TL;DR: Highlands NC golf packages combine world-class courses at 4,000+ feet elevation with luxury resorts, boutique inns, and vacation rentals across Sapphire Valley and Cashiers. Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season, or save money during shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) when courses are less crowded and rates drop significantly.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Top Golf Clubs Near Highlands NC With Stay-and-Play Options
- How Does a Stay and Play Golf Package Actually Work
- What Makes Highlands NC Golf Special
- What Types of Golf Accommodations Are Available in Highlands
- Where Should You Stay Based on Which Courses You Want to Play
- Where Can You Find the Best Golf Package Deals
- How Should You Plan Your Highlands Golf Trip by Season
- Quick Recap
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Top Golf Clubs Near Highlands NC With Stay-and-Play Options
Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire Valley is your premier option for combined mountain golf and membership experiences, with access to public courses like The Links at Highlands Ranch and private club privileges. The Highlands-Cashiers area offers a network of distinguished courses where resorts, inns, and golf communities provide bundled accommodations with tee times. These packages typically pair your room with reserved course access, creating a seamless golf getaway where everything coordinates through a single booking.
The region features multiple course options within short drives of each other, allowing golfers to experience different layouts and challenges during a single trip. Walk-up golf options exist for those without advance reservations, and comprehensive Highlands golf guides help match your preferences with available courses and accommodations.
How Does a Stay and Play Golf Package Actually Work
A stay and play package bundles your lodging with guaranteed golf course access, usually including greens fees and sometimes cart fees in one price. You book your accommodation (resort, inn, or vacation rental) alongside reserved tee times at specified courses, coordinating dates and number of rounds when you reserve. Most packages arrive with a detailed itinerary showing your tee times, course directions, and any included amenities like breakfast, range balls, or pro shop credits.
Payment happens upfront when you book, locking in your rates and course access. You arrive ready to play with no additional reservations needed at the courses. Many packages include extras like transportation between your lodging and the course, meals at the club, or access to practice facilities. This simplicity removes the stress of coordinating multiple bookings while often saving money compared to booking lodging and golf separately.
What Makes Highlands NC Golf Special
Highlands NC sits on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau at over 4,000 feet elevation, creating cool summer temperatures and spectacular mountain views that transform your game into something truly special. The region’s unique microclimate produces perfect golfing conditions when many southern courses are sweltering in summer heat, with manicured fairways winding through mountain terrain for challenging yet enjoyable play at all skill levels.
Beyond the greens, charming mountain towns provide the perfect backdrop with unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The combination of world-class golf surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountain beauty, the intimate community atmosphere, and outdoor recreation opportunities creates a golf destination focused on family memories and environmental stewardship rather than flashy luxury.
What Types of Golf Accommodations Are Available in Highlands
| Accommodation Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resort Packages | Ultimate golf experience seekers | Premium accommodations with spa services, fine dining, complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails, often exclusive access to member-only courses |
| Boutique Inn & Golf Combinations | Intimate experience lovers | Charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts in historic districts, personalized service, easy access to local restaurants and shops |
| Vacation Rental Golf Packages | Golfing groups and families | Space and flexibility, guest privileges at private courses, works well for longer stays or larger groups |
Luxury resort packages combine world-class accommodations with access to exclusive courses, featuring amenities like spa services, fine dining, and often complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails. Many include special access to member-only courses unavailable to the general public.
Boutique inns and bed-and-breakfasts create custom packages with personalized service and a more intimate experience. Most are located in historic districts, giving you easy access to local restaurants and shops after your round.
Vacation home rentals offer space and flexibility for golfing groups or families, with many properties in golf communities including guest privileges at their private courses. This option works well for longer stays or larger groups sharing accommodations while enjoying multiple rounds at different courses.
Where Should You Stay Based on Which Courses You Want to Play
Central Highlands Location: Staying in downtown Highlands puts you within a short drive of several excellent courses while offering the full mountain town experience. From this location, you have access to dining and shopping options for your evening activities, with the Highlands Country Club and Cullasaja Club just minutes away. This works well for golfers wanting to balance time on and off the course.
Sapphire Valley Vicinity: Accommodations near Sapphire put you close to Burlingame Country Club and other premium golfing experiences in a quieter setting with stunning mountain views. This area offers convenient access to courses known for challenging layouts and impeccable conditions, with serene surroundings providing a peaceful retreat after a day of golf.
Cashiers Area Options: Staying near Cashiers gives you proximity to courses like Wade Hampton Golf Club and Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, with a unique mountain experience and its own charm. Properties here tend to be more spread out, offering privacy and natural beauty with convenience to several distinguished courses.
