Where Mountain Living Meets Complete Amenities
Burlingame Country Club sits at 3,000 feet in Western North Carolina’s Sapphire Valley, where the Blue Ridge Mountains create a backdrop for daily life that never gets old. The community purposefully built itself in a mountain forest for family and friends, creating an amenity collection that works for everyone while celebrating the beauty of nature and maintaining respect for the land.
The club’s tagline, “The Best of Times,” captures what members consistently describe in their experiences here. It’s not marketing speak. It reflects the golden, sparkling moments that happen when comprehensive facilities meet genuine community warmth in a setting where nature itself seems to breathe alongside you.
The Membership Philosophy
Everything you want in a club. Nothing you don’t. That philosophy shapes how Burlingame approaches membership. The 600+ members share a passion for mountain living and outdoor adventure, but they also value authenticity over pretension and connection over status.
Jennifer Webb serves as Membership Director, bringing extensive club and hospitality industry experience to her role. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, she worked at South Carolina Yacht Club in Hilton Head, spent five years as Executive Pastry Chef for Westin Hotels and Resorts, followed by five years with Marriott Hotels and Resorts. She worked on task force teams helping new construction resorts with training and event planning before spending eight years in Brevard and then discovering Burlingame in early spring 2016.
The membership process starts with a personal conversation rather than a transaction. Jennifer can be reached at (828) 966-9200 to discuss membership options, schedule tours, and answer questions about what life at Burlingame actually looks like beyond the website descriptions.
Member testimonials reveal what matters to people who choose Burlingame. Sara G and Jeffery L describe themselves as “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 mention their regular seat at the bar for Friday night dinners and the Wednesday buffet culinary delights, noting they “never had a meal we did not enjoy.”
Danny and Kim B, as newcomers to Western North Carolina, specifically appreciated how “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.” That integration process matters when you’re trying to figure out which hiking trails lead to the best waterfalls or which golf holes play longer than the yardage suggests.
Golf Excellence in Mountain Terrain
The 18-hole championship golf course defines much of Burlingame’s identity. Tom Jackson’s creative vision plays out masterfully in collaboration with the natural terrain of mountains, vistas, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. At elevations ranging between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, the course continues to mesmerize members and guests alike.
The elevation change affects play significantly. You’ll learn which holes play downhill and where the ball flies farther in thin mountain air. The routing moves through different forest types, from hardwood groves to pine stands to open areas where elevation and mountain vistas dominate. No two holes feel similar, and members discover new details even after years of regular play.
John serves as Director of Golf, bringing credentials that few club professionals can match. Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina, he won over 25 tournaments as a junior golfer, including three High School State Championships, an AJGA Major, and the North and South Junior on Pinehurst #2 over Hunter Mahan, who was the number one-ranked junior in the country at the time. These victories led him to be the number one-ranked junior in North Carolina for three years and eighth in the world by Golfweek Magazine.
Bobby Jones once said, “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 resonates at Burlingame, where the mountain terrain creates situations that test both technical skill and mental approach.
Lawn Sports That Bring Competition and Community
Burlingame’s lawn sports facilities rival those in major metropolitan areas. The four Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and regulation croquet lawn create options for members across different interests and competitive levels.
Tom Tyler serves as Lawn Sports Professional, bringing expertise across tennis, pickleball, and croquet. A Florida native and highly-ranked junior tennis player, he found his passion for teaching while playing tennis and majoring in Finance at Florida State University. His certifications include High-Performance Coaching, Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), Personal Trainer (NASM), Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR).
Tennis Program
The four Har-Tru tennis courts provide consistent playing surfaces that are easier on joints than hard courts. Billie Jean King described tennis as “a perfect combination of violent action taking place in an atmosphere of total tranquility,” and Burlingame’s mountain setting amplifies that tranquility element.
The tennis program includes lessons for all skill levels, tournaments, and interclub play. Members enjoy professional yet personalized instruction that addresses individual weaknesses and builds on existing strengths. The competitive season brings matches against other clubs in the region, and Burlingame’s teams consistently perform well.
Pickleball Growth
Burlingame announced pickleball in the 2021 season, adding four courts to accommodate what’s become America’s fastest-growing sport. The facilities handle all the “racquet” members can generate, with lessons, tournaments, and interclub play forming integral parts of the program.
Members of all ages enjoy professional yet personalized lessons with Tom Tyler. The sport’s accessibility means families can play together, and the learning curve isn’t steep enough to discourage beginners. The Lawn Sports Professional offers instruction that helps beginners learn fundamentals and advanced players refine strategy.
Croquet Excellence
The regulation croquet lawn meets United States Croquet Association standards, placing Burlingame among a select group of clubs offering serious croquet. The meticulously manicured surface allows for precise shot-making, and the mountain backdrop creates a setting that players describe as incomparable.
