Discover the various membership types at Burlingame Country Club. From Legacy to Social memberships, learn about exclusive privileges, amenities, and how to join this premier mountain retreat.
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Country Club Membership Types Explained: A Guide to Burlingame’s Exclusive Offerings

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Sapphire, North Carolina, Burlingame Country Club offers more than just a membership – it provides a gateway to “The Best of Times.” At approximately 3,000 feet elevation, our member-owned club combines spectacular mountain vistas with world-class amenities and a genuinely warm, welcoming community. Whether you’re passionate about golf, seeking wellness opportunities, or looking to build lasting friendships, understanding our membership options is the first step toward finding your perfect fit within our mountain retreat.

Since becoming member-owned in 2009, Burlingame has cultivated an environment where authentic connections flourish against the backdrop of natural splendor. Our 1,450-acre property, with the Horse Pasture River flowing through it, serves as the setting for memories that will last generations.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each membership category, helping you understand the unique benefits, privileges, and experiences that await at Burlingame Country Club.

Table of Contents

• Legacy Membership: A Tradition of Excellence
• Full Golf Membership: The Premier Mountain Golf Experience
• Sports & Wellness Memberships: Active Living at Altitude
• Social Membership Options: Connections & Community
• Membership Value & Benefits: The Burlingame Difference
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Member Experiences
• Next Steps: Joining the Burlingame Family

Legacy Membership: A Tradition of Excellence

Our most distinguished offering, Legacy Membership, represents the pinnacle of the Burlingame experience. This invitation-based membership category is designed for those seeking to establish a multi-generational connection to our club and community.

The Invitation Process

Unlike typical application procedures, Legacy Membership begins with an invitation from the club. This ensures our community maintains its unique character and values. Current Legacy Members often nominate individuals who share our appreciation for mountain living, outdoor recreation, and genuine community connections.

The process includes introductions to current members, participation in club events, and conversations with our membership committee. Rather than feeling like an interview, we aim to create natural opportunities for connections to form, allowing potential members to experience the authentic Burlingame spirit firsthand.

Generational Privileges

What truly sets Legacy Membership apart is its family-oriented structure. Your membership extends privileges to multiple generations of your family, creating a tradition that can be passed down. Children and grandchildren enjoy special access rights without additional fees until certain age milestones, fostering a sense of belonging from an early age.

These generational benefits include:

Family Access

Immediate family members receive comprehensive access to club facilities without guest fees or limitations. This includes spouses, children, and often grandchildren depending on specific situations.

Vertical Guest Program

Legacy Members enjoy our unique vertical guest program, allowing extended family members special guest privileges beyond what’s available in other membership categories. This program recognizes that modern families often span multiple households and geographic locations.

Legacy Transfer Rights

Perhaps most significantly, Legacy Members have the ability to transfer their membership within their family line, preserving club access for future generations. This creates true continuity of experience across decades.

Complete Club Access

Legacy Membership provides unlimited access to every amenity Burlingame offers, including:

• Priority tee times on our championship Tom Jackson-designed golf course
• Full privileges at all dining venues including Elevation 3042 and The Overlook Room
• Access to tennis, pickleball, and croquet facilities
• Use of our comprehensive wellness facilities including fitness center, pool, and spa
• Participation in member-only events and tournaments
• Fishing access to our private stretch of the Horse Pasture River
• Use of our 3-acre dog park and hiking trails

Legacy Members also receive preferential treatment for reservations, event registration, and guest accommodations, ensuring your Burlingame experience is seamless.

Full Golf Membership: The Premier Mountain Golf Experience

For those whose passion centers on our stunning championship mountain golf course, Full Golf Membership provides a comprehensive experience that goes beyond typical country club offerings. This category focuses on delivering exceptional golf opportunities while still providing access to our complete suite of amenities.

Championship Mountain Golf

The centerpiece of our Full Golf Membership is unlimited access to our Tom Jackson-designed mountain golf course. Playing at approximately 3,000 feet elevation creates a truly distinctive experience, with dramatic elevation changes, breathtaking vistas, and challenging play that rewards strategic thinking.

