Tom Jackson’s Mountain Masterpiece
Tom Jackson’s creative vision plays out masterfully in collaboration with Burlingame’s natural terrain of mountains, vistas, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and old growth forests. The 18-hole championship golf course continues to mesmerize members and guests alike at elevations ranging between 3,000 to 3,500 feet, offering one of the most inspiring courses you’ll discover in Western North Carolina.
The course design philosophy respects the land rather than imposing upon it. Jackson worked with the existing topography to create a layout that feels like a natural extension of the Sapphire Valley landscape. Each hole presents unique challenges shaped by the mountain environment, from elevation changes that affect club selection to the crisp mountain air that influences ball flight.
Learn more about Burlingame’s golf course and discover why members call it “The Best of Times.”
Course Overview and Layout
Burlingame’s championship layout stretches across pristine mountain terrain just minutes from Cashiers and Lake Toxaway. The course routing takes full advantage of natural features including the Horsepasture River, which comes into play on several holes and adds both beauty and strategic complexity to the round.
The design balances risk and reward. Conservative players can navigate the course successfully by playing to generous landing areas and avoiding hazards. More aggressive players will find plenty of opportunities to attack pins and shave strokes off their score, provided they can execute precise shots under the pressure of elevated greens, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers.
Mountain golf presents unique characteristics that differentiate Burlingame from courses at lower elevations. The ball travels approximately 10% farther in the thinner air, a factor that experienced mountain golfers account for in their club selection. Morning rounds often feature cooler temperatures and occasional mist in the valleys, while afternoon rounds showcase brilliant sunshine and spectacular mountain vistas.
Detailed Course Features
The championship tees present a formidable test for skilled players, while multiple tee boxes on each hole ensure that golfers of all abilities can enjoy a round appropriate to their skill level. Forward tees reduce the overall distance and minimize forced carries, making the course accessible to beginners and seniors while maintaining the integrity of each hole’s design.
Par varies thoughtfully across the 18 holes, with a traditional mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s that tests every club in the bag. The par 3s range from short irons to long clubs, demanding accuracy to elevated greens protected by bunkers and natural hazards. The par 4s offer the greatest variety, from drivable short holes where eagles are possible to long two-shotters that require two excellent strikes to reach in regulation.
The par 5s reward length but also place a premium on positioning. Longer hitters can reach these holes in two shots, but must navigate hazards and consider strategic angles to access certain pin positions. Three-shot strategies work perfectly well, with layup areas designed to leave comfortable approach distances.
Slope ratings reflect the difficulty players of various abilities will encounter. Higher handicap golfers will find the course rating accurately represents the challenge, with enough width and forgiveness to keep rounds moving while still requiring solid execution. Lower handicap players will appreciate the subtle contours in greens, strategic bunkering, and well-placed hazards that demand course management and shot-making ability.
Hole-by-Hole Guide and Playing Strategies
Each hole at Burlingame tells its own story within the larger narrative of the round. The opening holes ease players into the round while establishing the character of the course. Players quickly learn that position matters more than distance, and that the greens reward accurate approach shots while penalizing wayward strikes.
The front nine moves through varied terrain, with several holes playing alongside or across natural features. The routing takes advantage of elevation changes, with some holes playing downhill and offering spectacular views, while others climb uphill and test both physical stamina and club selection judgment.
Several signature holes stand out in players’ memories long after the round concludes. The course features dramatic vistas where the golf hole frames mountain views that stretch for miles. Water features come into play on key holes, including creek crossings that demand precise distance control and the Horsepasture River that adds both beauty and strategic significance.
The back nine presents a different test, with holes that often play into different prevailing winds and feature distinct challenges from the front. The finishing holes build drama, with scoring opportunities balanced against potential trouble that can inflate a score if players become too aggressive or careless.
Throughout the round, tree-lined fairways frame shots and require accuracy from the tee. The mature forest creates corridors that look generous from the tee box but demand attention to shape and trajectory. The old growth trees also provide shade during warm summer rounds, making the course more comfortable during peak season.
Greens feature subtle undulations that make three-putts a constant threat if approach shots miss their intended quadrant. Reading the greens requires attention to the mountain terrain beyond the putting surface, as putts often break toward valleys and away from ridges. Local knowledge helps, but careful observation and a few practice putts before the round begins will serve visiting players well.
Practice Facilities for Skill Development
Burlingame maintains practice areas that allow members to work on all aspects of their game. The driving range provides stations where players can warm up before rounds or conduct focused practice sessions on specific shots. Range balls are available, and the practice area offers targets at various distances to help players dial in their yardages.
