Discover the exclusive golf membership options at Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire, NC. This comprehensive guide covers membership types, benefits, amenities, and the application process at this premier mountain golf destination.
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Luxury Golf Memberships at Burlingame Country Club: Your Complete Guide

Welcome to the definitive resource on golf memberships at Burlingame Country Club, nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Sapphire, North Carolina. At 3,000 feet elevation, Burlingame offers more than just championship golf—it provides an elevated way of life. Our Tom Jackson-designed course serves as the centerpiece of a community where genuine connections form and cherished memories are made. If you’re considering joining our family of over 600 members who call this mountain sanctuary home, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about our membership options, from types and benefits to the application process and beyond. Purposefully built in a mountain forest for family and friends, Burlingame is where you’ll experience “The Best of Times.”

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Golf Membership at Burlingame
• Membership Categories and Types
• Golf Course Access and Playing Privileges
• Membership Costs and Fee Structure
• Beyond Golf: Complete Club Amenities
• Member Events, Tournaments and Social Programs
• Dining Privileges and Social Venues
• Membership Application Process
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Membership vs. Daily Play
• Member Testimonials and Life at Burlingame
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Golf Membership at Burlingame Country Club

When you join Burlingame Country Club, you’re not just gaining access to an exceptional golf course—you’re becoming part of a warm, welcoming community with a distinctive mountain character. Established in 1980 and becoming member-owned in 2009, Burlingame spans 1,450 acres with the Horse Pasture River flowing through the property, creating a natural paradise for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

What sets Burlingame apart from other Western North Carolina country clubs is our commitment to creating an unpretentious atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Unlike clubs that focus exclusively on golf, Burlingame embraces a family-friendly philosophy that extends to all aspects of club life. As many members describe it, being at Burlingame feels like “a family reunion except everybody likes each other.”

Our championship 18-hole golf course, designed by renowned architect Tom Jackson, takes full advantage of the mountain terrain, offering challenging play and breathtaking views at every turn. The course wasn’t imposed upon the landscape but thoughtfully integrated within it—a philosophy that extends to every aspect of the Burlingame experience.

Golf membership at Burlingame isn’t just about having a place to play—it’s about belonging to a community where time slows down just enough to let you appreciate what truly matters: family, friends, and creating golden moments that sparkle in memory long after they’ve passed.

Membership Categories and Types

Burlingame Country Club offers several membership categories to accommodate various interests and lifestyles. Each tier provides different levels of access to the club’s facilities and services, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Legacy Membership

The Legacy Membership represents our most comprehensive offering. This exclusive membership is transferable within family lines, making it an investment that can be passed down through generations. Legacy members enjoy unlimited access to all club facilities, including the golf course, wellness center, dining venues, and social events. This membership includes priority tee times and reservation privileges across all club amenities.

Full Golf Membership

The Full Golf Membership provides complete access to the championship golf course and all related facilities, including the practice areas, locker rooms, and golf shop. Members in this category also enjoy full access to the club’s dining venues, wellness facilities, and social events. Full Golf memberships are perfect for avid golfers who want to make the most of Burlingame’s exceptional course throughout the golfing season.

Sports & Wellness Membership

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle beyond golf, our Sports & Wellness Membership provides access to the club’s tennis courts, pickleball facilities, croquet lawns, fitness center, swimming pool, and spa services. This membership includes limited golf privileges, making it ideal for occasional golfers who prioritize other wellness activities.

Social Membership

The Social Membership is perfect for those who want to enjoy Burlingame’s dining venues, social events, and community atmosphere without sports amenities. Social members can participate in club events, access dining facilities, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes Burlingame special. This option provides a wonderful way to be part of the community with a focus on social connections.

Each membership category can be structured for individuals, couples, or families, ensuring that the benefits extend to your loved ones. Corporate membership packages are also available for businesses looking to provide exceptional experiences for clients, employees, or executives.

Golf Course Access and Playing Privileges

One of the primary benefits of golf membership at Burlingame is privileged access to our Tom Jackson-designed championship course. Understanding how this access works will help you make the most of your membership experience.

