Does your diet consist of a “lot of greens?” Are your favorite sayings “Tee it high and let it fly” or “Mistakes are proof that I’m trying?” Hmmm, sounds like you might be… a golfer! Well, if you’re a golf fanatic then you must also know that North Carolina is one of America’s leading golf meccas. You may also know that one of the game’s legends, Donald Ross, designed 40+ public and private courses between Wilmington and Asheville alone; in fact, Ross’s name is practically synonymous with golf in North Carolina. But did you know that Western North Carolina offers plenty of high-caliber public courses within minutes of Asheville and Wildberry Lodge, including the courses highlighted below?
Omni Grove Park Golf Course, Asheville
(18 holes, 6,400 yd par 70)
Part of the Omni Park Inn Resort. Originated in 1899, redesigned by Donald Ross in 1926. This championship course has been rated #20 on Golf Advisor’s Top 100 Courses in North Carolina (2018), and was a regular PGA Tour stop from 1933 through 1951. PGA stars Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus have teed it up at Omni, as well as President Obama in 2018. The tree-lined fairways feature stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville Municipal Golf Course, Asheville
(18 holes, 6,420 yd par 72)
Built in 1927, designed by Donald Ross. One of the oldest courses in Western North Carolina, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This classically-designed course is both challenging and fun. While you can get away with a driver on most of the front nine, accuracy rules the day on the back nine.
Mount Mitchell Golf Club, Burnsville
(18 holes, 6,495 yd par 72)
The only non-Ross designed course on our list, built in 1975, designed by Fred Hawtree, this player-friendly flat course has no blind shots. The biggest challenge to the golfer is the spectacular scenery, which can make it hard to concentrate on one’s game! Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about an hour from Asheville.
Black Mountain Municipal Golf Course, Black Mountain
(18 holes, 6,215 yd par 71)
Built in 1929, with a front nine designed by Donald Ross, the course is located at the foot of the Black Mountain Range, set amidst spectacular mountain views seventeen miles east of Asheville. The famous par 6 17th hole at one time was the longest hole in the world, at 747 yards.
Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course, Lake Lure
(9 holes, 2,965 yd par 35)
Originally an 18-hole Donald Ross design, only the existing 9 holes were completed due to financial struggles during the Great Depression. The existing clubhouse is a log-cabin design, built in the 1930’s as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project. All of the above is part of the Lake Lure charm. This affordable course is favored by golfers of all skill levels, with plenty of strong challenges. The amazing mountain scenery is a bonus!
After your round of golf and trip to the 19th hole, begin your 20th hole at Wildberry Lodge with libations on our spacious deck overlooking the mountains and valley. Our comfortable beds will have you feeling rested and relaxed, ready to begin the day anew with breakfast in your room or “socially distanced” outside with more than 6′ between tables as per our COVID-19 policy. Check out our specials, book online or call us at 828-683-2525.
