Your Mountain Membership Journey Begins Here
Nestled at 3,000 feet elevation in the heart of Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Burlingame Country Club represents more than a country club membership. It’s an invitation into a community of over 600 families who’ve discovered that the best times in life happen when exceptional amenities meet genuine mountain warmth.
The decision to join a private club carries weight. You’re not simply purchasing access to facilities; you’re investing in a lifestyle defined by connection to nature, to family, and to a community that values both tradition and authentic mountain living. Whether you’re drawn by Tom Jackson’s championship golf course that winds through old-growth forests and alongside the Horsepasture River, the competitive edge of our lawn sports facilities, or the holistic retreat of our Rejuvenate Spa and Wellness complex, your membership at Burlingame opens doors to experiences you’ll treasure for generations.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about Burlingame Country Club memberships: the types available, the benefits that distinguish each category, the investment required, and the straightforward path to becoming part of our family. We’ve designed our membership structure to accommodate different lifestyles, from young professionals establishing roots in the mountains to retirees seeking a vibrant community hub, to families wanting a place where every generation finds something to love.
Understanding Burlingame’s Membership Philosophy
Everything you want in a club. Nothing you don’t.
That phrase defines our approach to membership. We’ve purposefully built Burlingame to celebrate the beauty of nature, respect for the land, and stewardship for future generations. Our membership categories reflect this philosophy by offering flexibility without compromising the quality of experience or diluting the sense of community that makes Burlingame special.
Unlike clubs that layer on complexity, we keep things clear. Our membership structure serves distinct needs while ensuring every member, regardless of category, feels genuinely welcomed and valued. From your first tour through the renovated Clubhouse complex to your inaugural round on the course, you’ll recognize that we’ve thought carefully about what makes membership meaningful.
Types of Memberships Available at Burlingame Country Club
Full Golf Memberships
Full Golf Membership represents the complete Burlingame experience. This comprehensive category grants unlimited access to every amenity, every day of the week, throughout our operational season.
What Full Golf Membership Includes:
Your Full Golf Membership provides unrestricted access to our 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Tom Jackson. The course, which plays between 3,000 and 3,500 feet elevation, challenges golfers with strategic shot-making opportunities while immersing them in the natural beauty of mountains, vistas, waterfalls, and pristine forests. You’ll play whenever the course is open, book tee times with priority status, and participate in all club tournaments and competitions.
Beyond golf, Full Golf Members enjoy complete access to our four Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and our meticulously maintained USCA regulation croquet lawn. Director of Lawn Sports Tom Tyler, who brings extensive certifications including Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), and expertise in Golf Croquet, oversees programs that welcome both beginners and competitive players.
The Rejuvenate Spa, Wellness, and Fitness complex becomes your personal retreat. After challenging days on the course or trails, the state-of-the-art fitness center, pool complex, and spa services help you recover and recharge. Our wellness professionals offer personalized coaching, therapeutic massages, specialized fitness classes, and yoga instruction designed for all experience levels.
Dining privileges span all six venues within our newly renovated Clubhouse complex. From quick lunches at Elevation 3042 with grab-and-go options and barista service to multi-course dinners in the main dining room overlooking mountain vistas, Full Golf Members access the full range of culinary experiences crafted by Executive Chef Gerry Fong and his team. Chef Fong, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with recognition as one of North Carolina’s Top 100 Chefs, emphasizes local sourcing, seasonal products, and authentic farm-to-table execution.
The Overlook Lounge, our newest addition, provides a relaxed atmosphere for social gatherings with panoramic views of the golf course and mountains. The Outdoor Dining Deck remains a member favorite for post-round refreshments and casual meals with friends. The Presidents’ Room accommodates intimate gatherings of 8-14 people for private dinners, board retreats, or special celebrations.
Full Golf Members receive priority registration for all club events, from seasonal celebrations to wine society dinners, cooking classes, and live entertainment. Your family becomes part of a vibrant social calendar that balances sophistication with the unpretentious warmth that characterizes Burlingame.
Who Benefits Most from Full Golf Membership:
This category serves avid golfers who plan to play regularly throughout the season, families seeking comprehensive amenities for multiple generations, and individuals or couples wanting complete access to the club’s full range of recreational, dining, and social opportunities. If your vision of mountain living includes frequent golf rounds, active participation in club life, and extensive use of all facilities, Full Golf Membership delivers exceptional value.
Limited and Weekday Memberships
Limited and Weekday Memberships provide thoughtful alternatives for members whose schedules or usage patterns don’t require seven-day-a-week access but who still want meaningful involvement in club life.
Weekday Membership Structure:
Weekday Members enjoy full access to golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet, wellness facilities, and dining Monday through Thursday, with extended privileges on Friday mornings. This structure works beautifully for professionals with flexible schedules, semi-retired members, or anyone who prefers weekday play when courses and facilities tend to be less crowded.
