The mountains of Western North Carolina have shaped some of the most memorable golf courses in the Southeast. Among them, Burlingame Country Club’s Tom Jackson-designed course offers something different. Not louder, not flashier, just more thoughtful about how golf fits into a mountain landscape.
The Designer Behind the Course
Tom Jackson brought decades of experience to Burlingame’s 1,450-acre canvas in Sapphire Valley. His design philosophy centers on working with the land rather than reshaping it. Where some architects see a mountain site as a challenge to overcome, Jackson saw an opportunity to create golf holes that feel inevitable, as they’ve always been there.
The course opened with nine holes in 1983 and completed the back nine in 1985. Jackson’s routing takes players through elevations ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 feet, incorporating old-growth forests, mountain vistas, and the scenic Horsepasture River into the playing experience.
Core Design Principles at Burlingame
Working With Elevation
Mountain golf courses face a fundamental challenge: how do you create fair, strategic holes when the ground refuses to sit still? Jackson addressed this by varying the types of elevation change throughout the round.
Some holes climb. Others fall away from you. A few stay relatively flat, giving players a chance to catch their breath. The signature par-3 16th hole plays dramatically downhill, offering both spectacular views and a genuine risk-reward decision on club selection.
Strategic Use of Natural Features
The Horsepasture River winds through several holes, but Jackson never forces it into play artificially. When water matters, it’s because the hole’s natural routing brings you close to it. When it doesn’t, the river serves as a scenic backdrop rather than a manufactured hazard.
Old-growth forests frame fairways without creating target golf. You can miss fairways and still play. You’ll have a tougher shot, but Jackson believed in giving players options rather than penalties.
Multiple Tee Boxes Create Versatility
Burlingame’s course spans various yardages from different tee boxes, but this isn’t just about accommodating different skill levels. Jackson positioned tees to change the character of holes, not simply their length.
From the forward tees, certain holes play as straightforward pars. From the tips, those same holes require precise positioning and course management. This flexibility allows the course to challenge scratch golfers while remaining enjoyable for higher handicaps.
Signature Holes and Design Features
The River Holes
Several holes run alongside the Horsepasture River, each using the water differently. On some, the river creates a natural boundary that tightens landing areas. On others, it’s purely visual, adding beauty without affecting play.
The par-4 2nd hole epitomizes Jackson’s approach. The fairway follows the river’s curve, rewarding drives that follow the natural contour. Miss left, and you’re wet. Miss right, and trees complicate your approach. But aim for the fairway’s natural flow, and the hole plays fair.
Elevation Drama
The back nine features Burlingame’s most dramatic elevation changes. These holes don’t just go up or down; they use elevation to create strategic decisions.
The downhill par-3s require players to trust the yardage rather than their eyes. The uphill par-4s demand extra club selection on approach shots. Jackson designed these holes so that elevation enhances strategy rather than replacing it.
Green Complexes
Mountain courses often struggle with green drainage and maintenance. Jackson designed Burlingame’s greens with enough movement to shed water naturally while avoiding the severe slopes that make maintenance difficult or put unreasonable demands.
Most greens feature subtle breaks rather than severe tiers. This creates interesting putting without frustration, a balance many mountain courses miss.
How Burlingame Compares to Other Mountain Courses
Against Highland, NC Courses
The Highlands, NC area boasts several notable golf courses, many designed by legendary architects like Donald Ross. Burlingame differentiates itself through playability and natural integration.
While some Highland courses emphasize tradition and prestige, Burlingame focuses on the golf experience. Jackson’s design creates memorable holes without requiring encyclopedic local knowledge to score well.
Versus Cashiers Area Competition
Cashiers golf courses include some of the Southeast’s most exclusive clubs. Wade Hampton Golf Club, also in the Cashiers area, represents ultra-premium mountain golf with its Tom Fazio design.
Burlingame offers comparable mountain golf beauty and strategic interest without the exclusivity barrier. Jackson’s routing provides championship-caliber play in a more welcoming environment.
Compared to Championship Mountain Courses
When measured against other championship mountain golf courses across the Southeast, Burlingame holds its own through design intelligence rather than manufactured difficulty.
Jackson avoided the temptation to artificially lengthen holes or create forced carries. The course challenges players through strategic routing, clever bunkering, and thoughtful use of natural features.
Strategic Considerations for Different Skill Levels
Course Management for Mid-Handicappers
Mid-handicap players benefit most from understanding Jackson’s design intentions. The course rewards position over power, accuracy over distance.
On dogleg holes, favor the inside of the turn rather than cutting corners. On elevated tee shots, trust the yardage and take an extra club. When approaching greens, aim for the center rather than attacking pins near hazards.