Our course weaves through the natural mountain landscape, with the Horse Pasture River coming into play on several holes. The changing seasons transform the golfing experience throughout the year, with spectacular fall colors creating unforgettable rounds during autumn months.

Golf Privileges and Priority

Full Golf Members enjoy several specific advantages:

Advanced Tee Time Booking

Secure your preferred tee times up to two weeks in advance, with priority booking windows over other membership categories. Our online reservation system makes scheduling simple, while our golf staff is always available to assist with arrangements.

Tournament Access

Participate in our full calendar of member tournaments, including both competitive and social events. From club championships to couples scrambles, our diverse tournament schedule offers something for every golfer, regardless of handicap.

Professional Instruction

Receive preferred scheduling with our PGA professional staff. Our instructors offer private lessons, group clinics, and specialized programs tailored to help you improve specific aspects of your game. Our advanced video analysis technology provides detailed insights to refine your technique.

Practice Facility Access

Enjoy unlimited use of our comprehensive practice facilities, including our driving range with multiple target greens, short game area with bunkers, and putting green. Practice facilities are maintained to the same high standards as our championship course.

Beyond the Course

While golf forms the core of this membership, Full Golf Members also receive:

• Complete access to all dining venues
• Use of all fitness and wellness facilities
• Participation in lawn sports including tennis, pickleball, and croquet
• Access to member social events and programming
• Guest privileges for visiting friends and family

Full Golf Membership creates a balance between serious golf pursuit and the broader social and wellness aspects of club life, making it our most popular membership category among active adults.

Sports & Wellness Memberships: Active Living at Altitude

For those whose interests extend beyond golf or center primarily on other recreational pursuits, our Sports & Wellness Memberships provide tailored access to Burlingame’s diverse amenities. These specialized memberships focus on lawn sports, fitness facilities, and our comprehensive wellness offerings.

Lawn Sports Access

Burlingame’s mountain setting provides the perfect backdrop for our exceptional lawn sports facilities, all included with Sports & Wellness Memberships:

Tennis

Our professionally maintained courts offer both hard-surface and clay options, with stunning mountain views that create an unmatched playing environment. Regular clinics, private lessons, and organized matches ensure players of all levels can enjoy and improve their game. Our cooling mountain breezes make summer tennis particularly enjoyable compared to lower elevations.

Pickleball

As one of the fastest-growing sports in America, pickleball has found an enthusiastic home at Burlingame. Our dedicated courts host regular play for all skill levels, from beginners to competitive players. Our active pickleball community organizes regular social events, making it easy for newcomers to find compatible playing partners.

Croquet

Our championship croquet lawn provides a distinctive recreational option that blends strategy, skill, and sociability. Regular matches and instruction sessions welcome players of all experience levels, with equipment available for member use. The lawn’s location offers particularly spectacular sunset views during evening play.

Wellness Facilities

Sports & Wellness Members enjoy complete access to our health and wellness amenities:

Fitness Center

Our recently updated fitness center features state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering inspiring mountain views during workouts. Personal training sessions and specialized assessments are available by appointment.

Pool Complex

Our mountain-view swimming pool provides the perfect refreshment after activities or as a workout venue itself. With dedicated lap swimming times and relaxation areas, the pool serves both exercise and leisure purposes throughout the season.

Spa Services

From massage therapy to facial treatments, our spa services offer rejuvenation and recovery. Specialized sports massage and physical therapy options particularly benefit our active members, helping maintain peak performance in all activities.

Limited Golf Access

While primarily focused on non-golf amenities, Sports & Wellness Memberships do include limited golf access. Members can play a specified number of rounds per season (typically 6-12 depending on specific membership level), with greens fees at preferred member-guest rates. This allows occasional golf participation without the higher investment of Full Golf Membership.

Sports & Wellness Members also enjoy access to dining facilities, social events, and the full calendar of club activities, creating a well-rounded mountain lifestyle experience.

Social Membership Options: Connections & Community

The heart of Burlingame extends far beyond our recreational facilities to the genuine connections formed between members. Our Social Membership options focus on dining experiences, community engagement, and the relationship-building aspects of club life, creating meaningful connections in our mountain setting.