You’ll find the championship course plays differently on weekday mornings, often quieter and allowing for a more contemplative round. The lawn sports facilities accommodate drop-in play and organized clinics without weekend tournament schedules. Weekday Members participate fully in mid-week club events, themed dinners, and specialized programming like wine tastings or culinary demonstrations.
Weekday Members maintain access to all dining venues during their permitted days, with the same priority for reservations and private dining room bookings. The Rejuvenate Spa and Wellness complex welcomes you for fitness classes, personal training sessions, massage appointments, and pool use according to the weekday schedule.
Limited Golf Membership Options:
Limited Golf Memberships may restrict the total number of rounds played annually or limit access to specific facilities while maintaining core benefits. These structures, designed to accommodate varying levels of engagement, still ensure meaningful participation in club life and access to the amenities most important to you.
Limited Members typically receive some golf privileges, full access to tennis and other lawn sports, wellness facilities, and dining access. The specific parameters vary based on the membership tier selected and are clearly outlined during the application process.
Who Benefits from Limited or Weekday Memberships:
These categories serve professionals with demanding careers who primarily recreate mid-week, part-time residents who aren’t present every weekend, individuals whose primary interests center on specific amenities rather than golf, or those entering club membership who want to start with measured involvement before committing to full access.
Social Memberships
Social Membership at Burlingame creates an entry point for individuals and families who value the club’s community, dining excellence, and event programming but don’t require regular access to golf or competitive sports facilities.
What Social Membership Provides:
Social Members enjoy unlimited access to all six dining venues, from casual breakfast at Elevation 3042 through elegant dinners in the main dining room. You’ll participate in all social events, themed dinners, holiday celebrations, and member gatherings. The wine society welcomes Social Members for tastings, education programs, and special vintage dinners.
Access to the Rejuvenate Spa and Wellness facilities gives Social Members the same state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise classes, personal training options, and spa services available to golf members. After workouts or hikes on Burlingame’s extensive trail system, the pool complex provides relaxation and social connection.
Social Members may reserve sports facilities including tennis, pickleball, and croquet on a space-available basis, typically for a modest additional fee. While you won’t have the same priority booking as Full Golf Members, the weekday schedule often provides ample availability for recreational play.
The Clubhouse becomes your gathering place for business meetings, family celebrations, or simply enjoying exceptional mountain dining and hospitality. You’ll book the Presidents’ Room for private events, host out-of-town guests in the main dining room, or gather friends on the Outdoor Dining Deck for sunset cocktails.
Who Thrives with Social Membership:
Social Membership serves non-golfers who appreciate fine dining and social programming, spouses or partners of Full Golf Members who want independent membership status, individuals who primarily value the wellness and spa amenities, professionals seeking a distinguished venue for client entertainment and business development, and families wanting a mountain gathering place without golf as the primary draw.
Corporate Membership Options
Corporate Memberships at Burlingame provide businesses with a sophisticated tool for client development, employee benefits, and professional networking in one of Western North Carolina’s most distinguished settings.
Corporate Membership Structure:
Corporate Members receive a designated number of access passes or privileges that can be extended to employees, clients, or business associates. The specific structure—whether multiple named individuals, transferable privileges, or a combination—is customized during the membership application process.
Your company gains access to all club facilities for approved users, with the same quality experience as individual members. Golf outings for clients or team-building events, tennis tournaments or pickleball competitions for employees, and private dining events for business development all become seamless to arrange.
The Presidents’ Room and other private dining spaces serve as ideal venues for board meetings, client dinners, or team celebrations. The backdrop of mountain views and Burlingame’s impeccable service elevates every business function.
Strategic Value of Corporate Membership:
Beyond the facilities, Corporate Membership provides access to Burlingame’s network of business owners, executives, and professionals who call the club home. The informal networking that happens over post-round drinks or during club events often proves as valuable as formal business functions.
For companies with executives or employees relocating to or visiting the Cashiers-Sapphire Valley region, Corporate Membership demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance and provides immediate access to a established community. The benefit helps with both recruitment and retention of key personnel.
Who Benefits from Corporate Membership:
Companies with multiple executives in the region seeking a shared benefit, professional service firms wanting a distinguished client entertainment venue, businesses that value networking within the club’s membership, companies offering unique executive benefits, and family businesses that want to extend club access across generations or business units all find value in Corporate Membership.
Detailed Benefits That Define Your Membership Experience
Championship Golf on Tom Jackson’s Mountain Masterpiece
Bobby Jones observed that “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
That philosophy animates every hole at Burlingame’s championship course. Tom Jackson’s creative vision plays out masterfully through natural terrain featuring mountains, vistas, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. The 18-hole layout continues to mesmerize members and guests with elevations ranging between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, creating playing conditions that challenge your strategic thinking while immersing you in natural beauty.