The short game area receives special attention, recognizing that scoring happens primarily within 100 yards of the green. Players can work on pitching, chipping, and bunker play in conditions that mirror what they’ll encounter on the course. Practice bunkers feature the same sand as course bunkers, allowing players to develop feel and technique that translates directly to play.
The putting green provides ample space for practicing both short putts that build confidence and longer lag putts that develop distance control. The green’s contours represent the type of breaks players will face on the course, making pre-round practice particularly valuable. Many members arrive early to spend 15-20 minutes on the putting green, finding their stroke and adjusting to green speeds before teeing off.
Professional Golf Instruction and Coaching
John, the Director of Golf at Burlingame, brings extensive playing experience and teaching expertise to the role. As detailed on Burlingame’s staff page, John’s background includes winning over 40 professional tournaments and earning the MCPGA Player of the Year honor five times. His apprenticeship at prestigious clubs including Old Chatham, Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and Elk River provided the foundation for his approach to both playing and teaching the game.
Private lessons cater to golfers at every level, from beginners learning fundamentals to accomplished players refining specific aspects of their game. John’s teaching philosophy emphasizes developing a repeatable swing that holds up under pressure while respecting each player’s natural athleticism and physical capabilities.
Junior golf programs introduce young players to the game in a fun, supportive environment. The focus extends beyond swing mechanics to include course etiquette, rules knowledge, and the values of integrity and sportsmanship that define golf culture. Many junior members who learn the game at Burlingame develop into accomplished players who compete in high school and college programs.
Clinics address common challenges facing recreational golfers, from driving accuracy to bunker play to course management. Group instruction formats allow players to learn from each other’s questions and experiences while receiving professional guidance in a cost-effective setting.
Playing lessons take instruction directly onto the course, where students learn to apply swing mechanics in real playing situations. These sessions cover pre-shot routines, club selection, strategic thinking, and managing the mental aspects of golf that often separate good scores from great ones.
Tournament Schedule and Competitive Play
Burlingame’s tournament calendar offers regular competitive opportunities for members who enjoy testing their skills against their peers. The schedule includes traditional stroke play events, match play competitions, and team formats that foster camaraderie alongside competition.
Men’s golf features regular competitions throughout the season, with both individual and team events. These tournaments range from casual monthly competitions to more formal championship events that crown club champions in various age and skill divisions. The format variety keeps competition fresh and allows different players to excel based on their strengths.
Wednesday mixed golf events bring together men and women for social competition that emphasizes fun alongside scores. These weekly gatherings have become highlights for many members, offering a mid-week break and a chance to play with different groups and experience various playing partners’ games and strategies.
Member-guest tournaments allow members to introduce friends and family to Burlingame’s course and community. These events typically feature team formats that encourage friendly competition and provide opportunities for visiting players to experience the club atmosphere. The member-guest tradition strengthens bonds between members and their guests while showcasing what makes Burlingame special.
Club championship events represent the pinnacle of competitive play at Burlingame, determining the year’s best players in various categories. The formats test all aspects of golf over multiple rounds, requiring consistent play rather than one exceptional day. Winners earn bragging rights and their names on permanent displays in the clubhouse.
Interclub matches pit Burlingame teams against other clubs in the region, adding a team element where individual performance contributes to group success. These matches build club identity and provide additional competitive opportunities beyond internal events.
The GHIN handicap system ensures fair competition across skill levels, allowing players of different abilities to compete meaningfully in net divisions while gross divisions recognize the best absolute scores. Burlingame maintains its handicap database according to USGA standards, with regular handicap revision periods that keep indexes current with players’ demonstrated ability.
Golf Shop: Equipment and Services
The pro shop carries equipment, apparel, and accessories suited to mountain golf and aligned with members’ preferences. The inventory reflects current trends while maintaining classic options that never go out of style. Staff members stay informed about new product releases and can guide purchasing decisions based on individual needs and playing characteristics.
Club fitting services help players optimize their equipment for their swing characteristics and the demands of mountain golf. Proper club fitting can significantly improve consistency and distance, particularly for players whose physical characteristics or swing patterns differ from standard specifications. Fitting sessions examine factors including club length, lie angle, shaft flex, grip size, and club head selection.
Regripping services keep clubs feeling fresh and ensure proper traction during the swing. Grips wear out over time, becoming hard and slippery, which can negatively affect both comfort and performance. Regular regripping maintains optimal feel and control, particularly important in the humid mountain environment where moisture affects grip performance.