Tee Time Reservations

Golf members enjoy a streamlined reservation system that makes securing your preferred tee time simple and convenient. Members can book tee times up to two weeks in advance, with Legacy Members receiving priority booking windows. Reservations can be made through the member portal on our website, via the club’s mobile app, or by calling the golf shop directly.

Unlimited Play Benefits

Unlike many clubs that restrict play during peak times, golf members at Burlingame enjoy unlimited access to the course throughout the golfing season, which typically runs from April through November, weather permitting. During the shoulder seasons, the course availability depends on weather conditions, with the golf staff communicating updates regularly.

Guest Policies

Sharing the Burlingame experience with friends and family is an important part of membership. Golf members may bring guests to play the course, with reasonable guest fees applying. Each membership category has specific guest allowances:

– Legacy and Full Golf members may host up to three guests at a time, with monthly limits on repeat guests to maintain the member-focused atmosphere.

– Sports & Wellness members have more limited guest privileges for golf but can fully host guests for other club amenities.

– All members can have guests accompany them to dining venues without restriction.

Practice Facilities Access

Members have unlimited access to all practice facilities, including the driving range, putting green, and short game area. These areas are maintained to the same high standards as the course itself, providing the perfect environment to work on your game before heading out to play.

Golf Shop Services

The fully-stocked golf shop offers members preferential pricing on equipment, apparel, and accessories. Golf members also receive complimentary club storage and cleaning services, ensuring your equipment is always ready when you are.

Professional Instruction

Access to our PGA professionals for individual or group lessons is another valuable benefit of membership. From swing analysis to playing lessons on the course, our golf staff is committed to helping you improve your game and maximize your enjoyment.

Membership Costs and Fee Structure

Transparency in our membership fee structure is important to us at Burlingame Country Club. While specific rates may change annually, this section provides a general overview of the financial commitment associated with membership.

Initiation Fees

Joining Burlingame requires an initial investment in the form of an initiation fee. This one-time fee varies by membership category, with Legacy Memberships representing the highest investment due to their transferability within family lines. The initiation fee reflects the exclusive nature of club membership and contributes to ongoing capital improvements that enhance the member experience.

Monthly and Annual Dues

All memberships require regular dues that support the club’s operations and maintenance. These dues are structured on either a monthly or annual basis, depending on your preference. Annual payments typically include a small discount compared to the cumulative monthly amount. Dues vary by membership category, with Legacy and Full Golf memberships at the higher end of the spectrum and Social memberships at the lower end.

Additional Assessments

As a member-owned club, Burlingame operates with fiscal responsibility and careful planning. Occasionally, special assessments may be necessary for significant capital improvements or unexpected expenses. When these occur, they are communicated well in advance, with full transparency regarding the purpose and expected outcomes of the investment.

Food and Beverage Minimums

To support our dining operations, members are subject to quarterly food and beverage minimums. These minimums ensure the viability of our dining venues and generally align with typical member usage patterns. The spending requirement varies by membership category and can be satisfied through any purchases at our dining venues, including hosted events.

Payment Options

Burlingame offers flexible payment arrangements to accommodate member preferences. Options include automatic monthly drafts from checking accounts or credit cards, quarterly payments, or annual lump-sum payments. The membership director can provide detailed information about available payment methods and help determine which option best suits your situation.

For specific current rates and fee information, please contact our membership office directly at (828) 966-9200. Our team will be happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information and discuss options that align with your interests and budget.

Beyond Golf: Complete Club Amenities

While the championship golf course may be the centerpiece of Burlingame Country Club, our commitment to providing a comprehensive lifestyle experience extends well beyond the fairways. Golf membership includes access to all of the following amenities, creating endless opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation, and connection.

Wellness Facilities

Our recently updated fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio machines, strength training apparatus, and free weights. Members enjoy access to personal training services, group fitness classes, and wellness consultations. The center’s large windows offer inspiring views of the surrounding mountains, making your workout as visually rewarding as it is physically beneficial.

Adjacent to the fitness center, our spa offers a range of services from massage therapy to facial treatments, providing the perfect counterbalance to active pursuits. The swimming pool complex includes both lap swimming areas and relaxation zones, ideal for both exercise and leisure during the warmer months.

