Did you know Asheville has a golf course with a 747-yard par 6 hole? It was once the longest in the world. This fact shows just how exciting golfing in Asheville, North Carolina can be. The city, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a mix of tough courses and stunning views that will thrill any golfer.
Asheville’s golf courses range from historic Donald Ross designs to modern marvels. You’ll play in the fresh mountain air, surrounded by green forests and wide views. Whether you’re an expert or just starting out, Asheville’s top golf courses promise a memorable experience.
When planning your golf trip to Asheville, you’ll find a variety of courses. Each one combines challenging play with beautiful scenery. From the Asheville Municipal Golf Course to Biltmore Forest Country Club, every place has its own special charm.
Key Takeaways
- Asheville offers diverse golf courses with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain backdrops
- The city boasts historic courses designed by renowned architects like Donald Ross
- Golf can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Asheville’s favorable climate
- Several courses feature unique holes and layouts, including a former world-record par 6
- Many Asheville golf courses provide excellent amenities and practice facilities
Asheville: A Golfer’s Paradise in the Mountains
Asheville is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a top-notch golfing experience. With over twenty championship golf courses, it suits all skill levels.
Perfect Climate for Year-Round Golf
Asheville’s climate is perfect for golf all year. Summer highs are around 80°F, and lows are in the high 50s. This weather lets you play without the heat or cold.
Scenic Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful backdrop for Asheville’s golf. Courses have unique challenges and stunning views. For example, the Country Club of Asheville offers amazing views.
Rich Golfing History and Donald Ross Legacy
Asheville has a rich golf history, with Donald Ross’s influence. Ross designed four courses here, including the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. These courses still challenge and delight golfers today.
| Course | Designer | Year Established | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Municipal Golf Course | Donald Ross | 1927 | 6,440 yards of challenging golf |
| Grove Park Inn Golf Course | Donald Ross | 1899 | 6,720 yards, nationally recognized by Golf Digest |
| Black Mountain Golf Course | Donald Ross | 1929 | 6,215 yards, 18 challenging holes |
| Reems Creek Golf Club | Various | 1988 | 4-star rating on Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” |
Top 8 Golf Courses in Asheville NC
Asheville’s golf scene is a mix of old charm and new challenges. It has 8 top courses for all skill levels. You can play on public courses or join private clubs for a special mountain golf experience.
Start at the Omni Grove Park Golf Course, a century-old gem redesigned by Donald Ross in 1926. For history buffs, the Asheville Municipal Golf Course, built in 1927, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
You should look beyond Asheville to find hidden gems. The Mount Mitchell Golf Club in Burnsville, built in 1975, is unique as the only non-Ross designed course among the best. Black Mountain Municipal Golf Course has a famous par 6 17th hole, once the longest in the world at 747 yards.
| Golf Course | Greens Fees (Weekday/Weekend) | Tee Times |
|---|---|---|
| Omni Grove Park | $140/$160 | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Asheville Municipal | $30/$35 | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Mount Mitchell | $55/$65 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Black Mountain Municipal | $35/$40 | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Asheville golf courses offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They combine natural beauty with challenging play. Whether you like classic or modern designs, Asheville’s golf scene has something for everyone.
Omni Grove Park Inn: A Century-Old Golfing Gem
In the heart of Asheville, the Omni Grove Park Inn golf course is a classic gem. It’s a Donald Ross masterpiece, challenging golfers for nearly a century.
The course is 6,400 yards long, with narrow paths and small greens. It demands precision from players. As you play, you’ll see stunning views of downtown Asheville, making your game even more special.
Omni Grove Park Inn offers more than just golf. After your game, relax at the bar or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. You’ll love the views while you unwind.
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Designer | Donald Ross |
| Year Established | 1926 |
| Length | 6,400 yards |
| Green Fees | Approximately $200 |
| Accessibility | Open to hotel guests and public |
| Notable Features | Mountain views, elevation changes |
The course got a 2001 renovation to keep its original charm. It’s now recognized by Golfweek Magazine as one of North Carolina’s top resort courses. For a golf experience that’s both historic and beautiful, the Omni Grove Park Inn is a must-visit in Asheville.
