Where the Game Meets the Mountains
“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.” The wisdom of Bobby Jones echoes across our fairways as the morning mist rises from the valleys below. Here, just a short drive from Highlands, NC, Burlingame Country Club has crafted a golfing experience that honors both the game’s timeless traditions and the breathtaking natural canvas upon which we play.
Nature’s Challenge, Architect’s Vision
A lot of clubs around here have bulldozed the mountains to make nice, easy courses. Not here. To which we can only add: Bwahaha. 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. At elevations ranging between 3,000 to 3,500 feet, our 18-hole championship golf course continues to mesmerize members and guests alike, offering one of the most inspiring challenges you’ll find near Highlands, NC.
Elevation and Inspiration
Each hole tells its own story as you navigate the diverse landscape. One moment you’re driving across a valley with mountains framing your shot; the next, you’re navigating around pristine water features that reflect the surrounding forest. The changing elevations don’t just test your club selection – they reward you with new perspectives of the Blue Ridge Mountains with every step. As seasons shift from the vibrant greens of summer to the fiery palette of autumn, the course reveals new personalities that keep the game fresh and exhilarating year-round.
Beyond the Scorecard
Club life revolves around more than just pars and birdies. After challenging the course, our clubhouse welcomes you to relive your round over craft beverages and exceptional cuisine. Our golf shop offers everything from expert fitting services to the latest apparel, ensuring you’re equipped for your next mountain golf adventure. And for those looking to refine their game, our professional staff provides instruction tailored to help you master the unique challenges of mountain golf.
Four Seasons of Perfect Play
Unlike coastal courses that wilt in summer heat, our mountain elevation near Highlands provides the perfect climate for year-round golf. Spring brings cool mornings and comfortable afternoons as the course awakens with vibrant blooms. Summer offers pleasant temperatures that coastal golfers can only dream about. Fall transforms the surrounding forests into a kaleidoscope of colors that might distract even the most focused player. And our shoulder seasons offer peaceful rounds with pristine conditions and views that stretch for miles across the western North Carolina highlands.
A Community of Players
At Burlingame, golf isn’t just a game—it’s the centerpiece of a community that values both competition and camaraderie. From casual foursomes to member tournaments that become the stuff of legend, our course brings together individuals united by their passion for the game and appreciation for its natural setting. Here, lifelong friendships form on the fairways and strengthen over celebratory drinks on our outdoor dining deck, where every round—regardless of score—becomes part of our collective st
Your Mountain Golf Journey Awaits
Just minutes from Highlands, NC, Burlingame Country Club invites you to discover mountain golf as it was meant to be played—challenging, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. Contact us today to schedule your personal tour and experience firsthand why golfers from Highlands and beyond consider our course one of the crown jewels of Western North Carolina. Whether you’re seeking a new home course or planning a special mountain golf retreat near Highlands, we welcome your discovery of Burlingame—where every round feels like coming home to the game you love.
Opening weekend. It's like a family reunion except everybody likes each other.
A Course That Challenges and Delights
A lot of clubs around here have bulldozed the mountains to make nice, easy courses. Not here. To which we can only add: Bwahaha. Tom Jackson’s masterpiece plays out in harmonious collaboration with Burlingame’s natural terrain of mountains, vistas, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and old growth forests. Our 18-hole championship golf course continues to mesmerize members and guests alike, offering one of the most inspiring challenges you’ll ever discover in Sapphire Valley.
