6 Mountain Golf Courses in North and South Carolina
Playing 18 holes at a mountain golf course in the Carolinas is an unforgettable experience. Oftentimes, these mountain courses are characterized by dramatic changes in elevation, providing unparalleled views. With natural elements like gentle streams and rivers, wild native grasses, and mature trees lining the holes, being out on a mountain golf course is like taking a hike through the forest — while putting your golf skills to the ultimate test. Let’s take a look at six mountain golf courses in the Carolinas that are perfect for players of all ages.
1. The Cliffs at Glassy
The Cliffs at Glassy sits more than 3,000 feet above sea level and is South Carolina’s only true mountaintop golf course. Designer Tom Jackson created a golfing experience that flows naturally with the landscape, making it a world-class golfing experience for members at The Cliffs. If you’re a member at The Cliffs, your membership also grants you exclusive access to the other six golf courses at The Cliffs, including our second mountain golf course: The Course at Mountain Park. While Mountain Park is a traditional links-style course, it provides gorgeous mountain views that are worthy of a mention!
As players make their way through the course on Glassy Mountain, they will notice the gradual ascend and descend of the design. The signature 13th hole is known for its 75-mile long views of the mountains, which can make it hard to focus on the game at hand! This is just one of the many reasons why this course was ranked fourth most scenic in the nation. The first and third holes of the mountain golf course also provide spectacular views of a long lake and rocky granite cliff.
2. The Cliffs at Mountain Park
Golfing at The Cliffs at Mountain Park is a balance between modern design and rustic elements. The course was designed by Gary Player to stay true to the native landscape. Upon opening, it was named one of GOLF Magazine’s Best New Modern Courses.
With waves of native grasses, dramatic mounding throughout the course, and a meandering river flowing through 14 of the course’s 18 holes, Mountain Park is a golfing adventure unlike any other. While a links style course by definition, this course provides the look and feel of a mountain golf course as it’s tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After a round of golf, don’t forget to be on the lookout for the two beautiful Bloodhounds, Copper and Shugar, that casually roam The Cabin grounds.
3. Mt. Mitchell Golf Course
Located at the base of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest mountain in the Appalachian Mountains is the Mount Mitchell Golf Course. This mountain golf course is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it easy to access from nearby Asheville. It is fairly level, with a river meandering through and the grand mountain as the backdrop. The course is a player friendly par 72 and doesn’t have any blind spots, so you can allow for a little distraction from the game at hand.
4. Boone Golf Club
Located in the High Country of the Carolina mountains, the Boone Golf Club is one of the best public golf courses in the area. Designed in 1959 by Ellis Maples — also known for having designed some of the South’s best courses —this course provides some of the best views of the Carolina Highcountry. Holes 1, 6, and 10 are signature holes on the course with views of the surrounding mountain ranges. After enjoying the views during a round of golf, be sure to take a stroll, or grab a bite to eat, in downtown Boone or Blowing Rock, two charming towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
5. Bald Mountain Golf Course
A popular course for all ages, Bald Mountain golf course was designed by William B. Lewis and built in 1968. This course has splendid mountain vistas of the rocky cliffs it’s suitably named after. The course can be a challenge for players given its tight fairways and slight elevation changes, as a result of the mountain landscape it was built upon. The 16th hole is a signature hole on the course, and is the film location for one of the scenes from the iconic movie, Dirty Dancing.
6. Paris Mountain Country Club
The Paris Mountain Country club is home to a family-friendly mountain golf course further south in Greenville, SC. The original course was designed in 1938 by J.P. Traynham, while the modern course in place today was redesigned in 1980 by Tom Jackson. Located at the base of Paris Mountain, nine of the 18 holes offer views of small ponds, lakes and rivers that form the mountain golf course. With tight, tree-lined fairways and greens that are small and fast, this course is a challenge for players of all skill levels.
Golf Membership at The Cliffs
When you become a golf member, you have access to all seven of the premier golf courses at The Cliffs. Each of these courses was designed by top golf architects and former greats of the game, making for a spectacular golfing experience at each course. So, why should you have to choose just one?
Golf members can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from The Cliffs Valley and golfing along the shores of Lake Keowee at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards golf course. The Cliffs hosts various professional and collegiate tournaments throughout the year, such as the BMW Charity Pro-Am and the Clemson Invitational. There are also many member golf tournaments, where you can take part in a friendly competition with other members of The Cliffs community.
In addition to access to all of the courses, members are encouraged to take part in the many activities and amenities that come with the membership. With wellness centers for weight and cardio training, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, various sports courts, such as tennis and pickleball, in addition to social clubs, there is never an uneventful moment at The Cliffs.
The first step toward becoming a golf member is to find your property at The Cliffs. With many available homesites for building your dream home, whether it be nestled in the mountains or along the shores of Lake Keowee. If you’re looking to get settled into your new home quickly, there are many turn-key homes and townhomes to choose from. Get started by browsing through your options directly online, or contact our Real Estate Team to help guide you through the process.