Looking for more golfing spots in the Southeast? Check out the best golf courses in Wilmington, NC. They offer unique challenges and stunning views.
Asheville Municipal Golf Course: The People’s Course
Asheville Municipal Golf Course, known as Muni, is a beloved spot for golf. It’s an 18-hole course designed by Donald Ross in 1927. It’s challenging but welcoming to golfers of all levels.
Donald Ross Design with a Twist
The course layout is a masterpiece by Ross, with two unique nines. The front nine is easier, while the back nine is tougher with more elevation and narrower fairways. Despite being old, Muni still attracts golfers, with a 3.0 average rating from 600 reviews.
Historic Significance and the Skyview Open
Muni is a historic gem as North Carolina’s first integrated golf course. It hosted the Skyview Open, a milestone event for African American golfers. This legacy of inclusivity is cherished by the Asheville golf community.
Ongoing Restoration and Improvements
A $3 million restoration project, led by Kris Spence, aims to revitalize Muni. It tackles issues like stormwater problems and flood-prone areas. The city wants to improve the course while keeping its historic charm.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 6,300 yards |
| Green Fees | Approximately $60 |
| Availability | Year-round (weather permitting) |
| Driving Range | Not available |
| Average Condition Rating | 2.7 (based on 42 reviews) |
Balsam Mountain Preserve: Exclusive Mountain Golf Experience
Balsam Mountain Preserve is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an Arnold Palmer design course, sitting at almost 4,000 feet high. Players get to see stunning mountain views at every turn.
This private club is exclusive but welcomes non-members with open arms. It offers four special tee times each day for those wanting a top-notch golf experience.
The course is a masterpiece of design, blending perfectly with nature. It challenges golfers of all levels with its unique obstacles. From elevation changes to cleverly placed hazards, every hole is a new adventure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Designer | Arnold Palmer |
| Elevation | Nearly 4,000 feet |
| Public Access | 4 tee times daily |
| Green Fees | Approximately $250 |
| Accommodations | Cottages and cabins available |
Looking for more than just golf? Balsam Mountain Preserve has you covered. It offers cozy cottages and cabins. Stay a while and soak in the mountain beauty and golfing bliss.
Waynesville Inn & Golf Club: Blending Old and New
Just 30 minutes west of Asheville, the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. This 6,500-yard layout showcases a perfect blend of Bobby Weed design and Donald Ross heritage. The course reopened to members in July 2023 after an extensive redesign.
Bobby Weed’s redesign incorporates nine original Donald Ross holes. It preserves classic elements while adding modern touches. You’ll notice Pete Dye influence in the pot bunkers and meandering greens, creating an engaging challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
The course boasts beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains, making each round a visual treat. While some areas like bunkers need attention, the overall experience is captivating. Green fees are approximately $150, reflecting the resort golf atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy the full resort experience by staying in the 32-room boutique inn or on-site cottages. The club offers amenities such as a bar, restaurant, and spa for post-round relaxation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Length | 6,500 yards |
| Architects | Bobby Weed, Donald Ross |
| Green Fees | Approximately $150 |
| Accommodations | 32-room inn, on-site cottages |
| Amenities | Bar, restaurant, spa |
The Waynesville Inn & Golf Club stands out as a prime example of how classic course design can be updated for modern play. Its blend of Bobby Weed innovation and Donald Ross tradition creates a memorable golfing experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bear Lake Reserve: A Unique Nicklaus Design
Bear Lake Reserve is a special place in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a 2,100-acre gated community with a Nicklaus Design short course. The Bear Lake Golf Club has a par-29, nine-hole layout at 3,400 to 3,700 feet elevation.
The course has seven par-3s and two par-4s, all with amazing mountain views. Playing here, you’ll see the beauty of western North Carolina. The community feel makes it even more special.
Bear Lake Reserve is mostly for residents, but golf lovers can still play. The course is open to everyone on Mondays. Guests can play anytime they’re on the property.
| Day | Availability | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open to Public | $75 |
| Tuesday-Sunday | Residents & Guests | $60 |
| Twilight (After 3 PM) | All Days | $45 |
Bear Lake Reserve is more than just golf. It has over 20 miles of trails for hiking and more. You can fish, camp, play pickleball, tennis, and disc golf. After golf, relax in one of the two pools or enjoy a concert at The Amphitheater.
