Experience the ultimate mountain golf journey from Asheville to Sapphire Valley, with Burlingame Country Club as your breathtaking destination. Discover the region’s most stunning courses along this scenic route.
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The Scenic Golf Trail: From Asheville to Sapphire Valley’s Premier Courses

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina lies a golfer’s paradise that few know about but all should experience. The scenic route from Asheville to Sapphire Valley offers not just breathtaking vistas and winding mountain roads, but a collection of exceptional golf courses that work with the natural landscape rather than against it. This journey culminates at Burlingame Country Club, where our championship course represents the pinnacle of mountain golf design and natural beauty.

The Mountain Golf Experience: Asheville’s Starting Points

Your golf journey begins in vibrant Asheville, where several noteworthy courses set the stage for what’s to come. The area’s courses feature dramatic elevation changes, fairways bordered by mature hardwoods, and views that might distract even the most focused golfer. The region’s varied terrain creates unique challenges, with uphill approaches, downhill tee shots, and greens that read differently than their flatland counterparts. Here, golf isn’t just a game—it’s an immersion in mountain splendor.

The Scenic Drive South: Hidden Gems Along the Way

As you travel south from Asheville toward Sapphire Valley, the Blue Ridge Parkway and scenic Highway 64 reveal a string of remarkable golf opportunities. These mountain courses showcase the region’s natural features—rushing streams that come into play, dramatic rock formations that frame fairways, and the ever-present mountain panoramas that change with each passing hole. The cooler elevations create ideal growing conditions for bentgrass from tee to green, offering playing surfaces that rival those found anywhere in the country during the prime spring-through-fall season.

What makes these mountain courses special isn’t just their beauty but their character. Each has adapted to its unique setting, creating holes that require strategy, precision, and a genuine appreciation for the land. The changing elevations mean you’ll rarely have a flat lie, teaching valuable skills that improve your game everywhere you play.

Arriving at Sapphire Valley: The Crowning Jewel

The journey reaches its peak—literally and figuratively—in Sapphire Valley, where Burlingame Country Club stands as the region’s premier golfing destination. Set at elevations between 3,000-3,500 feet, our Tom Jackson-designed championship course represents everything special about mountain golf. Completed in stages with the front nine in 1983 and the back nine in 1985, our course has matured beautifully over the decades.

At Burlingame, golfers experience 18 holes that flow naturally through old-growth forests, alongside sparkling lakes, and across the Horse Pasture River. The course design pays homage to the beauty of nature while creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all abilities. The elevation not only provides relief from summer heat but delivers ball flights that seem to hang in the mountain air, creating moments of golfing magic that players remember long after they’ve returned home.

Beyond the Golf: The Complete Mountain Experience

What sets the Asheville-to-Sapphire Valley golf trail apart is that it offers so much more than just golf. Between rounds, visitors can explore charming mountain towns, hike to hidden waterfalls, enjoy farm-to-table dining, or simply relax with a local craft beverage while soaking in the mountain vistas. For those considering a more permanent stay, living on a golf course benefits not only from easy access to the greens but also from the stunning natural scenery that becomes part of everyday life. Residents can wake up to breathtaking views, partake in community events, and enjoy a lifestyle that seamlessly blends recreation and relaxation. This unique experience fosters a strong sense of community and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

At Burlingame, our six distinct dining venues provide the perfect setting to relive the day’s memorable shots while enjoying panoramic views and exceptional cuisine. Our newly renovated clubhouse, wellness facilities, and array of outdoor activities ensure that non-golfing companions have plenty to enjoy as well.

Plan Your Ultimate Mountain Golf Getaway

Ready to experience the best of times on our scenic mountain golf trail? Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip with friends or a family vacation with some rounds mixed in, this journey from Asheville to Sapphire Valley promises unforgettable experiences both on and off the course. And when you reach Burlingame Country Club, you’ll understand why our members consider it not just a destination, but a treasured part of their lives.