Dining Privileges

Social Members enjoy complete access to Burlingame’s exceptional dining venues, each offering distinctive experiences:

Elevation 3042

Named for our precise altitude, this casual restaurant and bar serves as the social hub of the club. With indoor and outdoor seating offering panoramic mountain views, it’s perfect for everything from post-activity refreshments to relaxed family dinners. The menu features elevated comfort food with seasonal ingredients, while the bar offers craft cocktails, local beers, and an approachable wine list.

The Overlook Room

Our more formal dining venue provides an upscale experience for special occasions or simply when you’re in the mood for something extraordinary. With its dramatic mountain views and refined service, The Overlook Room creates memorable dining experiences featuring creative cuisine that honors both regional traditions and contemporary techniques.

Special Food Events

Social Members have access to our popular culinary events, including wine dinners, chef’s table experiences, holiday celebrations, and themed cuisine nights. These events often become the most anticipated gatherings on members’ calendars, combining exceptional food with the opportunity to deepen community connections.

Social Calendar & Events

Beyond dining, Social Membership opens the door to our vibrant community activities:

Seasonal Celebrations

From summer barbecues to holiday gatherings, our club calendar features events that bring the community together throughout the year. Many events take advantage of our mountain setting, with outdoor celebrations during warmer months and cozy fireside gatherings in winter.

Interest Groups

Book clubs, card groups, hiking clubs, and other special interest gatherings form naturally among our membership. These smaller groups create deeper connections based on shared passions and often become the foundation of lasting friendships.

Educational Programs

Guest speakers, workshops, and classes on topics ranging from local history to wine appreciation provide enrichment opportunities for our members. These programs often highlight connections to our mountain region and its unique cultural heritage.

Limited Recreational Access

While Social Membership focuses primarily on dining and community engagement, it does include limited access to certain recreational facilities. Social Members can typically access:

• The pool complex during designated times
• Fitness center with potential time restrictions during peak periods
• Pay-as-you-go access to tennis, pickleball, and croquet facilities
• A limited number of golf rounds per year at member-guest rates

This balanced approach allows Social Members to participate in the club’s recreational offerings without the higher dues associated with sports-focused memberships, making it ideal for those whose primary interest is in the community aspects of club life.

Membership Value & Benefits: The Burlingame Difference

What makes Burlingame Country Club truly distinctive goes beyond our beautiful facilities and mountain setting to encompass the intangible qualities that create exceptional experiences. Understanding the full value proposition helps potential members appreciate why Burlingame membership represents not just a purchase but an investment in a certain quality of life. Members enjoy a network of friendships and shared experiences that elevate their lifestyle, fostering a sense of belonging within a vibrant community. While country club membership expenses are an important consideration, they pale in comparison to the rich experiences and lasting memories created during countless gatherings and events. This unique blend of lifestyle, camaraderie, and exceptional amenities positions Burlingame as more than just a country club; it becomes a cherished part of one’s life journey.

Member-Owned Advantage

Since 2009, Burlingame has operated as a member-owned club, creating several meaningful differences:

Community Governance

Members have a voice in the direction and development of the club through our board and committee structure. This ensures decisions align with member priorities rather than external corporate interests. Capital improvements and major initiatives reflect genuine member needs and desires.

Financial Stability

Our member-owned structure prioritizes long-term stability over short-term profit, allowing for prudent financial management and strategic planning. This approach has enabled us to maintain exceptional facilities while keeping membership costs reasonable compared to comparable clubs.

Responsive Management

Our professional management team answers to members rather than distant corporate owners, creating a culture of service and responsiveness. When members provide feedback or suggest improvements, action typically follows quickly.

Exclusive Amenities & Services

Beyond the specific facilities described in previous sections, all membership categories benefit from:

Concierge Services

Our dedicated staff assists with everything from dinner reservations to coordinating special celebrations, activity planning, and even helping with needs beyond the club. For seasonal residents, these services prove particularly valuable when preparing for arrival or departure.

Guest Accommodations

Members can access limited on-property accommodations for visiting guests, providing convenient options when hosting friends or family. These well-appointed guest quarters allow visitors to fully experience the Burlingame lifestyle during their stay.