The pro shop also handles tee time reservations, answers questions about course conditions, and serves as a hub for golf-related information and social interaction. Staff members know the membership and can facilitate introductions and groupings that help newer members integrate into the golf community.
Logo merchandise allows members to showcase their affiliation with Burlingame, from polo shirts and outerwear appropriate for mountain weather to accessories and gifts. These items make popular presents for family members and serve as mementos of rounds and experiences at the club.
Tee Time Policies and Reservation Process
Burlingame’s tee time system balances maximizing golf opportunities with maintaining pace of play and course conditions. The reservation process is straightforward, with multiple methods for booking times to accommodate members’ preferences and schedules.
Members can reserve tee times by phone, online through the member portal, or in person at the pro shop. The booking window typically opens several days in advance for regular play, allowing members to plan their golf around other commitments. Weekend and holiday times require advance planning, as these premium slots fill quickly during peak season.
Groups of various sizes can be accommodated, from individual players looking to join others to full foursomes planning their round together. The pro shop facilitates matching single players with groups when requested, helping everyone get on the course even when their regular playing partners aren’t available.
Starting times are scheduled to maintain appropriate pace of play while maximizing the number of rounds the course can handle comfortably. The interval between groups provides enough time for each foursome to complete holes before the following group arrives, reducing wait times and ensuring enjoyable rounds for all.
Walking is encouraged for those who enjoy the exercise and closer connection to the course that comes from experiencing each hole on foot. Carts are available for members who prefer riding or whose physical condition makes walking 18 holes challenging. The cart paths protect turf while providing access to all parts of the course, with some holes featuring cart path only restrictions during wet conditions to preserve fairway quality.
Rain checks and weather policies protect members’ investments when conditions make play impossible or unpleasant. The professional staff monitors weather closely and communicates course closures or delays promptly, allowing members to adjust their plans.
Seasonal Playing Conditions and Maintenance
The mountain location creates distinct playing seasons, each with its own character and challenges. Spring brings the course back to life after winter, with fairways greening up and flowers beginning to bloom around the property. Early season conditions may be softer as winter moisture works its way out of the ground, but the cooler temperatures make for comfortable golf.
Summer represents peak season, with the course in prime condition and the weather ideal for golf. The elevation moderates temperatures, making July and August rounds more comfortable than at courses in lower elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible during summer months, typically building in late afternoon and passing quickly, leaving refreshed conditions for evening rounds.
Fall showcases the spectacular foliage that draws visitors to Western North Carolina. Playing golf surrounded by mountains ablaze in autumn color creates unforgettable rounds and photo opportunities. The cooler temperatures return, and the course often plays firmer and faster as fall progresses, rewarding ground game approaches and strategic play.
Winter brings reduced golf activity but doesn’t close the course entirely. Weather-dependent play continues through the winter months for hardy members who enjoy the solitude and different perspective on familiar holes. Temporary greens may be used to protect permanent surfaces during the coldest periods.
The maintenance team’s work continues year-round to prepare for and sustain quality playing conditions throughout the seasons. Mowing heights are adjusted seasonally to match grass growth rates and optimal playing conditions. Greens receive regular topdressing and aerification treatments that keep them healthy and true-rolling, with these maintenance activities scheduled to minimize disruption to member play.
Fairway and rough maintenance balances aesthetics, playability, and turf health. The contrast between closely mown fairways and thicker rough creates visual definition while rewarding accurate shots. Rough heights vary by season and are adjusted based on growing conditions and championship schedules.
Bunker maintenance ensures consistent sand conditions throughout the course. The maintenance team rakes bunkers daily and replenishes sand as needed to maintain appropriate depth and playability. Drainage systems prevent washouts during heavy rains, a consideration in the mountain environment where weather can be intense.
Water management presents unique challenges in mountain golf, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or drought. The irrigation system delivers precise amounts of water to maintain optimal turf conditions without overwatering, which can soften the course and slow play. Drainage infrastructure moves excess water off the course quickly, allowing play to resume sooner after rain events.
Environmental stewardship guides maintenance practices, recognizing Burlingame’s location in an ecologically sensitive mountain environment. The grounds team uses integrated pest management approaches that minimize chemical applications while maintaining quality playing conditions. Native area management preserves natural habitats while framing holes attractively and defining out-of-bounds areas.
Integrating Golf with Club Life
Golf connects seamlessly with Burlingame’s broader amenities and social calendar. The dining options provide natural gathering places before and after rounds, where players can grab a quick lunch at the turn or settle in for a longer meal while recapping the day’s highlights. The Outdoor Dining Deck offers panoramic views, making it an ideal spot to watch groups finish their rounds while enjoying food and beverages.