Sequoyah National Golf Club: Cherokee Heritage Meets Modern Golf
Sequoyah National Golf Club is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a mix of Cherokee heritage and modern golf. Opened in 2009, it shows the culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It’s all about mountain golf. Zoysia fairways ensure great play all year. The views of the mountains make every round special.
Sequoyah National is known for its excellence. It’s on GolfPass’ list of North Carolina’s best courses. Golf lovers visiting Asheville must play here.
| Green Fees | Tee Times |
|---|---|
| $175 (approx.) | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Twilight rates available | Book online or call |
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is proud of their heritage. They balance tradition with modern comforts. This is seen in Sequoyah National’s design, blending nature with golfing excellence.
Biltmore Forest Country Club
Biltmore Forest Country Club is a top spot for golf in Asheville, North Carolina. It was founded in 1922 and is linked to the Vanderbilt family and the Biltmore Estate. The club’s highlight is its Donald Ross design course, celebrating 100 years in 2022.
The club is located at 31 Stuyvesant Road and offers more than golf. Members get to enjoy dining rooms, a pro shop, fitness center, locker rooms, and guest bedrooms. The clubhouse, designed by Edward Palmer, is charming and has hosted famous guests like Bobby Jones and John D Rockefeller.
The course has hosted big events like the 1999 US Women’s Amateur and the 2013 US Women’s Mid Amateur. Brian Silva led a restoration project, improving the course with Zoysia grass and reworking bunkers. This also cut water use by over 75%.
| Tee | Yardage | Par | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 6,750 | 70 | 72.4 | 139 |
| White | 6,252 | 70 | 70.0 | 131 |
| Green | 5,885 | 70 | 68.2 | 127 |
| Blue (Men) | 5,329 | 70 | 65.8 | 120 |
| Blue (Women) | 5,329 | 70 | 71.5 | 126 |
| Red | 4,796 | 72 | 67.9 | 123 |
Biltmore Forest Country Club is a top club in the country. It offers great golfing experiences with walking options, golf carts, and caddies. Though it’s exclusive, its history and prestige make it an important spot for golf lovers in Asheville.
Champion Hills: Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece
Champion Hills is a top private club in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a Tom Fazio design that offers a tough yet beautiful mountain golf experience. The course covers 730 acres, with stunning views and a design that fits perfectly with the land.
Fazio’s design has almost no uphill holes, with most playing downhill. This makes the game fun for all skill levels. It’s why Champion Hills is known as the No. 1 year-round course in North Carolina.
The area around the course is also special. It has over 17 miles of trails, earning it the title of Best Hiking Community in 2017. The 25,000-square-foot clubhouse offers amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, ideal for unwinding after golf.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Ranking | 35th in NC Golf Panel’s Top 100 |
| Tee Options | 5 sets rated for women |
| Management | Troon Privé |
| Member Benefits | Access to 100+ Troon private courses |
Champion Hills keeps getting better, showing its dedication to quality. As a Troon Privé-managed club, members get to play at over 100 private clubs and resorts around the world. This adds even more value to this amazing mountain golf spot.
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove: Luxury Golf Community
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a luxury golf experience in a private community. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened in 2005.
The course has 18 holes. The front nine goes through open fields. The back nine takes you through streams and woodlands.
This community is Asheville’s only private gated golf community. Its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is known by Golf Digest and Golfweek. It has great practice facilities, including a natural turf teeing ground and well-kept putting and chipping areas.
