Experience the storied legacy of High Hampton Golf Course, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover how this historic mountain golf experience has evolved while preserving its timeless charm and natural beauty.
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Historic High Hampton: Mountain Golf Through the Ages
Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains at over 3,500 feet elevation, High Hampton Golf Course stands as a living testament to mountain golf’s rich heritage. This historic course has captivated golfers for generations with its pristine fairways that wind through ancient forests and alongside crystal-clear mountain waters. The course’s evolution mirrors the changing landscape of golf itself—honoring traditions while embracing innovations that enhance the playing experience. At High Hampton, every drive, approach, and putt connects players to a storied legacy of mountain golf excellence that continues to unfold against the backdrop of North Carolina’s most stunning natural scenery.
The Origins: A Mountain Golf Pioneer
High Hampton’s golf tradition began in the early 20th century when the pristine mountain property first welcomed visitors seeking respite in the cool mountain air. What started as a simple course laid out among the natural contours of the land has grown into one of the region’s most cherished golf destinations.
The original course designers worked with rather than against the mountain terrain, creating a playing experience that honored the natural landscape. Early holes followed the gentle slopes and natural clearings, with minimal earth movement—a sharp contrast to today’s heavily engineered courses. This philosophy of respecting the land remains central to High Hampton’s identity even as the course has evolved.
Evolution Through the Decades
Through the years, High Hampton’s course has undergone thoughtful renovations that maintain its historic character while incorporating modern playability standards. Each generation of stewards has left their mark, from expanded tee boxes offering multiple playing options to strategic bunker placements that challenge today’s longer-hitting players.
Perhaps most notably, the course’s greens have evolved from the simple, relatively flat surfaces of early mountain golf to more complex putting challenges with subtle breaks that reward careful reading and precise touch. Yet even with these changes, the course retains its mountain golf soul—a place where the natural setting remains the star attraction.
Signature Holes: Where History Meets Challenge
Several holes at High Hampton have achieved legendary status among mountain golf enthusiasts. The par-3 7th, playing across a shimmering mountain pond to a green framed by ancient hardwoods, has challenged golfers for generations. The finishing 18th, with its approach shot that must navigate between towering pines to reach an elevated green, provides a fitting conclusion to a round steeped in history.
These signature holes showcase what makes mountain golf special—dramatic elevation changes, natural hazards, and views that distract even the most focused competitors. They’ve witnessed countless matches decided, celebrations shared, and memories created over decades of play.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing the Future
Today’s High Hampton course represents a delicate balance between preservation and progress. Modern maintenance practices ensure superior playing conditions while adhering to environmental stewardship principles. The irrigation systems, turf varieties, and green maintenance have all advanced dramatically from the course’s early days, yet the playing experience remains authentically connected to mountain golf traditions.
For golf history enthusiasts, the clubhouse features a modest but fascinating collection of photographs, scorecards, and memorabilia documenting the course’s evolution and the notable figures who have walked its fairways over the decades.
Experience Timeless Mountain Golf
We invite you to become part of High Hampton’s continuing legacy. Whether you’re a serious student of golf course architecture or simply someone who appreciates the game played in spectacular natural surroundings, our historic course offers a playing experience unlike any other in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Members enjoy unlimited access to this living piece of golf history, along with a full calendar of tournaments and events that celebrate the course’s heritage while creating new traditions. Experience golf as it was meant to be played—surrounded by natural beauty, challenged by thoughtful design, and connected to generations of mountain golf enthusiasts who came before.
Plan Your Visit to High Hampton
Discover why High Hampton Golf Course has captivated golfers for generations. Contact our membership team today to arrange a tour of our historic course and learn about the range of membership options available. From full golf privileges to social memberships with limited playing opportunities, we offer ways for everyone to experience this mountain golf treasure.
Call 746-Club-Drive or email membership@burlingamecc.com to begin your journey into mountain golf history at High Hampton.