Balsam Mountain
As summer temperatures swelter in much of the country, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina can be mighty attractive. In particular, a trip to the Asheville area can bring comfortable temperatures, spectacular scenery, a great local arts scene, terrific craft breweries and restaurants, and, of course, some rather pleasant to exceptional golf.
This western North Carolina city of just under 100,000 residents has become a popular retirement spot in recent years because of its mild climate, beauty, and laid-back vibe. As a tourist, there’s so much to do, like take the tour of the famous Biltmore Estate (and winery), peruse Asheville’s unique bookstores, shop one of Asheville’s many farmer’s markets, hike on mountain trails, or even see a baseball game, where the appropriately named Asheville Tourists (the Houston Astros’ high A team) play in one of the coolest little ballparks in the country.
Where to tee it up in Asheville
As for golf, there’s plenty from which to choose. The top public option in Asheville is located at the more than 100-year-old Omni Grove Park Inn. The course, which opened in the late 1800s, was redesigned by Donald Ross in 1923. In 2002, it underwent a restoration to restore the Ross features. It is routed through gentle hills with difficult greens that require an excellent short game. The par-70 layout, which is around 6,600 yards from the tips, has tree-lined fairways, a few bunkers, and some water that comes into play. It’s beautiful and deceptively difficult.
The Omni Grove Park Inn resort, which has hosted presidents and titans of industry, is an experience all its own, featuring mineral pools in the subterranean spa, wonderful restaurants and bars, and luxurious accommodations.
If staying here or playing the course at Omni Grove Park Inn is a little out of your budget, or if you just want to experience another Ross course, Asheville Municipal Golf Course is another great option. Unfortunately, it was damaged extensively in 2024 from Hurricane Helene (right after a years-long renovation), so only the back nine has been open. The front nine is expected to reopen sometime in late 2026 or 2027. Expectations are that it will be better than ever. For now, you can play the back nine twice, which is highly recommended.
And if that’s not enough Ross for you, check out Black Mountain Golf Course, another muni designed by the great master. Located in Black Mountain, about 15 minutes east of Asheville, this little par-71 Ross gem stretches out to just over 6,200 yards with rolling fairways, tough greens, and mountain views.
And finally, if you’re looking for a quick round in Asheville, the Crowne Plaza Tennis & Golf Resort has a nifty little nine-hole executive course that’s pretty enjoyable.
Omni Grove Park Inn
Great mountain golf in the area
Just south of Asheville is Hendersonville, a wonderful bedroom community with lots of local shops, restaurants, breweries, a popular playhouse, and a pretty nice golf course. Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club is a semi-private facility with a superb Bob Cupp design that features three picturesque par-3 holes on the back nine, with one that pretty much hangs over a cliff. The course has streams, elevation change, and views that go on for dozens of miles, and it ends with back-to-back par-5s.
For the best golf in the Asheville area, however, you might want to figure out how to get on at Balsam Mountain Preserve, which has a limited number of tee times available to the public. Or you can schedule a stay-and-play discovery visit if you’re interested in considering property out there. Either way, it’s a special experience.
The course at Balsam Mountain is as difficult as it is beautiful. Located near Sylva, about 40 miles southwest of Asheville, this Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay championship course is set in the mountains, with each hole basically being set in its own valley. The peaceful scene is rivaled by the difficulty of many of the holes. Stray from the fairway, and you’re likely taking a drop somewhere or re-teeing, and there are several forced carries. Still, it’s an unforgettable experience, and Sylva, which also has a nice collection of breweries, restaurants, and art galleries, is a great spot to visit as well.
A little more accessible than Balsam Mountain, perhaps, is just down the road at the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. This course has a Ross connection, too, as architect Bobby Weed converted the original 27 holes that had nine holes designed by Ross, into a much better 18-hole course that plays just over 6,500 yards. The course, which meanders through the hillsides with pot bunkers and undulating greens, is open to guests of the Inn as well as members.
Also nearby is Springdale Golf Resort, another pretty mountain layout that’s pretty challenging at 6,800 yards long. Located in Canton, the course’s signature hole, the 13th, is dubbed the “Springdale Spasm” because of its difficulty through the trees.
Another worthy option in the area is Maggie Valley Club & Resort, which has been around for well over 60 years. The resort offers condos for rent and a 6,500-yard golf course that has a memorable back nine in the mountains.
A little farther out and worth the drive in Whittier is Sequoyah National Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that opened in 2009. Owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, the course is an immaculately conditioned, spectacular 6,800-yard layout through the Great Smoky Mountains with excellent practice facilities and service.
Finally, if you travel about an hour southeast of Asheville, there’s Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, which offers 36 holes of fun golf. The better of the two courses is the Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley, which has significant elevation changes. But the other course has a claim to fame as a scene from the movie, “Dirty Dancing,” was filmed near the 16th green there.
Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club
How to get to Asheville
If you’re flying in, you can get direct flights into Asheville from several major hubs, including Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, and Denver. Or you could take an unforgettable drive through the mountains from several cities that aren’t too far away, like Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and even Washington D.C.
The best time to visit the area is undoubtedly summer and fall, the latter of which presents spectacular autumn colors and nice cool temperatures. It’s great to visit in the springtime as well, but the golf courses are usually in the best shape from June through October.