Tournament Play and Advanced Strategy
Lower handicap players can exploit Jackson’s risk-reward options throughout the round. Several holes offer aggressive lines that shorten approaches but increase danger.
The course’s greens become more challenging as pin positions move toward the edges. Tournament play at Burlingame requires precision iron play and excellent distance control, particularly on approaches to elevated greens.
Playing Burlingame’s Weather Conditions
Mountain weather adds another strategic layer. Morning rounds often feature cooler temperatures that reduce ball flight. Afternoon mountain breezes can significantly affect club selection.
Jackson designed the course with enough width to accommodate wind-affected shots. Players who adjust their aim rather than fighting the wind score better at Burlingame.
Design Elements That Enhance Member Experience
Pace of Play Considerations
Jackson’s routing keeps pace moving. Par-3s are positioned to prevent bottlenecks. Green-to-tee walks transition efficiently. The layout accommodates multiple groups without creating a wait.
Burlingame’s membership benefits from a course designed for regular play, not just special occasions. Members can enjoy the course frequently without it becoming predictable or boring.
Integration With Amenities
The course routing brings players back near the clubhouse at the turn, making it easy to grab refreshments without disrupting pace. This practical consideration reflects Jackson’s understanding of how members actually use courses.
The clubhouse sits at a natural gathering point, with views overlooking several holes. This connection between golf and dining creates a cohesive country club experience.
Maintenance and Conditioning Philosophy
Designed for Mountain Conditions
Jackson’s green designs account for Western North Carolina’s weather patterns. Slopes drain naturally. Bunker placement avoids erosion-prone areas. Fairway routing minimizes maintenance challenges on steep terrain.
This practical approach keeps the course in excellent condition year-round without requiring excessive resources or intervention.
Sustainable Design Elements
Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Jackson incorporated features that reduce environmental impact. Native areas blend into the surrounding forest. Stormwater management uses natural drainage patterns. The course footprint respects the mountain ecosystem.
These elements align with Burlingame’s commitment to stewardship, creating a golf course that fits naturally into its environment.
The Future of Mountain Golf Design
Jackson’s Lasting Influence
Tom Jackson’s work at Burlingame demonstrates timeless design principles. The course has aged well because its foundation rests on strategic variety and natural beauty rather than gimmicks or trends.
Modern mountain courses often chase dramatic moments or signature holes at the expense of overall routing. Jackson’s approach prioritizes the complete 18-hole experience.
Burlingame’s Place in Golf Architecture
As golf architecture continues evolving, Burlingame represents a successful model for mountain course design. It proves you can create championship-caliber golf without excessive earth moving, forced carries, or manufactured difficulty.
The course appeals to serious golfers while remaining accessible to recreational players, a balance many modern designs struggle to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the golf course at Burlingame Country Club?
Tom Jackson designed Burlingame’s 18-hole championship course, completing the front nine in 1983 and the back nine in 1985. His design philosophy emphasized working with the natural mountain terrain rather than extensive reshaping.
What makes Tom Jackson’s design at Burlingame unique among mountain courses?
Jackson’s design distinguishes itself through strategic routing that incorporates elevation changes naturally, integration with the Horsepasture River and old growth forests, and green complexes that balance challenge with playability. The course offers championship golf while remaining enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
How does elevation affect play at Burlingame?
The course spans elevations from 3,000 to 3,500 feet, creating 500 feet of elevation change across the round. Downhill shots require club-down adjustments, uphill approaches need extra club, and mountain breezes affect ball flight differently at various elevations.
What are Burlingame’s signature holes?
The downhill par-3 16th hole showcases dramatic elevation and mountain views. The par-4 2nd hole features strategic play along the Horsepasture River. Several back-nine holes incorporate significant elevation changes that create memorable strategic decisions.
How does Burlingame compare to other Cashiers-area golf courses?
Burlingame offers championship-caliber mountain golf with natural terrain integration comparable to more exclusive clubs like Wade Hampton, but in a more welcoming membership environment. The course emphasizes playability and strategy over manufactured difficulty.
Can high-handicap golfers enjoy Burlingame’s course?
Yes, Jackson designed multiple tee boxes that change the hole’s character, not just its length. Forward tees create manageable distances while maintaining strategic interest. The course offers recovery shots rather than imposing penalties.
What weather considerations affect play at Burlingame?
Morning rounds feature cooler temperatures that reduce ball flight. Afternoon mountain breezes can significantly affect club selection. The course’s design accommodates wind-affected shots with sufficient fairway width.
Does Burlingame host golf tournaments?
The course regularly hosts member tournaments and competitive events. Its design allows for various pin positions and tee setups that can adjust difficulty for different competition levels.