from top clubs nationwide and offers personalized instruction. Resort courses typically provide lesson programs for guests. Check directly with individual clubs about instruction availability and rates.
What’s the best course for a first-time mountain golf experience?
High Hampton Resort provides an excellent introduction to mountain golf with its classic layout, reasonable difficulty, and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The course showcases mountain beauty and elevation changes without being overwhelming for golfers new to this style of play. Sapphire National also works well for first-timers seeking accessible mountain golf.
How far in advance should I book tee times for Cashiers courses?
During peak summer season, book 7-30 days in advance for resort and public courses, especially for weekend mornings. Weekdays offer more flexibility. Private clubs manage tee times for members only. Resort courses associated with accommodations may offer preferred booking for guests. Fall season allows shorter advance booking as crowds diminish.