Discover the top 10 mountain golf courses in Western North Carolina with detailed reviews. Experience breathtaking views and championship layouts in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
_______________________________

The Best Mountain Golf Courses in Western North Carolina: Ranked and Reviewed

Discover Western North Carolina’s Premier Mountain Golf Experiences

Nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina offers some of the most spectacular golf experiences in the Southeast. These courses combine challenging play with breathtaking mountain vistas, creating unforgettable rounds for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or looking for your next favorite local course, our comprehensive guide to the best mountain golf courses in Western North Carolina will help you discover the perfect place to tee off.

Our Top 10 Mountain Golf Courses in Western North Carolina

1. Burlingame Country Club – Sapphire Valley

Burlingame stands as the crown jewel of Western North Carolina golf. This Tom Jackson-designed masterpiece winds through the mountains with dramatic elevation changes and stunning long-range views. The course features immaculately maintained bentgrass greens and fairways that challenge golfers while still being enjoyable. What truly sets Burlingame apart is its commitment to preserving the natural landscape, with holes thoughtfully integrated into the mountain terrain rather than forced upon it. The par-4 14th hole, with its elevated tee box overlooking the valley below, offers one of the most memorable shots in mountain golf.

2. Highlands Country Club – Highlands

As one of the oldest courses in the region, Highlands Country Club blends historic charm with modern playability. The course sits at over 4,000 feet in elevation, providing cooler temperatures during summer months and spectacular fall foliage. Notable for its tight fairways and small, undulating greens, Highlands rewards precision over power. The signature par-3 4th hole requires a precise shot over a ravine to a well-protected green – a true test of nerve and skill.

3. Mountain Air Country Club – Burnsville

Perched at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, Mountain Air offers arguably the most dramatic setting for golf in Western North Carolina. This Scott Pool design features significant elevation changes, including the par-3 8th hole where the tee box sits 300 feet above the green, creating a thrilling shot that seems to hang in the air against the backdrop of mountain panoramas. The course condition is consistently excellent, with smooth greens and well-defined fairways cut into the mountainside.

4. Champion Hills Golf Club – Hendersonville

This Tom Fazio masterpiece consistently ranks among North Carolina’s best courses. Champion Hills challenges golfers with significant elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and complex greens. While demanding, multiple tee options make it accessible to various skill levels. The course is known for its exceptional conditioning and thoughtful design that uses the natural contours of the land to create memorable golf holes.

5. Linville Golf Club – Linville

Designed by Donald Ross in 1924, Linville Golf Club represents classic mountain golf architecture at its finest. The course flows naturally through the valley with the majestic Grandfather Mountain as its backdrop. Ross’s signature domed greens and strategic bunkering are beautifully preserved here, offering a traditional golf experience that has stood the test of time. The course’s natural beauty is enhanced by the Linville River, which comes into play on several holes.

6. The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course – Asheville

Another Donald Ross classic, this historic course offers panoramic views of Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The course is deceptively challenging, with subtle breaks on the greens that can confound even experienced players. What makes Grove Park special is the combination of championship golf with the historic charm of the iconic Grove Park Inn, creating a complete mountain resort experience.

7. Mount Mitchell Golf Club – Burnsville

Playing in the shadow of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell Golf Club offers tremendous value with reasonable green fees and stunning mountain scenery. The course follows the South Toe River, which comes into play on several holes. The layout is player-friendly while still offering enough challenges to keep better golfers engaged, making it an ideal destination for golf groups with varying skill levels.

8. Etowah Valley Golf Club – Etowah

With 27 holes of championship golf, Etowah Valley provides variety and excellent playing conditions year-round. The course features relatively gentle terrain compared to other mountain courses, making it more walkable while still offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The West Course’s finishing holes along the lake create a particularly scenic and challenging finish to your round.

9. Reems Creek Golf Club – Weaverville

Just outside Asheville, Reems Creek offers a mountain golf experience that’s both accessible and affordable. The course’s open front nine gives way to a more challenging back nine that climbs into the mountains. Reems Creek is known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained conditions, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

10. Lake Toxaway Country Club – Lake Toxaway

Completely renovated in 2008, Lake Toxaway combines challenging golf with spectacular scenery around North Carolina’s largest private lake. The course features significant elevation changes and water hazards that require thoughtful shot selection. The signature 17th hole offers a dramatic downhill approach to a green with the lake as backdrop – one of the most photographed golf scenes in the region.

Experience the Beauty of Western North Carolina Golf

When you play golf in Western North Carolina, you’re not just enjoying a round – you’re experiencing the natural splendor of one of America’s most beautiful regions. These top-ranked courses offer more than just excellent golf; they provide an escape into the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where cool mountain breezes, spectacular vistas, and challenging layouts await.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to include a round during your mountain getaway, these exceptional courses showcase the very best of what Western North Carolina golf has to offer. From historic Donald Ross designs to modern mountain masterpieces, our region’s courses provide unforgettable golf experiences in truly breathtaking settings.

Ready to Experience Western North Carolina’s Premier Mountain Golf?

Contact our team at Compassionate Care Western North Carolina to learn more about community resources and activities during your stay in our beautiful region. While we specialize in healthcare services, we’re committed to helping visitors and residents enjoy everything our community has to offer – including our world-class golf courses.

Call us today at (828) 255-0231 to discover more about Western North Carolina and plan your perfect mountain golf getaway.