The 19th hole tradition thrives at Burlingame, with the bar area serving as a social hub where players gather to share stories, arrange future games, and build friendships that extend beyond the golf course. These informal gatherings strengthen the community bonds that make club membership valuable beyond the golf itself.
Wellness facilities support golf fitness and recovery. The Rejuvenate Spa, Wellness, and Fitness complex offers programs specifically designed to improve golf performance, from flexibility training that enhances turn and prevents injury to strength work that builds power and endurance. Therapeutic massage helps relieve the muscle tension that develops during golf seasons, particularly for players who walk the course regularly.
Family members who don’t golf can enjoy tennis, pickleball, and croquet while golfers are on the course, or everyone can participate in fishing and hiking on the property. This diversity of activities means the entire family can be active and engaged simultaneously, even with different interests and skill levels.
Golf tournaments often include social elements beyond the competition itself, with dinners, cocktail receptions, and awards ceremonies that bring the community together. These events blend competition with celebration, recognizing achievement while maintaining the friendly atmosphere that defines Burlingame’s culture.
Member Testimonials and Experiences
Members consistently highlight the golf experience as a key factor in their decision to join Burlingame. As shared on the testimonials page, members describe exceeded expectations across all club offerings, including the golf program.
The Wednesday mixed golf events earn particular praise for their combination of competition and social interaction. These weekly gatherings have become touchstones in members’ routines, offering midweek breaks and regular opportunities to enjoy the course with different playing partners.
Men’s golf provides regular competitive outlets, with monthly tournaments and ongoing league play that builds season-long storylines and rivalries. The structured calendar gives serious golfers plenty of opportunities to test their games while maintaining the friendly spirit that makes competition fun rather than stressful.
The golf professional staff receives consistent recognition for their knowledge, professionalism, and genuine interest in helping members improve and enjoy the game. Whether fitting clubs, providing playing tips, or organizing events, the staff’s attention to detail and commitment to service enhances the overall golf experience.
The course condition earns praise even during shoulder seasons when mountain weather can be challenging. The maintenance team’s dedication shows in details that distinguish well-maintained courses from exceptional ones: consistent green speeds, clean bunker sand, defined fairway lines, and overall presentation that respects both the game and the natural setting.
Golf Real Estate and Mountain Living
For prospective members exploring Lake Toxaway houses for sale or properties near Cashiers, golf access often factors prominently in real estate decisions. Living minutes from a championship course adds significant lifestyle value, enabling spontaneous rounds and making it easy to maintain consistent play.
Mountain properties near quality golf courses appreciate well over time, particularly in established communities like Burlingame that balance exclusivity with community warmth. The combination of natural beauty, recreational amenities, and well-maintained facilities creates enduring value that extends beyond real estate cycles.
Golf course views enhance property appeal and value, with homes overlooking fairways and greens commanding premium prices. These properties offer daily reminders of the lifestyle that drew residents to the mountains while providing built-in entertainment watching groups play past.
Access to the golf course from residential areas within the community makes walking to the first tee or pro shop practical, increasing golf participation and strengthening connections between golf and daily life. This convenience transforms golf from an occasional activity into a natural part of the rhythm of mountain living.
The Heritage of Mountain Golf
Golf has deep roots in Western North Carolina’s mountain communities, dating back over a century. The region’s moderate summer climate, natural beauty, and elevation attracted early golf course development, establishing a tradition of mountain golf that continues today.
Burlingame’s history traces back to the Sapphire Lakes community developed in the 1970s on land with connections to the historic Toxaway Inn and the Lake Toxaway area’s resort heritage. The golf course, begun in 1983 with the first nine holes, represented a centerpiece amenity designed to attract members seeking a complete mountain lifestyle.
The second nine holes, completed in 1985, established the 18-hole championship layout that members enjoy today. Subsequent renovations and improvements have enhanced the course while respecting the original design philosophy and natural setting.
The Burlingame name, adopted in 2005 and drawn from a nearby creek, reflects the community’s connection to local geography and history. Members embraced this name as representative of their relationship with the land and the stewardship values that guide community decisions.
Planning Your Golf Experience
Prospective members interested in experiencing Burlingame’s golf course can contact the membership director to schedule a personal tour. These visits typically include a course tour, either by cart or during a round as a guest, providing firsthand experience of the layout, conditions, and overall atmosphere.
Guest policies allow members to introduce friends and family to the course, sharing the experience and potentially identifying future members who share the values and interests that define the Burlingame community. Guest rounds provide opportunities to test the course before making membership commitments.