Members bring their best game to this regulation-size croquet lawn with the perfect setting of majestic mountains. Interclub play, lessons, tournaments, and casual matches all happen on this dedicated facility. Community Finder has recognized the Burlingame Country Club among the top master-planned communities with USCA regulation croquet lawns.
Dining That Defines Club Life
Club life revolves around food and beverage. From a quick lunch at the turn to a multi-course dinner for the wine society, Burlingame’s kitchen runs as a non-stop engine of precision, production, and YUMMY perfection.
Chef Gerry Fong leads the culinary program, bringing impressive credentials from the Culinary Institute of America and professional experience, including a Ritz Carlton in California, a restaurant in Pinehurst, NC, a waterfront business on the North Carolina coast, and, most recently, as Executive Chef for the Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University. His work has earned recognition, including NC Competition Dining, Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and Top 100 Chefs in NC.
Chef Fong builds strong connections with farmers and local purveyors to ensure seasonal products arrive at their best. His emphasis on local and sustainable products brings the true farm-to-table experience to Burlingame’s dining venues.
The Six Dining Venues
The Overlook Lounge, Burlingame’s newest addition, provides a spot to grab a quick bite or meet friends for social time. Panoramic views of majestic mountains and the stunning golf course create the backdrop as you pull up a chair with a local craft brew or refreshment of your choice.
The main dining room serves lunch and dinner against a backdrop of distant vistas and delightful views. This majestic dining location handles everything from casual lunches to elegant dinners.
The Presidents’ Room, honoring current and past presidents of the club, provides the perfect setting for intimate gatherings of 8 to 14 people. Whether hosting a board retreat, luncheon, reception, or private dinner, the room exudes warm elegance with dramatic mountain views.
The Outdoor Dining Deck ranks as one of the most popular dining venues. Coming in after a round of golf, joining after a tennis match, or just meeting friends, it’s a welcome location to relax, enjoy superb cuisine, a cold local draft, and friendship.
Wellness in the Wilderness
Enveloped by the Burlingame club, surrounded by the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Rejuvenate Spa/Wellness/Fitness complex offers a state-of-the-art retreat for body and spirit. After a challenging day on the course or trails, the facilities welcome members to dive into relaxation and become part of the family.
Wellness here isn’t just about fitness. It’s about finding balance in a setting where nature itself seems to breathe alongside you. The comprehensive facility rivals any club in the mountains of Western North Carolina, offering a stunning, state-of-the-art complex that addresses multiple aspects of member health and well-being.
Fitness Programs
The fitness center features exercise equipment, free weights, and spaces for various classes. Private fitness sessions address individual needs and limitations. Clients range from well-toned athletes to individuals living with challenges and chronic diseases, and the staff tailors programs accordingly.
Private coaching provides intensive support for members needing specific guidance on golf and tennis stretching, strength training programs, or private yoga coaching. The staff creates customized approaches based on individual goals and limitations.
Spa Services
The spa offers personalized services, including private coaching, classes, therapeutic massages, and Bellanina Facelift Facial massages. Therapeutic massage comes from distinctly different therapists, allowing members to find practitioners whose styles match their needs.
Clients speak highly of the service providers and staff. Available year-round, the team helps many members get back in the swing of life, regardless of their challenges. The combination of massage, fitness, and wellness programming creates a comprehensive approach to health that goes beyond what most country clubs provide.
Pool Complex
The pool complex serves multiple purposes throughout the year. During warm months, it functions as a social hub where families gather. The facility also supports the aqua fitness program year-round, with non-impact high-interval training classes that provide serious workouts without joint stress.
After challenging days on the course or trails, the pool welcomes members to dive into relaxation. The mountain setting visible from the pool area reminds members they’re not at a typical suburban country club.
Beyond Traditional Club Amenities
Country. Club. Burlingame does both well. Beyond the expected country club amenities, the property includes features that take advantage of the mountain location and extensive acreage.
Fishing and Natural Waters
From the flicker of a rainbow breaking the water’s surface during a morning of fly fishing to stocked ponds that provide another fishing option, particularly for families introducing children to the sport, the water features serve recreational purposes. The Horsepasture River flows through the property, and members can fly fish without leaving the community.
Hiking Trail Network
Miles of hiking trails beckon explorers to discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints that remind members why they chose these mountains as home. The trail system connects throughout the 1,450-acre property and links to broader regional trail networks.
The Friends of Burlingame Hiking Trails maintains routes, marks paths, and organizes group hikes. These volunteer efforts ensure trails remain accessible and safe throughout the seasons.