Director of Golf John Harrison brings exceptional pedigree to member experience. Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina, John achieved remarkable success as a junior golfer, winning over 25 tournaments including three High School State Championships, an AJGA Major, and the North and South Junior at Pinehurst #2. These victories established him as the #1 ranked junior in North Carolina for three consecutive years and 8th in the world according to Golfweek Magazine.
After a collegiate career at NC State University and time as a touring professional, John transitioned to club management, winning over 40 professional tournaments and earning five Mid-Carolina PGA Player of the Year honors. His apprenticeship work at Old Chatham, Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and Elk River prepared him to deliver exceptional member service and golf operations.
Members benefit from John’s expertise through personalized instruction, tournament operations, merchandise selection, and strategic course management insights. Whether you’re working on specific aspects of your game or seeking competitive opportunities, the golf program under John’s direction provides structure and support.
The course itself rewards strategic thinking over pure power. You’ll navigate elevation changes that affect club selection, mountain winds that demand shot-shaping ability, and risk-reward scenarios on several holes where aggressive play can yield birdies or lead to trouble. The conditioning, overseen by a dedicated grounds staff, maintains championship standards throughout the season.
Lawn Sports Excellence Across Multiple Disciplines
Billie Jean King observed that “Tennis is a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility.” That balance defines the lawn sports experience at Burlingame, where competitive intensity meets mountain serenity.
Tom Tyler leads our comprehensive lawn sports program as Director. A Florida native and highly ranked junior tennis player, Tom discovered his passion for teaching while pursuing a Finance degree at Florida State University. Since beginning tennis instruction in 2002, he’s coordinated and managed programs in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Tom’s certifications span multiple disciplines: High-Performance Coaching, Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), Personal Trainer (NASM), Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR). He’s also a certified Golf Croquet professional. This breadth of expertise ensures that whether you’re developing your backhand, mastering the third-shot drop in pickleball, or learning wicket strategy in croquet, you receive instruction grounded in proven methodology.
Tennis Program and Facilities:
Four Har-Tru tennis courts provide the preferred playing surface for both recreational and competitive tennis. Har-Tru’s composition reduces joint impact compared to hard courts while maintaining consistent bounce characteristics. The courts host interclub championships, various tournaments throughout the season, and regular lessons for all skill levels.
Drop-in play, organized round robins, ladder competitions, and social mixers ensure tennis members find games at their level. Tom’s instruction emphasizes fundamentals while incorporating modern techniques used by touring professionals.
Pickleball Growth and Programming:
Burlingame introduced pickleball in the 2021 season, responding to member interest in America’s fastest-growing sport. Four courts now accommodate all the “racquet” you can handle, as the club likes to say.
The pickleball program includes lessons for beginners through advanced players, tournaments that attract regional competition, and interclub play that builds camaraderie. Whether you’re learning proper grip technique, developing your dinking game, or competing in tournaments, Tom’s professional guidance and the court availability support your goals.
Croquet: Strategy Meets Social Connection:
As featured in our recent blog post about the rise of croquet as a sport for everyone, this historic game has found renewed enthusiasm at Burlingame. Our meticulously manicured, USCA regulation-size croquet lawn provides the perfect setting for both six-wicket sequential play and the faster-paced Golf Croquet variation.
The sport’s accessibility makes it ideal for multi-generational participation. Unlike many activities that separate families by skill level, croquet brings together grandparents, parents, and children for strategic competition where experience and patience often trump youth and speed.
Interclub play, lessons from Tom Tyler, tournaments, and casual matches fill the croquet calendar. The mountain backdrop and social nature of the game create memorable afternoons where competition enhances rather than dominates the experience.
Culinary Excellence and Mountain Dining Experiences
Club life revolves around food and beverage. From a quick lunch at the turn to a multi-course dinner for the wine society, our kitchen operates as a non-stop engine of precision, production, and what we call YUMMY perfection.
Executive Chef Gerry Fong brings impressive credentials and infectious enthusiasm to Burlingame’s culinary program. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Fong has led kitchens at a Ritz Carlton in California, restaurants in Pinehurst, coastal North Carolina establishments, and most recently served as Executive Chef for Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University, overseeing operations for the Alumni Center, Chancellor’s Residence, The State Club, and Lonnie Poole Golf Course.
His achievements include recognition in NC Competition Dining, an appearance on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and selection as one of North Carolina’s Top 100 Chefs. Chef Fong’s approach emphasizes authentic flavors, cultural inspiration, and seasonal sourcing from local farmers and purveyors.