Private Events

From intimate family celebrations to larger gatherings, our event planning team helps create memorable private functions in various club venues. Whether for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or family reunions, these personalized events often become cherished memories.

The Intangible Value

Perhaps most importantly, Burlingame membership provides benefits that cannot be easily quantified:

Authentic Community

As our members often tell us, the most valuable aspect of Burlingame is the genuine connections formed here. Our community strikes a rare balance – warm and welcoming without being intrusive, respectful of privacy while fostering real friendships. As one member testimonial puts it, we’re “a warm, welcoming, unpretentious and FUN place.”

Multi-Generational Experience

The club serves as a gathering place for families across generations, creating traditions and memories that span decades. Children who grow up spending summers at Burlingame often develop lifelong friendships and eventually bring their own children to experience the club’s magic.

Mountain Sanctuary

Whether you’re a full-time resident or seasonal visitor, Burlingame provides a true sanctuary from everyday stresses. The natural beauty, clean mountain air, and thoughtfully designed spaces combine to create an environment where members can truly relax and rejuvenate.

When considering the value of membership, these less tangible benefits often prove to be the most meaningful over time, creating a club experience that enriches lives rather than simply providing recreational facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for joining Burlingame Country Club?

The membership process typically begins with an introduction from a current member or direct inquiry to our Membership Director. After initial discussions about which membership category might best suit your needs, prospective members are invited to tour the facilities and meet with key staff. For most membership categories, application materials are then submitted for review by the Membership Committee. Legacy Memberships specifically require nomination by existing Legacy Members. Throughout the process, we emphasize personal connections and finding the right mutual fit rather than simply completing paperwork.

Are there seasonal membership options available?

While our primary membership categories are designed for year-round access, we understand that many members divide their time between multiple residences. Rather than offering separate seasonal memberships, our flexible structure accommodates various usage patterns within our standard membership categories. Many members spend summers and fall at Burlingame while wintering elsewhere, and our staff provides special services to help with these transitions. For those with very limited time in the area, certain Social Membership options might provide the best value.

What real estate options are available within Burlingame?

Our 1,450-acre property includes diverse residential options, from turnkey cottages and villas to custom home sites where you can create your mountain dream home. The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association (POA) oversees community standards while allowing for individual expression in home design. Real estate ownership and club membership are separate decisions, though many property owners do choose to join the club. Our membership team can connect interested parties with real estate professionals specializing in Burlingame properties to explore available options.

Member Experiences

Next Steps: Joining the Burlingame Family

As you consider whether Burlingame Country Club might be the right community for your lifestyle, we invite you to take the next step in exploring what we offer. Our membership team specializes in helping prospective members understand not just the practical details of our membership categories, but also the less tangible aspects of club life that make Burlingame special. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision, including full country club memberships explained. We believe that every member contributes to the unique culture of our community, and we’re excited to share how you can become part of it. By engaging with our offerings, you’ll discover the array of activities and connections that await you at Burlingame.

The journey to membership typically begins with a personal visit to experience our mountain retreat firsthand. Walking the property, meeting current members, and speaking with our staff provides insights that no written description can fully convey. Many of our current members recall their first visit as the moment they knew Burlingame was meant to be part of their lives.

Your Personal Introduction

We’d be delighted to arrange a personalized introduction to Burlingame Country Club. During your visit, you can:

• Tour our facilities with a knowledgeable staff member
• Enjoy a complimentary meal at one of our dining venues
• Meet with our Membership Director to discuss options that align with your interests
• Experience a round of golf or participate in other club activities (subject to availability)
• Connect with current members who share similar interests

This introduction is designed to be informative and welcoming rather than sales-focused. We believe that when there’s a good mutual fit between a prospective member and our community, that connection becomes evident naturally.

Contact Us

To schedule your introduction to Burlingame Country Club or to request additional information about our membership options, please contact our Membership Director directly. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to our mountain home and show you why our members consistently describe Burlingame as “The Best of Times.”

Burlingame isn’t just a country club – it’s a community where meaningful connections happen against the backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty. We invite you to discover if it might be the perfect place for you and your family to create your own “best of times” for generations to come.