There’s more to this community than golf. Members get access to an 18,000-square-foot wellness center, an indoor lap pool, and tennis courts. The area is perfect for hiking, with trails, wildflowers, and mountain laurels.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf Course | 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design |
| Wellness Center | 18,000 square feet |
| Location | 20 minutes from Downtown Asheville |
| Elevation | Up to 2,800 feet |
| Average Summer Temperature | 82°F (28°C) |
| Average Winter Temperature | 50°F (10°C) |
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a mix of luxury golf and mountain living. It’s a special place for golfers and nature lovers. With its award-winning course and excellent amenities, it’s a golfer’s dream in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Black Mountain Golf Course
In the heart of Black Mountain, just 17 miles east of Asheville, lies a golfing treasure. The Black Mountain Golf Course, founded in 1929, showcases North Carolina’s rich golf history. It’s a public course that combines challenge and charm, perfect for golf lovers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The course’s front nine was designed by Donald Ross, adding to its historic charm. It stretches 6,215 yards and is a par 71, suitable for all skill levels. The 17th hole is a highlight, a 747-yard par 6 that was once the world’s longest hole.
Open all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the course offers bent grass greens and stunning mountain views. It’s a favorite, with 84.8% of 501 reviewers giving it a thumbs up.
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Staff Friendliness | 4.7 |
| Course Layout | 4.2 |
| Amenities | 3.9 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 |
Summer hours are 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, and winter hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Black Mountain Women’s Golf Association hosts play days from April to October. As you play, you’ll follow in the footsteps of many who’ve enjoyed it since the 20th century, like the historic courses of Charleston, South Carolina.
Reems Creek Golf Club
Reems Creek Golf Club is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a Scottish-style links experience in Weaverville. The course, designed by Hawtree & Sons, opened in 1989. It features stunning mountain views that amaze golfers.
The design by Hawtree & Sons is both challenging and fun. It reminds golfers of the Scottish Highlands. Reems Creek combines traditional and modern elements, making it great for all skill levels.
Recent renovations have made the course and facilities better. The clubhouse now has GPS-equipped carts for a better game. There are also pickleball courts and a restaurant nearby, making it a great spot for families and golf lovers.
Reems Creek Golf Club has a 3.9 rating from 148 reviews. 96.1% of reviewers recommend it. They praise its value, layout, and friendly vibe. Many also note the recent improvements and the layout’s challenges.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 36 Pink Fox Cove Rd., Weaverville |
| Year Built | 1989 |
| Architects | Fred Hawtree, Martin Hawtree, Simon Gidman |
| Green Fees | $50 for riding 18 holes |
| Discount Card | $69 for discounted rounds |
| Additional Amenities | Pickleball courts, restaurant, GPS-equipped carts |
Planning a golf trip to the Southeast? Check out the best golf courses in Destin, Florida. Reems Creek Golf Club is a top choice for a Scottish-inspired round in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Broadmoor Golf Links
Broadmoor Golf Links is in Fletcher, North Carolina, near Asheville. It’s a top-notch golf course, designed by Karl Litten. It covers over 7,000 yards and suits all skill levels.
The course offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River Valley. Its location near Asheville Regional Airport is perfect for travelers.
Broadmoor has tees from 5,600 to over 7,000 yards. This makes it challenging for every golfer. The course is designed to fit the natural landscape, offering a unique experience.
| Tee Type | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Holes with Cart | $59 | $69 |
| Twilight (after 2 PM) | $49 | $55 |
| Junior (under 17) | $25 | $30 |
Book tee times at Broadmoor up to 7 days in advance. The course opens at 7:30 AM every day. The last tee time is around 5:30 PM in peak season. Arrive 15 minutes early to start your round smoothly.
Planning Your Asheville Golf Getaway
Asheville’s golf scene is a mix of historic and modern courses. The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course is a gem, recently restored for $2.5 million. The Linville Golf Club, with its 6,952 yards, is a challenge for every golfer.
Prices for tee times vary. The Omni Grove Park Inn costs $200 per round. But, the municipal course is just $60, offering great value.
Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a unique experience at $250 per round. For those on a budget, Asheville Municipal Golf Course is a great choice. Many resorts have golf packages that include tee times and accommodations, making planning easier.
Asheville’s mild climate means you can play golf all year. Spring is the most popular time, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a beautiful backdrop. With over a million visitors to the Biltmore House each year, booking early is important to get your ideal tee time, especially in peak seasons. Whether you pick a luxury resort or a public course, Asheville’s golf scene is unforgettable.