Six Distinct Dining Venues:
Set within the newly renovated Clubhouse complex, each dining space offers unique atmosphere and purpose:
The main dining room serves lunch and dinner with distant vistas and mountain views as your backdrop. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the landscape, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Chef Fong’s seasonal menus here showcase his range, from refined interpretations of regional classics to globally inspired dishes that honor authentic techniques.
Elevation 3042, our casual restaurant, features breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with grab-and-go items and a barista station. The name references the club’s elevation and the year-round accessibility of quality coffee, fresh pastries, and quick meals for members on the move.
The Overlook Lounge, Burlingame’s newest addition, provides a relaxed atmosphere for quick bites, social time, and spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and golf course. Pull up a chair with a local craft brew or your refreshment of choice and settle into mountain time.
The Outdoor Dining Deck ranks among members’ favorite venues. Whether arriving after a golf round, tennis match, or simply meeting friends, this open-air setting combines superb cuisine, cold local drafts, and the friendship that defines Burlingame’s community.
The Presidents’ Room, honoring current and past club presidents, accommodates intimate gatherings of 8-14 people. Board retreats, luncheons, receptions, or private dinners unfold in warm elegance with dramatic mountain views framing the experience.
For those early mornings on the course or between nines, the turn provides quick service so you maintain your pace of play without sacrificing quality.
Wine Program and Special Events:
Our fully stocked wine cellar supports thoughtful pairings throughout all dining venues. The wine society, open to interested members, organizes tastings, educational programs, vineyard visits, and special vintage dinners that explore both classic and emerging wine regions.
Themed dinners throughout the season celebrate seasonal ingredients, cultural cuisines, and culinary techniques. Cooking classes with Chef Fong and his team reveal the methods behind signature dishes and give members hands-on experience in professional techniques.
Wellness, Spa, and Fitness in a Mountain Setting
Enveloped by mountains in Western North Carolina, the Rejuvenate Spa, Wellness, and Fitness complex offers a state-of-the-art retreat for body and spirit. After challenging days on the course or trails, these facilities welcome you to find balance in a setting where nature seems to breathe alongside you.
Fitness Center and Exercise Programming:
State-of-the-art cardio equipment, strength training machines, and free weights provide tools for maintaining fitness year-round. The facility’s design maximizes natural light and mountain views, making workouts feel less like obligation and more like privilege.
Group fitness classes span multiple disciplines: stretching and flexibility work essential for golf and tennis, non-impact cardio that builds endurance without joint stress, strength training for all fitness levels, high-interval training aqua fitness in the pool, and three distinct yoga class styles ranging from gentle restorative practice to more vigorous vinyasa flows.
Private coaching and personal training sessions deliver customized programming based on your goals, current fitness level, and any physical limitations. Whether you’re recovering from injury, training for competitive sports, or simply maintaining wellness, professional guidance optimizes your efforts.
Therapeutic Spa Services:
The spa menu includes therapeutic massage from distinctly different therapists who specialize in various modalities, Bellanina Facelift Facial massages that provide natural alternatives to cosmetic procedures, specialized sports massage that addresses the specific demands of golf and tennis, and private yoga coaching for those preferring one-on-one instruction.
Essential golf and tennis stretching protocols, delivered by trained practitioners, help prevent injury and improve performance. Many members schedule these sessions before tournaments or important rounds.
Pool Complex and Aquatic Programs:
The pool complex serves as both fitness venue and social hub. Lap swimming, aqua fitness classes, and recreational swimming accommodate different needs throughout the day. The pool deck provides gathering space for families, with mountain views creating a resort-like atmosphere.
Members consistently note that the pool complex epitomizes Burlingame’s family-friendly culture. Multiple generations swim, play, and relax together, creating memories that define summer at the club.
Beyond the Core: Fishing, Hiking, and Mountain Recreation
Burlingame’s location provides access to outdoor recreation that extends well beyond traditional country club amenities.
The Horsepasture River, which runs through the property, offers exceptional fly fishing for trout. The flicker of a rainbow breaking the water’s surface during a morning on the river represents the kind of unscripted natural encounter that makes mountain living special. Whether you’re an experienced fly fisherman or want to learn this contemplative sport, the resource sits right here.
Miles of hiking trails throughout Burlingame and the surrounding area beckon explorers to discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. The trails vary in difficulty from gentle nature walks appropriate for young children to challenging climbs that reward effort with panoramic vistas. Trail maintenance and stewardship, supported by member volunteers through the Friends of Burlingame Hiking Trails, ensures safe and sustainable access.
The club also maintains a dog park where four-legged family members can socialize and exercise. This thoughtful addition acknowledges that for many members, pets are integral to family life and mountain living.
Membership Investment: Understanding Costs and Fee Structures
Membership at Burlingame Country Club represents a significant investment in your lifestyle, your family’s recreation, and a community that will enrich your years in the mountains. We structure our fees to be straightforward, with initiation costs that secure your place in the club and ongoing dues that support operations, maintenance, and programming.
