Story by Joanny Palsson
In 2026, professional golf returns to Western North Carolina with the Carolinas Open at The Cliffs at Mountain Park in July, followed in September by the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville—part of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Fall—marking the Tour’s first appearance in the Asheville area in more than eighty years and placing the region firmly back on the national golf map.
PGA TOUR Biltmore Championship Asheville
In 2026, professional golf will return to Western North Carolina. From September 17–20, the inaugural PGA TOUR Biltmore Championship Asheville will debut at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, marking the PGA TOUR’s first appearance in the Asheville area in more than eighty years. The announcement introduces a new chapter for the region and positions Walnut Cove as one of the most distinctive venues on the FedExCup Fall schedule.
The tournament will bring more than one hundred PGA TOUR players to a course renowned for its elevation changes, strategic design, and the rolling contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Jack Nicklaus Signature layout at Walnut Cove has long been regarded as a course that challenges players through nuance rather than brute force. Subtle terrain shifts, disciplined approach angles, and the balance between risk and control define the experience—a contrast to many traditional PGA TOUR setups. As Jordan Uppleger, Vice President of PGA TOUR Events, explained, “Anytime you get on a signature Jack Nicklaus course, it provides a really, really challenging competitive setting for our athletes,” a feature well suited to the PGA TOUR’s vision for a fall-season test.
For the PGA TOUR, selecting Walnut Cove was the result of history, familiarity, and proven championship potential. The property previously hosted a Korn Ferry Tour event, an experience that left a lasting impression. “We were familiar with the property from that perspective, and we knew that it could host championship-worthy golf,” Uppleger said.
The tournament’s name reflects the partnership behind it. The Biltmore Championship Asheville is supported by title sponsors Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville. Their involvement underscores a collaborative effort to showcase one of the region’s most compelling destinations on a national stage.
Asheville’s growing reputation as a hub for food, arts, and outdoor recreation further elevates the significance of hosting a PGA TOUR event. The landscape’s natural beauty will shape the experience for both players and spectators, adding to the tournament’s appeal.
Preparations for the Championship are already underway, with planners, partners, and the Walnut Cove community working to ensure the course and its surroundings meet the demands of a PGA TOUR event. From agronomic planning to spectator routing and hospitality, the effort reflects both the scale of the Championship and the pride the region takes in hosting it. Uppleger emphasized the strength of the partnership, noting the warm welcome and enthusiasm from The Cliffs community as “a true sign of success.”
The tournament also highlights the area’s potential as a long-term competitive golf destination. While Western North Carolina has long been celebrated for its scenic courses and strong recreational golf culture, securing a PGA TOUR event reinforces the region’s standing within the sport. Walnut Cove’s selection signals confidence in its infrastructure, community support, and the unique experience the course can offer players and fans. As Uppleger noted, “Highlighting The Cliffs is a fantastic way to show how beautiful the area is.”
The Biltmore Championship Asheville marks a pivotal moment for golf in the Carolinas. It brings professional competition back to a region rich in natural beauty and hospitality, while also serving as a meaningful opportunity to spotlight Asheville as it approaches the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, driving renewed tourism and national attention. As anticipation builds, Walnut Cove is poised to introduce a national audience to a course and community that has long been celebrated.
Learn more about the Biltmore Championship Asheville tournament here.
The Carolinas Open
The Cliffs at Mountain Park will proudly host the 2026 Carolinas Open, bringing one of the region’s most enduring championships to a venue known for its thoughtful design and strong ties to competitive golf. Scheduled for July 13–16, the event will draw top professionals and amateurs from across North and South Carolina to compete on a course that rewards precision and strategy. Mountain Park’s routing—walkable, naturally contoured, and seamlessly integrated with the landscape—offers a balanced but demanding test. Its riverfront movement and risk-reward opportunities make it an ideal stage for a championship with a history spanning more than a century. “Every hole out there is really memorable,” said Jeff Abbot, Executive Director of the Carolinas PGA. “It’s championship yardage with great greens and great conditioning… it’ll be a great test of golf.” For generations, the Carolinas Open has served as a proving ground for emerging talent and a stage for competitors who have shaped golf in the region. With more than one hundred years of history, its lineage includes revered names such as Bobby Locke, Dow Finsterwald, and Davis Love Jr.—all a testament to how deeply golf is woven into the fabric of the Carolinas. The Gary Player signature golf course’s setting further elevates the championship experience. Situated in a valley along the riverbed, Mountain Park offers a distinct links-style character and a dramatic finishing stretch. “The final three holes will have incredible theater,” Abbot noted, highlighting the long par-three at sixteen, the drivable par-four at seventeen, and the par-five closing hole where momentum can shift instantly. It’s a layout built for excitement and a worthy champion after fifty-four holes. Tournament week will also include a Monday Pro-Am supporting PGA REACH and its PGA HOPE programs for veterans. As preparations begin, the Carolinas Open stands as a reminder of the tradition and longevity of competitive golf in the region. In 2026, one of the Carolinas’ most storied events will once again unfold on a course that embodies the heritage of golf in the Southeast.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To see more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