Trial memberships or introductory programs may be available seasonally, offering pathways for interested golfers to experience club membership without immediate long-term commitments. These programs let prospects integrate into the community gradually while determining if Burlingame’s offerings align with their needs and expectations.
Understanding membership categories helps in selecting the option that best fits your golfing patterns and budget. Full golf memberships provide unlimited access to the course and priority in tournament play, while other categories may offer different access levels suited to occasional players or those primarily interested in other club amenities.
Golf as Connection to Nature and Community
Golf at Burlingame transcends the game itself, serving as a vehicle for connection to both the natural environment and the community of fellow members. Each round offers time in nature, surrounded by mountain vistas and the sounds of the forest, providing a respite from the pace and pressures of daily life.
The game itself, with its demands for focus and presence, creates a form of active meditation. Players must attend to each shot individually, letting go of previous holes and not worrying about holes to come. This enforced presence in the moment offers psychological benefits beyond the physical exercise and fresh air.
Playing partners share the experience, creating bonds through both successes and struggles on the course. Golf’s unique structure, where players compete against the course and the scorecard rather than directly against opponents, allows for genuine encouragement and support even within competitive contexts.
The traditions and etiquette of golf reinforce values of honesty, respect, and self-reliance. Players call penalties on themselves, repair their ball marks and divots, and maintain a pace that respects others on the course. These practices, when carried beyond the golf course, contribute to the overall culture of respect and consideration that defines Burlingame’s community.
Multigenerational play brings families together on common ground where the handicap system allows truly fair competition between grandparents, parents, and juniors. These shared rounds create lasting memories and transmit both golf skills and broader values across generations.
The Best of Times in Mountain Golf
“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.” This Bobby Jones quote, featured on Burlingame’s golf page, captures both the challenge and the appeal of the game as experienced on the mountain course.
Every round presents new challenges and opportunities. The same course plays differently depending on weather, pin positions, personal form, and the inherent variability that makes golf endlessly fascinating. No round is identical to any previous round, ensuring that even familiar holes maintain their capacity to surprise and delight.
The phrase “The Best of Times,” Burlingame’s tagline, resonates particularly in the golf context. Whether celebrating a personal best score, enjoying a beautiful day on the mountain, sharing a round with friends, or simply appreciating the privilege of playing such a special course in such a spectacular setting, golf at Burlingame creates moments that members treasure.
Those moments—when the ball finds the cup from an unlikely position, when the group ahead invites you to play through and you make a birdie on the next hole, when the sunset paints the mountains in colors you’ve never seen before—these are the times that justify the commitment to the game and to club membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Burlingame’s golf course unique compared to other mountain courses?
Tom Jackson’s design takes full advantage of natural mountain terrain, including the Horsepasture River, old growth forests, and elevations between 3,000-3,500 feet. The course balances challenging championship play from the back tees with accessibility from forward tees, while the thin mountain air adds approximately 10% distance to shots. The combination of natural beauty, strategic design, and consistently excellent maintenance creates a distinctive mountain golf experience.
How do I reserve tee times at Burlingame Country Club?
Members can reserve tee times through multiple convenient methods: by phone to the pro shop, online through the member portal, or in person. The booking window typically opens several days in advance, with weekend and holiday times requiring more advance planning during peak season. The professional staff can also help facilitate matching single players with groups and accommodate various group sizes.
What instruction programs are available for improving my golf game?
Burlingame offers comprehensive instruction led by Director of Golf John, who brings extensive playing and teaching experience including five MCPGA Player of the Year honors. Programs include private lessons for all skill levels, junior golf programs, group clinics addressing specific challenges, and playing lessons that take instruction directly onto the course. The combination of professional expertise and practice facilities provides complete support for golf improvement.
When is the best time of year to play golf at Burlingame?
The course is playable from spring through fall, with each season offering distinct character. Summer provides peak conditions and comfortable temperatures moderated by elevation, though afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Fall showcases spectacular mountain foliage and firmer playing conditions. Spring features the course awakening from winter. Weather-dependent winter play continues for members who enjoy off-season golf. The maintenance team works year-round to ensure quality conditions throughout the playing seasons.
Are there competitive golf opportunities for members?
Yes, Burlingame maintains an active tournament calendar including men’s golf competitions, Wednesday mixed golf events, member-guest tournaments, club championships, and interclub matches against other regional clubs. The schedule offers regular competitive opportunities while the GHIN handicap system ensures fair competition across skill levels. Formats vary from stroke play to match play to team events, keeping competition fresh and allowing different players to excel.