Initiation Fees and One-Time Costs
Initiation fees vary by membership category and represent your entry investment into the club. These fees support capital improvements, facility maintenance, and the overall financial health of the member-owned organization.
Current initiation fee structures are available through Membership Director Jennifer Webb. Fees are occasionally adjusted based on the club’s strategic planning, facility improvements, and market conditions in the region. Burlingame maintains transparency about costs and provides complete fee schedules during the membership inquiry process.
The club periodically offers initiation fee incentives for new members, especially during shoulder seasons or when specific membership categories have availability. These opportunities, when available, are communicated through our membership office.
One-time costs beyond initiation may include starter fees for golf equipment storage, initial restaurant minimum deposits, or setup fees for services like locker assignments. These are clearly disclosed during the application process.
Monthly and Annual Dues Structure
Monthly or annual dues cover the operational costs of running the club, from staff salaries to facility maintenance, programming to utilities. Dues vary by membership category, reflecting the level of access and services included.
Full Golf Members carry the highest dues given unlimited access to all facilities and programs. Limited, Weekday, and Social memberships have progressively lower dues structures aligned with their respective access levels. Corporate memberships are customized based on the number of privileges and users.
Dues are typically paid monthly through automatic withdrawal or quarterly through direct payment. The club provides statements and maintains clear accounting for all member charges.
Food and Beverage Minimums
Many country clubs implement monthly food and beverage minimums to support culinary operations and ensure dining venues maintain high standards. Burlingame’s approach to minimums balances supporting Chef Fong’s excellent kitchen with recognizing that members use the club at different intensities throughout the year.
Specific minimum amounts, if applicable, vary by membership category and are clearly outlined during the application process. Minimums typically exclude gratuity and sales tax. Unused minimums may or may not roll forward month-to-month depending on club policy.
For members who regularly use dining facilities, minimums rarely pose challenges. The quality of Burlingame’s six dining venues and the social nature of club life naturally encourage frequent dining.
Additional Fees and Charges
Beyond dues and minimums, members should anticipate occasional additional charges:
Golf-related fees may include cart fees for certain times or circumstances, guest fees when hosting non-member players, club rental fees if needed, and tournament entry fees for optional competitions.
Lessons and instruction across golf, tennis, pickleball, and croquet typically carry additional fees. Group clinics are often included in dues, while private instruction is charged separately.
Spa services including massage, personal training, and specialty treatments are priced individually, though members receive preferential rates compared to non-member pricing.
Special events such as holiday parties, themed dinners, wine tastings, or entertainment evenings may require tickets or reservations at additional cost beyond regular dining minimums.
Guest privileges allow members to host friends and family at the club, typically for daily fees that cover facility access and support club operations.
Capital Assessments
As a member-owned club, Burlingame occasionally implements capital assessments to fund significant facility improvements, equipment purchases, or infrastructure projects that exceed operating budget capacity. These assessments, when necessary, are communicated well in advance with clear explanation of the projects funded and the assessment structure.
The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association (BPOA), which works for the club’s 600+ members, maintains roads, parks, trails, and landscaping of common areas. Understanding the relationship between club membership and property ownership, if applicable, helps clarify the complete investment picture.
Understanding the Value Proposition
When evaluating membership investment, consider not just the fees but the value received:
Access to an 18-hole championship course that rivals any in Western North Carolina, without the hassle of booking tee times at public courses or the limitations of limited-access facilities. The course’s elevation, natural beauty, and conditioning create an experience you’ll want to repeat frequently.
Comprehensive lawn sports facilities with professional instruction across tennis, pickleball, and croquet that would cost thousands annually if pursued separately at different venues or through private coaches.
A complete wellness center with fitness equipment, group classes, personal training, spa services, and pool facilities that replicate or exceed standalone fitness and spa memberships costing hundreds monthly.
Six distinct dining venues delivering culinary excellence from a Top 100 North Carolina chef, with quality, service, and ambiance that would command premium pricing in any metropolitan restaurant scene.
Most importantly, membership in a community of 600+ families who share values around nature, outdoor recreation, family, and authentic mountain living. The social connections, friendships, and sense of belonging that develop through club life hold value that’s hard to quantify but easy to recognize.
Reciprocal Privileges: Extending Your Membership Beyond Burlingame
One of the understated benefits of Burlingame membership is access to reciprocal privileges with select clubs in the region and beyond. These arrangements, established through formal agreements between clubs, allow members to experience other courses and facilities while traveling or simply seeking variety.
Regional Mountain Club Reciprocity
Burlingame maintains relationships with other distinguished mountain clubs throughout Western North Carolina. These reciprocal agreements typically provide members with access to golf courses, dining facilities, and sometimes limited access to other amenities when visiting partner clubs.
