The western North Carolina mountains offer some of the nation's most spectacular golf communities, where championship courses wind through ancient peaks and pristine valleys. From Jack Nicklaus Signature layouts to Tom Fazio masterpieces, these gated enclaves combine world-class golf with mountain luxury living—all within reach of Asheville's vibrant cultural scene and Blue Ridge Parkway adventures.
Finding the Right Golf Community in North Carolina's Mountains
Western North Carolina continues to attract serious golfers from across the country who seek the perfect combination of championship-caliber courses, stunning mountain scenery, and sophisticated amenities. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the foothills, the region offers diverse golf communities, each with its own character, challenge level, and lifestyle focus. Some feature nationally recognized courses that have earned accolades from Golf Digest and Golfweek, while others provide intimate, walkable layouts perfect for daily play.
But with so many exceptional options, choosing the right community can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the complexity. Curated by local golf and real estate experts, it showcases the most sought-after golf communities based on course quality, amenities, home values, and buyer interest. Every profile includes essential details: course specifications, home price ranges, club amenities, and honest insights about what makes each community special.
Whether you're seeking a Jack Nicklaus Signature experience, a historic Donald Ross design, or a Tom Fazio masterpiece, this guide helps you compare options side by side. When you're ready to explore further—whether that's scheduling a golf round, touring homes, or discussing membership options—we're here to connect you with the right local experts.
1. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove — Arden
Straddling the edge of Pisgah National Forest just 11 miles from downtown Asheville, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove delivers a rare combination of championship golf and pristine wilderness. The centerpiece is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course—a par-71 layout that Golf Digest named among the best in North Carolina and Golfweek recognized as one of America's finest residential courses.
The course winds through elevations from 2,100 to 2,250 feet, offering dramatic changes in terrain and perspective. The front nine flows across rolling former farmland with strategic bunkers and open vistas, while the back nine threads through forested valleys carved by mountain streams. Standout holes include the par-4 seventh, requiring a precise approach over water to a green surrounded on three sides, and the scenic par-3 16th that plays across a creek beneath the forest canopy.
A Tudor-style clubhouse anchors the Golf Village, featuring men's and women's locker facilities, wine storage, farm-to-table dining at the Tavern, and the Turnhouse Pavilion for quick refreshments. The 18,000-square-foot Wellness Center adds indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, comprehensive fitness facilities, and spa services, while miles of private hiking trails connect to the 715-acre Turtleback Falls Preserve.
The community also operates Creekside Farm, a 60-acre CSA providing fresh produce, eggs, and honey to both club dining and member subscriptions. Housing options span townhomes and cottages to custom mountain estates, with the Luxury Build Program offering expedited construction timelines for buyers seeking custom features without extended wait times.
Course highlights
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus Signature
- Par: 71
- Length: 4,646–7,270 yards
- Slope: 124.0–148.0 | Rating: 66.8–75.8
- Home course for UNC Asheville Women's Golf Team
Need-to-know
- Tudor clubhouse with farm-to-table dining and wine room
- 18,000 sq ft Wellness Center with pools and spa
- Reciprocal privileges at six other Cliffs clubs
- Guarded gates, extensive hiking trails, and an on-site CSA farm
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 11.5 mi
- Blue Ridge Parkway 3 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $1M–$5M+
- Homesites $150K–$2M+
Explore current homes for sale in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove »
2. Springdale — Canton
Located in Cruso, just 40 minutes southwest of Asheville, Springdale Resort at Cold Mountain blends mountain serenity with southern hospitality. Over 50 years of tradition meet the splendor of the Smoky Mountains in this 400-acre resort, where the 18-hole championship course threads through rolling hills at elevations reaching 3,200 feet.
The par-72 layout spans 6,969 yards and features the infamous "Springdale Spasm"—a 476-yard par-4 13th hole that demands a strong tee shot and precise approach to an elevated green protected by bunkers. The front nine meanders through the valley alongside the east fork of the Pigeon River, bordered by mountains like Sugar Top and Rocky Face, while the back nine climbs into the mountains with breathtaking views of Cold Mountain.
Golf carts come equipped with GPS, water, tees, and towels, while the Village Grill snack bar provides on-course refreshments. Practice facilities include a driving range and putting green, complemented by personal instruction available through the pro shop.
Rocky Face Tavern, recipient of Golf Inc's 2023 Golden Fork Award, serves as the community's dining centerpiece with its upscale casual atmosphere and Southern-inspired menu. The 7,000-square-foot venue features an outdoor fireplace and mountain views overlooking the 18th green. Additional amenities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and meeting spaces designed for events and gatherings.
The resort welcomes both members and daily fee players, with memberships available for those seeking a home course in the mountains. Surrounding real estate opportunities include homesites overlooking the golf course, with some lot sales including Springdale Resort member initiation fees.