Racquet Sports

Tennis enthusiasts will appreciate our meticulously maintained courts, available for open play, lessons, or organized competitions. Our tennis program includes options for all skill levels, from beginners to accomplished players.

The addition of pickleball courts reflects our responsiveness to member interests, with this increasingly popular sport becoming a social hub for many members. Regular clinics, drop-in sessions, and tournaments create a vibrant racquet sports community within Burlingame.

Croquet

Our tournament-quality croquet lawn hosts both casual play and more competitive events. For many members, the weekly croquet gatherings have become a cherished ritual, combining gentle activity with social connection in a beautiful setting.

Dog Park

The three-acre fenced dog park along the Horse Pasture River has become one of our most popular amenities. As automotive executive Lee Iacocca once noted, “I have found that the best car salesmen are the ones with dogs.” At Burlingame, we might say the best communities are the ones with happy dogs and their owners gathering daily around 4pm, creating yet another opportunity for members to connect.

Fishing Access

With private access to exceptional trout waters and stocked fishing ponds, Burlingame offers both novice and experienced anglers the chance to enjoy this peaceful pursuit. Fishing equipment is available for member use, and occasional casting clinics provide instruction for those new to the sport.

Hiking Trails

The extensive network of hiking trails throughout our 1,450-acre property provides opportunities for both gentle strolls and more challenging hikes. Maintained by the Friends of Burlingame Hiking Trails, these paths wind through forests, along the river, and to scenic overlooks, offering yet another way to connect with the natural beauty of our mountain setting.

Each of these amenities contributes to the holistic experience that makes Burlingame special—a place where members can pursue diverse interests while enjoying the camaraderie of a close-knit community.

Member Events, Tournaments and Social Programs

The calendar at Burlingame Country Club pulses with engaging events throughout the year, creating countless opportunities for members to connect, compete, and celebrate together. These structured occasions form the heartbeat of our community, transforming a collection of individuals into a genuine family of friends.

Golf Tournaments and Events

Our signature golf events include the Member-Guest Tournament, Club Championship, and President’s Cup, each offering different formats and levels of competition. The Wednesday Mixed Golf gatherings have become particularly beloved, pairing fun competition with social connection.

For those seeking regular play with fellow members, our Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations organize weekly events with rotating formats that keep the experience fresh and engaging. These groups welcome players of all abilities, focusing on camaraderie as much as competition.

Special events like Nine & Dine evenings combine abbreviated golf with dinner afterward, perfect for busy schedules or those new to the game. Parent-Child tournaments celebrate family connections through golf, creating memories that span generations.

Seasonal Celebrations

Each season brings its own special celebrations at Burlingame. Summer features our spectacular Fourth of July festivities, including a community parade, field games, and evening fireworks over the mountains. Fall brings harvest celebrations with apple picking and cider pressing.

The holiday season transforms Burlingame into a mountain wonderland, with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Gala, and New Year’s Eve Celebration marking the calendar. Spring welcomes members back with the Opening Day Tournament and Spring Fashion Show, building anticipation for the season ahead.

Community Gatherings

Beyond organized events, Burlingame fosters community through regular gatherings that bring members together naturally. Friday evening cocktails on the Outdoor Dining Deck have become an unofficial institution, where members gather to unwind and connect at week’s end.

Book clubs, card groups, and special interest circles form organically, supported by club facilities but driven by member passion. The Burlingame Lecture Series brings in speakers on topics ranging from local history to current affairs, stimulating both mind and conversation.

Fitness and Wellness Programs

Group fitness classes, wellness workshops, and healthy cooking demonstrations populate the calendar year-round. Seasonal activities like guided hikes, fly fishing clinics, and tennis round robins provide structured opportunities to engage with these amenities.

The annual Wellness Challenge encourages members to explore different aspects of health and fitness, often discovering new interests in the process. Yoga on the lawn during summer mornings has become a particularly cherished tradition, combining physical practice with the spiritual lift of our mountain setting.

What distinguishes Burlingame’s event calendar is its balance—offering enough structure to create community while leaving space for spontaneous connection and personal choice. The program reflects our understanding that the most meaningful experiences often arise not from elaborate planning but from creating the right conditions for genuine interaction.