The specific clubs included in reciprocal arrangements vary over time as agreements are negotiated and renewed. Current reciprocal privileges are detailed during the membership application process and updated information is available through the membership office.
Regional reciprocity proves particularly valuable for members who maintain second homes in the mountains and enjoy exploring different courses and club atmospheres throughout the area. Playing partner clubs also provides opportunities to connect with a broader community of mountain residents who share similar interests and values.
Using Reciprocal Privileges Effectively
Reciprocal access typically requires advance notice to the host club, often arranged through Burlingame’s golf shop or membership office. Most agreements include limitations on frequency of use, time periods when reciprocal play is permitted, and whether access extends to guests or is restricted to members only.
When visiting reciprocal clubs, Burlingame members represent our community. The courtesy, respect for facilities, and graciousness that define Burlingame culture should characterize every reciprocal visit. This ensures relationships remain strong and potentially expand over time.
Some reciprocal arrangements provide discounted access rather than complimentary privileges. Understanding the specific terms before visiting partner clubs prevents misunderstandings and ensures positive experiences.
Network Effects of Club Affiliations
Beyond formal reciprocal agreements, Burlingame’s reputation within the regional club community sometimes opens informal opportunities. Conversations with fellow members who belong to other clubs, connections made through interclub tournaments or events, and the general collegiality among mountain club communities create a network that extends your membership value.
Many members find that the relationships developed through reciprocal play become as valuable as the course access itself. Shared appreciation for the mountain lifestyle and club culture creates common ground that transcends any single facility.
Member Events and Tournament Programming
The calendar at Burlingame balances competitive golf and lawn sports tournaments with social events that bring members together across interest areas and age groups. This programming creates rhythm and ritual that define club life.
Golf Tournament Schedule
The golf calendar features multiple tournament formats throughout the season:
Member-Guest tournaments allow members to showcase the club to friends while competing in team formats that encourage camaraderie. These events typically span multiple days and include social activities beyond the competition itself.
Club championships crown Burlingame’s best golfers across various flights and age divisions. Whether you’re competing for the overall title or within your flight, these tournaments provide the thrill of championship-level competition on a course you know intimately.
Couples tournaments bring together members and their spouses or partners for fun formats like better ball, scramble, or alternate shot. These events emphasize the social side of competition and often conclude with themed dinners or parties.
Men’s and Women’s golf associations organize regular events, maintain handicap systems, and create opportunities for competitive play at appropriate skill levels. The associations also coordinate interclub matches and regional tournament participation.
Seasonal tournaments mark Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and other significant dates with special competitions and celebrations that combine golf with social programming.
Lawn Sports Competitions
Tom Tyler and the lawn sports team organize tournaments and leagues across tennis, pickleball, and croquet:
Tennis tournaments include singles and doubles competitions, age-group championships, and interclub matches against regional mountain clubs. The competitive tennis program accommodates players from 3.0 through 5.0+ NTRP rating levels.
Pickleball tournaments have grown rapidly in participation since the sport’s introduction in 2021. Formats range from social round-robins to competitive bracket tournaments with skill-level divisions.
Croquet competitions bring together players for both six-wicket sequential tournaments and faster-paced Golf Croquet events. Interclub croquet matches against other USCA regulation lawn facilities provide opportunities to represent Burlingame in regional competition.
Social Events and Theme Celebrations
Beyond sports competitions, the social calendar includes events designed to build community and celebrate seasons:
Opening and closing weekends mark the beginning and end of the full-operation season with special dinners, activities, and gatherings that bring the entire membership together.
Wine society events throughout the season explore specific regions, varietals, or winemaking techniques through tastings, educational programs, and paired dinners.
Holiday celebrations for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays feature special menus, decorations, and programming that honor traditions while creating new memories.
Cooking classes and culinary demonstrations with Chef Gerry Fong and his team provide hands-on learning and behind-the-scenes insights into the club’s culinary excellence.
Live entertainment and themed dinners bring variety to the calendar with everything from acoustic musicians on the Outdoor Dining Deck to formal wine dinners to casual cookouts by the pool.
Family events ensure that Burlingame remains a multigenerational community. Kids’ events, family movie nights, junior golf and tennis programs, and family swim meets create opportunities for younger members to connect and for families to build traditions together.
The Membership Application Process: Your Path to Joining Burlingame
Becoming a member of Burlingame Country Club follows a thoughtful process designed to ensure alignment between prospective members and the club community. The path from initial inquiry to membership approval typically unfolds over several weeks.
Initial Contact and Tour Scheduling
Your membership journey begins with contacting Jennifer Webb, Burlingame’s Membership and Marketing Director. Jennifer joined the club in early 2016 after graduating from Johnson & Wales University and building extensive experience in the club and hospitality industry at South Carolina Yacht Club, Westin Hotels and Resorts, and Marriott Hotels and Resorts.