Where Can You Find the Best Golf Package Deals
Off-Season Advantages: Significant savings appear when booking during shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall). Not only do rates drop, but courses are typically less crowded, allowing for more relaxed play and often better tee time availability. The weather during these periods remains excellent for golf with comfortable temperatures and stunning seasonal colors.
Multi-Round Discounts: Many Highlands area courses offer substantial discounts when you book multiple rounds. Some packages include unlimited golf options that dramatically reduce your per-round cost. If you plan extensive play during your stay, these packages offer exceptional value and let you really get to know a course over several rounds.
Package Inclusions Worth Considering: When comparing golf packages, look beyond basic greens fees. The best values include extras like cart fees, range balls, or meals. Some packages offer merchandise credits at pro shops or lesson discounts. These additional benefits significantly enhance your package value and overall experience.
How Should You Plan Your Highlands Golf Trip by Season
Seasonal Considerations: While summer offers ideal golfing weather with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s, each season in Highlands has unique appeal. Spring brings blooming mountain laurel and rhododendrons lining fairways. Fall offers spectacular foliage transforming the golf experience with vibrant colors. Early summer and late fall can offer excellent playing conditions with fewer crowds.
Booking Timeline Recommendations: The most sought-after Highlands NC golf packages often book out months in advance, especially for premium courses and accommodations during peak season. Secure your package 4-6 months ahead for summer stays, and 2-3 months ahead for shoulder seasons. Many properties offer early booking discounts providing additional value for planning ahead.
Quick Recap
- Highlands NC sits at 4,000+ feet elevation, offering cool temperatures and perfect golfing weather when southern courses are too hot
- Choose between luxury resorts, boutique inns, or vacation rentals depending on your group size and desired experience
- Stay in central Highlands for town access, Sapphire Valley for privacy near Burlingame, or Cashiers for Wade Hampton access
- Book 4-6 months ahead for peak season or 2-3 months for shoulder seasons to secure best packages and accommodations
- Save money by golfing during late spring or early fall when rates drop and courses are less crowded
- Multi-round packages and package inclusions beyond greens fees (cart fees, meals, range balls) offer the best overall value
- Combine your golf with mountain town shopping, dining, and family experiences for a complete retreat
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-play golf courses around Highlands NC?
Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire Valley, the Highlands Country Club, Cullasaja Club, Wade Hampton Golf Club, and Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club are among the most distinguished courses in the region. The Links at Highlands Ranch offers excellent public access options, and many clubs partner with stay-and-play packages.
When is the best time to book a Highlands golf package?
Book 4-6 months in advance for summer stays and 2-3 months ahead for shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall). Early booking often qualifies you for discount rates. Shoulder seasons offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and excellent weather.
Do I need to be a club member to book a Highlands golf package?
No. Many packages combine public course access with accommodations, and several resorts and inns have partnerships with private courses that extend guest privileges. Check with individual properties about their membership requirements and access levels.
What’s included in a typical Highlands NC golf package?
Most packages include lodging, reserved greens fees, and sometimes cart fees. Many add extras like complimentary breakfast, range balls, merchandise credits at pro shops, lessons, or meals at the club. Always confirm exact inclusions when booking.
Is Highlands NC good for families with mixed golf abilities?
Yes. Courses range from challenging championship layouts to more forgiving designs, and the region offers abundant non-golf activities like hiking, shopping, and dining. Many families book longer stays to balance golf rounds with outdoor recreation and mountain town exploration.
What makes Highlands golf different from other mountain courses?
The 4,000+ foot elevation creates perfect summer golfing temperatures and stunning mountain views while most southern courses are sweltering. The region’s microclimate, manicured fairways through mountain terrain, and combination of world-class golf with intimate community atmosphere sets Highlands apart.
Can I do a walk-up golf day without advance reservations in Highlands?
Yes, walk-up golf options exist for players without advance reservations, though availability varies by season and course. This works best during shoulder seasons when courses are less booked.
Ready to plan your mountain golf escape where family traditions meet championship courses? Your perfect Highlands golf getaway combines challenging play, beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and genuine value. Whether you’re drawn to private club exclusivity or the variety of multiple courses, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau has the perfect experience waiting.
At Burlingame Country Club, we understand what makes a memorable mountain golf experience for families and retirees seeking meaningful time together in nature’s embrace. Our team brings insider knowledge of the best courses, accommodations, and seasonal values to create your custom mountain golf retreat.
Please Contact Jennifer Webb – Membership Director for more information. Please use the form below or call 828.966.9200