Dining Privileges and Social Venues

Culinary excellence and warm hospitality define the dining experience at Burlingame Country Club. Our multiple dining venues offer varied atmospheres and menus, ensuring that every meal becomes an occasion worth savoring. For many members, these spaces serve as extensions of their own homes—comfortable settings for both everyday enjoyment and special celebrations.

Elevation 3042

Our signature restaurant, named for our mountain elevation, offers sophisticated dining in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular mountain views, while the menu showcases seasonal ingredients, many sourced from local farms. The culinary team balances innovation with familiar comfort, creating dishes that surprise and satisfy in equal measure.

Members particularly praise our renowned fried chicken, often described as “the best in the mountains,” along with fresh seafood selections and inventive vegetable preparations that highlight the bounty of Western North Carolina.

The Overlook Room

With its dramatic vistas of the golf course and mountains beyond, The Overlook Room provides a slightly more casual dining experience without compromising on quality. The menu features elevated comfort classics and shareable plates, perfect for gathering with friends after a round of golf or day of activities.

The extensive wine list has earned recognition for its thoughtful curation, offering both familiar favorites and opportunities for discovery. Our sommeliers pride themselves on making fine wines approachable, often hosting tastings that educate while they entertain.

The President’s Room

For private dining and special occasions, The President’s Room offers an intimate setting with personalized service. This space accommodates groups from 10 to 20 guests, making it ideal for family celebrations, business gatherings, or special interest group meetings. The culinary team works closely with hosts to create custom menus for these events, ensuring memorable experiences for all involved.

Outdoor Dining Deck

Perhaps the most beloved dining space during warmer months, the Outdoor Dining Deck captures the essence of mountain living. Here, members gather for casual meals, sunset cocktails, and the popular Friday evening social hours that have become a cherished tradition.

The combination of fresh mountain air, stunning views, and thoughtfully prepared food creates a dining experience that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. Many members consider evenings on the deck to be the quintessential Burlingame experience—where conversations flow easily and connections deepen naturally.

Wednesday Culinary Buffets

Our Wednesday culinary buffets have developed a following of their own, with themed offerings that might range from Mediterranean feast to Southern comfort food. These events combine excellent food with the community atmosphere that defines Burlingame, as members move between tables greeting friends and making new acquaintances.

Special Dining Events

Throughout the year, special dining events punctuate the calendar. Wine dinners featuring visiting vintners, chef’s table experiences with behind-the-scenes insights, and holiday celebrations all add dimension to the dining program. Cooking classes and demonstrations allow members to take some of the Burlingame culinary magic home with them.

What truly distinguishes dining at Burlingame is the sense that you’re not just being served a meal—you’re being welcomed into an experience. Staff members know member preferences, remember important occasions, and create the kind of personalized hospitality that has become increasingly rare in today’s world.

Membership Application Process

Joining Burlingame Country Club involves a thoughtful process designed to ensure a good fit between prospective members and our community. While we take pride in our welcoming atmosphere, we also value the careful cultivation of a membership that shares our appreciation for the special character of Burlingame. Here’s what you can expect when applying for membership:

Initial Inquiry

The journey begins with an initial inquiry, typically through our website, by phone at (828) 966-9200, or through a referral from a current member. Our membership director will reach out to provide preliminary information about available membership categories, current fees, and the application process.

Club Visit and Tour

Prospective members are encouraged to visit the club for a comprehensive tour of our facilities. This visit provides an opportunity to experience Burlingame firsthand and develop a better understanding of what membership entails. During this visit, you’ll meet key staff members and possibly current members, giving you a sense of the community you’d be joining.

Formal Application

After your visit, if you wish to proceed, you’ll receive a formal membership application. This document asks for personal information, references, and your interest in specific aspects of club life. The application requires the endorsement of two current members who serve as sponsors, vouching for your character and fit with the Burlingame community.

If you don’t yet know members who can sponsor you, our membership director can facilitate introductions through informal events designed to connect prospective members with current ones. These connections often develop naturally during your initial visits to the club.