Reach Jennifer at 828.966.9200 or through the club’s contact page to express your interest and schedule a personal tour. The tour provides opportunity to experience the facilities, meet key staff, and begin envisioning how Burlingame fits into your mountain lifestyle.
During your visit, Jennifer will walk you through the Clubhouse complex, dining venues, wellness facilities, and golf course. If time permits, you’ll see the tennis and pickleball courts, croquet lawn, and other amenities that distinguish Burlingame. The tour isn’t a sales presentation but rather a genuine introduction to the club and community.
Understanding Membership Availability
Like most private clubs of distinction, Burlingame occasionally manages membership levels to preserve the quality of experience and ensure facilities aren’t overcrowded. Depending on current membership count, certain categories may have immediate availability while others operate with a waiting list.
Jennifer will provide transparent information about availability in your preferred membership category and anticipated timeline if you choose to proceed with an application. If your desired category has limited immediate availability, she can discuss alternative categories or provide clarity about waiting list procedures.
Completing the Membership Application
The formal membership application requests information about you and your family, your interests and recreational preferences, professional background, and references from current members if you have relationships within the club.
The reference process serves two purposes: it helps the membership committee understand your fit with Burlingame’s culture and values, and it provides current members opportunity to welcome new families into the community. If you don’t yet know current members, Jennifer can facilitate introductions based on your interests or professional background.
Applications typically request details about your planned usage of club facilities, which helps staff anticipate needs and ensure proper programming. There’s no expectation of minimum usage levels, but understanding member interests informs decisions about classes, tournaments, and events to offer.
Meeting with the Membership Committee
Many private clubs include a membership committee interview as part of the application process. These conversations, while formal in structure, are designed to be welcoming and informative for both parties.
Committee members want to understand your interest in Burlingame, share information about club culture and expectations, and ensure alignment between what you’re seeking and what the club provides. Typical questions might explore what drew you to Burlingame specifically, how you anticipate using club facilities, whether you have family who will participate, and what previous club or hospitality experiences inform your expectations.
The committee interview also provides opportunity for you to ask questions, clarify any aspects of membership that remain unclear, and get to know some of the members who serve in club leadership.
Financial Review and Fee Payment
Once the membership committee approves your application, the club will provide complete documentation about fees, payment terms, and membership agreement details. You’ll review and sign the membership agreement, arrange payment of initiation fees, and set up automatic payment for monthly dues if that’s your preferred method.
The club typically requests first and last month dues along with the initiation fee, though payment arrangements can sometimes be structured to accommodate individual circumstances. All financial terms are clearly documented before you make binding commitments.
New Member Orientation and Integration
After financial arrangements are complete, Burlingame focuses on helping you and your family integrate smoothly into club life. New member orientations introduce you to staff across all departments, explain club procedures and etiquette, and provide opportunities to meet other recent additions to the membership.
You’ll receive a comprehensive new member packet with information about:
- Booking tee times and understanding golf course procedures
- Reserving tennis, pickleball, and croquet facilities
- Making dining reservations and understanding private dining room availability
- Accessing the wellness center and scheduling spa services
- Participating in tournaments, leagues, and social events
- Understanding reciprocal privileges at partner clubs
- Getting involved in member committees and volunteer opportunities
Staff members make themselves available to answer questions and help navigate any early uncertainties. The goal is ensuring you feel comfortable and welcomed from your very first visits as a member.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burlingame Country Club Membership
What is the typical timeline from initial inquiry to becoming a member?
The timeline varies depending on membership category availability and how quickly you complete application steps, but most prospective members move from initial tour to approved membership within four to eight weeks. If you’re highly motivated and current availability exists in your desired category, the process can sometimes move faster. Conversely, if categories have waiting lists, the timeline extends accordingly.
Are there age restrictions or requirements for membership?
Burlingame welcomes members of all ages. The primary membership holder must be at least 21 years old, but family memberships extend privileges to spouses, domestic partners, and children. The club’s multigenerational programming and facilities reflect our commitment to serving families across all life stages.
Can I try the club before committing to membership?
While Burlingame doesn’t offer formal trial memberships, Jennifer Webb can arrange guest visits beyond your initial tour where you might experience dining, use fitness facilities with a member host, or play golf as someone’s guest. These experiences provide additional exposure to club culture before making membership decisions.
What happens if I need to resign my membership?
Life circumstances change, and Burlingame understands that members occasionally need to resign. The membership agreement specifies resignation procedures, typically requiring written notice and potential financial obligations depending on timing and circumstances. The membership office handles resignations professionally and respectfully.
Are there special rates for younger members or those under a certain age?