Dog Park
The dog park recognizes that many members consider pets as family. Providing dedicated space for dogs to run and socialize demonstrates the community’s practical approach to amenities that support actual lifestyle rather than just impressive lists.
Community Events and Social Calendar
The social calendar balances structured events with opportunities for spontaneous gatherings. Opening weekend each season carries special significance, marking the return of second-home owners and the beginning of the active season. Members describe it as feeling like a family reunion where everyone actually likes each other.
Wednesday mixed golf events bring members together regardless of skill level. The format encourages social interaction while maintaining competitive elements. Post-round gatherings extend the day’s connection at dining venues throughout the clubhouse.
Seasonal celebrations mark key points in the calendar. Spring opening brings relief after winter’s closure. Summer peak season includes Fourth of July festivities. Fall color tours sometimes include organized hikes to the best viewing spots. Holiday celebrations in December bring members together before the winter quiet settles in.
The Management Team
John Gerdts serves as General Manager/COO, bringing over 35 years in the hospitality industry. His career spans managing 5-star resorts, overseeing large fitness complexes, managing for Wolfgang Puck, owning his own restaurant, and serving as General Manager/COO of prestigious country clubs for the past 18 years.
John’s approach is defined by a commitment to exceptional service and fostering strong relationships with both staff and members, always with a focus on creating an enjoyable and vibrant environment. He’s proudly married to Julie for over 30 years, and they share two wonderful children, Alexis and Dalton.
The staff-to-member ratio and service philosophy emphasize responsiveness and personal attention. Members consistently mention in testimonials how staff members remember preferences, anticipate needs, and solve problems before they become issues.
The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association
The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association (BPOA) serves the 600+ members by maintaining roads, parks, trails, and landscaping of common areas. The BPOA also provides architectural guidance, security, member services, and supports organizations, including the Friends of Miller Park and Friends of Burlingame Hiking Trails.
In 2019, the BPOA opened its renovated office facility located on Upper Whitewater Road near the main entrance. This central location makes it convenient for members to address questions or concerns about property matters.
The transition to member ownership, completed by the Annual Meeting in 2010, changed the community’s character. Member ownership creates a shared sense of stewardship that shapes decisions about everything from trail maintenance to clubhouse renovations.
Location and Regional Context
Burlingame’s location in Sapphire Valley, just minutes from Cashiers and Lake Toxaway, makes it attractive for both permanent residence and vacation retreats. The community sits at approximately 3,000 feet in elevation in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Cashiers, located just minutes from Burlingame, provides essential services including grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and retail shops. Highlands, about 12 miles away, offers additional dining, shopping, and cultural opportunities.
The address at 746 Club Drive, Sapphire, NC 28774, places you in the heart of mountain living while maintaining reasonable access to metropolitan areas. The elevation keeps summer temperatures comfortable. When it’s 95 degrees in Greenville or Atlanta, Burlingame typically sits in the low 80s with afternoon thunderstorms that cool things off.
The Lifestyle Integration
What sets Burlingame apart isn’t any single amenity. It’s how the pieces fit together to support a lifestyle that values nature connection, genuine community, and comprehensive facilities that work across generations.
The 18-hole Tom Jackson-designed golf course provides the centerpiece, but members might spend mornings on the tennis courts, afternoons hiking to waterfalls, and evenings at wine society dinners. The flexibility to move between activities without leaving the property creates a rhythm to days that feels natural rather than scheduled.
Kelly and Doug R mention how “the members of Burlingame have been the friendliest and nicest people who welcomed us with open arms.” That consistent theme of warm welcome suggests something cultural rather than coincidental.
Your Private Adventure Starts Here
Purposefully built in a mountain forest for family and friends, Burlingame presents an amenity offering with something for everyone. All celebrate and pay homage to the beauty of nature, a respect for the land, and a strong sense of stewardship for future generations.
The invitation to contact Burlingame starts the conversation about membership and becoming part of this mountain community. Jennifer Webb, Membership Director, can be reached at (828) 966-9200 to discuss options, schedule personal tours, and answer questions about what life at Burlingame actually looks like.
Your private adventure starts here in the heart of Sapphire Valley, just minutes from Cashiers. The invitation to discover the magic of Burlingame Country Club includes the promise that every day brings new opportunities for joy, challenge, and connection. Members call Burlingame “The Best of Times” not as marketing language but as a description of golden, sparkling moments that challenge us, spoil us, and bind us together.
Schedule your personal tour and experience firsthand why members chose this mountain community. From the Tom Jackson championship golf course to six dining venues, from comprehensive wellness facilities to miles of hiking trails, from competitive lawn sports to fly fishing on the Horsepasture River, Burlingame delivers comprehensive amenities in a setting where nature connection and genuine community create “The Best of Times.”