Membership Committee Review

Once your completed application is submitted with the required sponsorships, it is reviewed by the Membership Committee. This group of current members evaluates applications with an eye toward maintaining the special character of Burlingame while welcoming diverse new members who will contribute positively to the community.

The committee typically meets monthly, so the timing of your review will depend on when your completed application is received. The review process is thorough but conducted with respect for your privacy and time.

Board Approval

Following a positive recommendation from the Membership Committee, your application moves to the Board of Directors for final approval. Upon board approval, you’ll receive an official invitation to join Burlingame Country Club, along with the necessary documentation to finalize your membership.

Orientation and Integration

New members participate in an orientation program designed to facilitate a smooth integration into club life. This includes introductions to key staff members, information about club systems and protocols, and connections to member groups aligned with your interests.

The New Member Welcome Event, held quarterly, formally introduces you to the broader membership and helps establish connections that will enhance your Burlingame experience. Many of our most active members report that these early connections evolved into their closest friendships at the club.

Throughout this process, our membership director serves as your guide and advocate, answering questions and ensuring that your introduction to Burlingame is as warm and seamless as possible. We understand that joining a club is a significant decision, and we’re committed to making the process thoughtful, transparent, and welcoming.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Membership vs. Daily Play

For serious golfers considering membership at Burlingame Country Club, understanding the financial aspects of this decision extends beyond simply comparing the cost of membership to daily green fees. A thoughtful analysis considers both tangible and intangible benefits, immediate costs and long-term value. This section provides a framework for evaluating the investment in Burlingame membership.

Quantitative Considerations

The most straightforward calculation compares the cost of membership against what you would spend as a non-member golfer playing a similar number of rounds. While daily play at Burlingame is primarily limited to member guests, we can use comparable mountain courses for this analysis.

Premium mountain golf courses in Western North Carolina typically charge $150-300 per round during peak season. A golfer playing twice weekly during the seven-month primary season (approximately 60 rounds) would spend between $9,000 and $18,000 on green fees alone, not including cart fees, practice facility usage, or tournament participation.

When you factor in initiation fees amortized over the expected length of membership, plus annual dues and minimum spending requirements, many avid golfers find that membership becomes financially advantageous within just a few years, particularly if they utilize the club frequently.

Beyond Green Fees: Additional Value Factors

The financial analysis becomes even more favorable when considering the value of additional amenities included with membership:

– Access to tennis, pickleball, and croquet facilities that would otherwise require separate club memberships or per-use fees

– Fitness center and pool access that might otherwise necessitate gym memberships

– Member pricing on dining, spa services, and golf shop merchandise

– Complimentary services such as club storage and cleaning

– Access to member-only events and tournaments

For families, the value proposition strengthens further, as multiple family members can enjoy these benefits under a single membership.

Long-Term Value Proposition

Membership represents not just current access but a long-term relationship with a club and community. Legacy memberships, in particular, offer intergenerational value through their transferability within family lines. Even non-transferable memberships provide consistent access to a club that members help shape through their participation and governance.

The stability of member-owned clubs like Burlingame also deserves consideration. Unlike courses that may change ownership, management, or access policies, member-owned clubs offer continuity of experience and a voice in club governance that daily-fee players simply cannot access.

Intangible Benefits

Perhaps most significantly, membership offers intangible benefits that cannot be purchased on a daily-fee basis:

– The sense of belonging to a community that shares your appreciation for golf and mountain living

– The convenience of spontaneous play without advance reservations or concerns about availability

– The development of regular playing partners and friendly competitions that enhance enjoyment

– The pride of association with a club that reflects your values and standards

– The cumulative pleasure of creating memories in a place that becomes increasingly meaningful over time

These elements create what economists might call “consumer surplus”—value received beyond the actual price paid—and they often become the most cherished aspects of membership for long-term members.

For many members, the decision ultimately transcends purely financial calculations. They recognize that membership represents an investment in quality of life, in meaningful relationships, and in access to experiences that simply cannot be purchased on a transactional basis. As one member put it, “The question isn’t whether I can afford to join—it’s whether I can afford not to be part of this special place.”