Many private clubs offer reduced initiation fees or dues for younger members, recognizing that those earlier in their careers may have limited financial flexibility but bring energy and long-term membership potential. Ask Jennifer Webb about any young professional or junior membership programs currently available.
How does the club accommodate part-time residents or seasonal members?
The Sapphire Valley region attracts many second-home owners and seasonal residents. Burlingame’s various membership categories, particularly Limited and Weekday options, are designed with part-time residents in mind. Additionally, the club can sometimes accommodate seasonal suspension of dues for members who are consistently absent during specific months, though policies vary and should be discussed during the application process.
What guest policies does the club maintain?
Members may host guests according to club policies that balance welcoming hospitality with preserving members’ access to facilities. Guest fees typically apply, and advance notification or reservation may be required depending on the amenity and time of year. The specific guest policy is detailed in the membership agreement and new member materials.
Does membership include my spouse and children?
Most membership categories are family memberships that include spouse or domestic partner and dependent children. Adult children beyond a certain age (typically mid-20s) may need separate memberships. The family membership structure is clearly outlined for your specific category during the application process.
Are there opportunities to get involved in club governance or committees?
Member involvement in committees, governance, and volunteer activities strengthens Burlingame’s community. Opportunities exist to serve on the Board of Directors, membership committee, golf committee, social committee, and various other volunteer roles. The club welcomes member participation and leadership.
What should I wear at the club? Is there a dress code?
Burlingame maintains dress standards appropriate to a private mountain club. Golf attire standards include collared shirts, proper golf shoes, and traditional golf bottoms (no cargo shorts or cut-offs). Dining rooms have smart casual requirements, with the main dining room requesting slightly more formal attire for evening meals. Athletic attire is appropriate in the fitness center and for lawn sports. Specific dress code details are provided to all new members.
How does Burlingame handle member conduct and community standards?
The club maintains rules and regulations that preserve the quality of the member experience and ensure respectful community culture. Serious violations of club policies can result in suspension or termination of membership, though such situations are rare. The overwhelming majority of members appreciate and uphold the standards that make Burlingame special.
Can I visit Burlingame before deciding to move to the Sapphire Valley area?
Absolutely. Many prospective members are considering relocation to Western North Carolina and want to experience the region’s club offerings before committing. Jennifer Webb welcomes inquiries from those exploring the area and can coordinate visits, provide information about the local real estate market, and help you understand how Burlingame fits into the mountain lifestyle.
Voices from the Community: Member Testimonials
The best way to understand what membership at Burlingame means comes from those who live it daily. Current members share their experiences:
Sara G. and Jeffrey L. reflect: “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.”
Casey and Carol Ann G. note: “The first season at BCC has been a wonderful experience – men’s golf, the Wednesday mixed golf event, Carol at 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 – we never had a meal we did not enjoy. BCC makes our NC life!”
Kelly and Doug R. share: “The members of Burlingame have been the friendliest and nicest people who welcomed us with open arms.”
Jerry and Kathy C. observed their experience: “Exceeded our expectations in every area…friendliness of members, quality of meals and service focus of the staff.”
Jim and Sally S. add: “Our experience at Burlingame has far exceeded our expectations not only as a club but in food, friendship, and leadership.”
Danny and Kim B. explain: “As newcomers to western NC, we are fortunate to have joined the Burlingame CC. The staff and members have truly gone above and beyond to make us feel at home and learn all that the club and area have to offer.”
These testimonials consistently emphasize the warmth of the community, the quality of amenities and staff, and the sense that Burlingame delivers on its promise of providing everything you want in a club with nothing you don’t.
Your Next Step: Schedule Your Personal Tour
Your private adventure in the mountains of Western North Carolina awaits. Whether you’re an avid golfer seeking a championship course that challenges and inspires, a tennis player wanting comprehensive programming and competition, a family looking for a community hub where every generation finds connection, or simply someone drawn to the idea of mountain living enhanced by exceptional amenities and genuine warmth, Burlingame Country Club deserves your consideration.
The membership process begins with a simple conversation. Jennifer Webb, our Membership and Marketing Director, welcomes your questions and will work with you to understand which membership category best serves your needs and lifestyle.
Contact Burlingame Country Club:
Jennifer Webb, Membership Director
746 Club Drive
Sapphire, NC 28774
828.966.9200
Contact Form
During your personal tour, you’ll experience firsthand the mountain vistas that frame every hole, the meticulous conditioning of our championship course, the welcoming atmosphere of our six dining venues, and most importantly, the genuine sense of community that members describe when explaining what makes Burlingame special.
We invite you to discover why our members call Burlingame “The Best of Times.” Let us welcome you home to the mountain retreat you’ve always imagined, where luxury meets authenticity and every moment feels like a return to what matters most.
Your mountain haven awaits. Everything you want in a club. Nothing you don’t.