Member Testimonials and Life at Burlingame

The most authentic way to understand the Burlingame experience is through the voices of those who live it daily. Our members consistently describe their experience as “The Best of Times”—a phrase that has become both our tagline and our lived reality. Here, we share some of their perspectives on what makes Burlingame special.

The Golf Experience

“What a treat to play this course! Conditions were fantastic! Challenging but fair. Greens rolling smoothly. Bring your camera and shoot for an afternoon round to get that sunset pic in Fall. Over the next couple of weeks the colors will be spectacular as the leaves will be changing colors. Bring a range finder with slope and enjoy! 17 and 18 may be 2 of the best framed greens.” – Justin Bennett

“This golf course is incredible. A true mountain golf experience. The greens roll true. The fairways are perfect. The food is excellent and the service is amazing. Everyone waives and says hello. Truly a great place.” – Christopher Cobb

“Absolutely beautiful and challenging mountain golf club. Perfect condition. Friendly staff.” – Byron May

“This course was my favorite on the trip. Even with the incredible amounts of water from the rain, the course was in great shape and easy to navigate. There are some spectacular views during the round and some of the elevation changes into the holes are incredible. I would play here again for sure.” – Dan Corcoran

The Community Atmosphere

“Can’t speak more highly of this club and course! Really enjoyed our round of golf. Guys in the pro shop were great. Members were fun and kind. Will come back again!” – Ethan Welch

What emerges consistently in member testimonials is the combination of exceptional facilities with genuine warmth. Unlike clubs where exclusivity creates formality, Burlingame has cultivated an atmosphere where excellence and authenticity coexist comfortably. Members describe a place where they can be themselves while enjoying the best in golf, dining, and amenities.

Dining and Social Life

“Fantastic golf course and wonderfully friendly members. The clubhouse was just renovated and is beautiful. The food was over the top good…the fried chicken is the best in the mountain!” – Marty Barger

The social fabric of Burlingame is woven from countless interactions—spontaneous gatherings after golf, planned events that bring the community together, and the simple pleasure of recognizing familiar faces wherever you go within the club. Members speak of feeling “at home” almost immediately, welcomed into a community that values connection above pretension.

A Day in the Life at Burlingame

To understand what membership truly means, consider how a typical day might unfold:

Morning might begin with coffee and breakfast at The Overlook Room, where staff greet you by name and remember your preferences. Perhaps you join friends for a morning round of golf, appreciating both the challenge of the course and the beauty of your surroundings. After golf, lunch on the Outdoor Dining Deck provides a chance to relive memorable shots and enjoy fresh, expertly prepared food.

Afternoon might find you at the wellness center for a workout or massage, or perhaps joining others at the dog park, where conversation flows as easily as the Horse Pasture River nearby. As evening approaches, you might gather with friends for dinner at Elevation 3042, where the day’s experiences become stories shared over exceptional food and wine.

Throughout this day, you’ve enjoyed world-class amenities without pretension, connected with like-minded people who’ve become genuine friends, and experienced the unique peace that comes from being in a place where you truly belong. This is what members mean when they speak of “The Best of Times” at Burlingame—not isolated moments of pleasure but a continuous experience of living well among friends in a setting of natural beauty.

As you consider membership, we invite you to imagine yourself not just using our facilities but becoming part of this community—adding your own story to the ongoing narrative of Burlingame Country Club. We welcome your questions and look forward to the possibility of introducing you to “The Best of Times.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Begin Your Journey to “The Best of Times”

As you consider membership at Burlingame Country Club, we invite you to take the next step in discovering what makes our community special. Whether you’re drawn by the championship golf, the comprehensive amenities, or the genuine warmth of our membership, Burlingame offers an experience that transcends typical country club life.

The decision to join Burlingame isn’t simply about access to facilities—it’s about becoming part of a community where meaningful connections form naturally and cherished memories are created daily. It’s about finding a place where time slows down just enough to let you appreciate what truly matters.

We welcome your questions and look forward to introducing you to “The Best of Times” at Burlingame Country Club. To arrange a visit or request more information about membership opportunities, please contact our membership office at (828) 966-9200.

Purposefully built in a mountain forest for family and friends, Burlingame Country Club awaits your discovery.