Course highlights
- Designer: Joseph Holmes & Ron Garl
- Par: 72
- Length: 6,812 - 6,969 yards
- Slope: 130
- Rating: 72.5
- 3,200 feet of elevation
Need-to-know
- Rocky Face Tavern won Golf Inc’s 2023 Golden Fork Award
- Offers lodge-style clubhouse and golf amenities including pro shop, clinics, and practice areas
- Offers 24/7 fitness center, heated pool, hot tub, and gazebo
- Near Pisgah ridge scenic hiking trails
Driving distance
- AVL Airport 34.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 30 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $1.35M–$1.8M
- Homesites $49.5K–$345K +
Explore current homes for sale in Springdale »
3. Champion Hills — Hendersonville
Located on rolling ridges seven miles from historic downtown Hendersonville, Champion Hills showcases what Tom Fazio calls one of his proudest design achievements. The championship course features 350 feet of elevation change across 6,719 yards, with meticulously sculpted fairways that encourage favorable bounces while maintaining strategic challenge for all skill levels.
Golfweek ranks it among the best residential courses in America, while Golf Digest named it the #1 year-round course in western North Carolina. The layout takes full advantage of mountain topography, with streams, forested hills, and deep ravines creating both visual drama and strategic options. Multiple tee sets accommodate different playing abilities, while generous fairways and thoughtful design philosophy prioritize enjoyment alongside challenge.
The clubhouse serves as the community's social hub, offering both elegant dining and casual fare with locally sourced ingredients. Seasonal wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and holiday celebrations keep the social calendar full year-round. Beyond golf, residents enjoy a fully equipped fitness and wellness center, lighted tennis courts with programming for various skill levels, and 17 miles of marked walking trails that showcase the region's four-season beauty.
Member-run clubs and volunteer opportunities create strong community bonds, from bridge groups and travel clubs to charitable initiatives supporting local nonprofits. The mild mountain climate allows for comfortable year-round golf, while protected covenants preserve the mature forest canopy—clear-cutting is prohibited and significant pruning requires approval.
Course highlights
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,719 yards
- Slope: 136
- Rating: 71.3
- 350 feet of elevation change
Need-to-know
- Clubhouse with fine and casual dining
- Fitness center, tennis courts, 17+ miles of hiking trails
- Active social clubs and volunteer opportunities
- Environmental protections preserve the forest canopy
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 16 mi
- Downtown Asheville 29 mi
- Hendersonville 7 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $535K–$1.7M+
Explore current homes for sale in Champion Hills »
4. Country Club of Asheville (North Asheville)
Established in 1894 as one of America's first private clubs, the Country Club of Asheville offers historic prestige in the heart of North Asheville's most coveted neighborhoods. The golf course, designed by legendary architect Donald Ross and updated by Richard Mandell in 2016, features bent grass fairways with challenging length and dramatic elevation changes.
The par-70 layout spans 6,677 yards with multiple uphill and downhill shots that test course management skills. Hole 16 provides enchanting views of Asheville and surrounding mountains, while the long par-3 17th ranks among the course's most difficult challenges. The 25-tee driving range, putting green, and chipping areas offer comprehensive practice facilities, complemented by personal instruction and an indoor SkyTrak golf simulator.
Club amenities extend well beyond golf: an Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis facilities, indoor pickleball courts, and a new 2,500-square-foot fitness center. Dining options range from casual family fare to refined mountain cuisine, often enjoyed on outdoor terraces overlooking the course and distant peaks.
The surrounding North Asheville neighborhoods—including Lake View Park, Grove Park, Hills of Beaverdam, and Lakeshore Heights—feature a mix of historic homes from grand plantation styles to European-influenced architecture. Many properties offer walking access to privately-owned Beaver Lake and its surrounding park, designed by John Nolen, possibly with assistance from Frederick Law Olmsted.
Course highlights
- Designer: Donald Ross (updated by Richard Mandell 2016)
- Par: 70
- Length: 6,677 yards
- Slope: 133
- Rating: 72.3
- Historic 1894 founding
Need-to-know
- Olympic-size pool, tennis, pickleball, fitness center
- Practice facilities including indoor simulator
- Mountain view dining with outdoor terraces
- Walking access to Beaver Lake from many homes
Driving distances
- Downtown Asheville 1.5–4 mi
- Airport 16–20.5 mi
- Grove Park Inn adjacent
Price guidance
Varies by neighborhood and home style—see listings below.
Explore current homes for sale in North Asheville »
5. Balsam Mountain Preserve — Sylva
Forty minutes west of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve protects 3,200 acres of old-growth forest while offering an Arnold Palmer Signature Course that delivers 360-degree Smoky Mountain vistas from nearly every tee. With only 354 homesites planned across five square miles, the preserve ensures permanent low density and pristine natural settings.
The championship course threads ridge-to-ridge through mountain meadows and valleys, while the six-hole Palmer Practice Park provides additional opportunities for skill development and twilight play. The Boarding House clubhouse combines fine dining with an award-winning wine program, all enjoyed from rocking-chair porches that frame layered mountain sunsets.
Beyond golf, the preserve features an equestrian center with club horses, full boarding facilities, and 42 miles of riding trails. The wellness campus includes spa services and fitness facilities, while the Ruby Valley Sports Camp engages younger family members. A resort-style pool and tennis courts round out recreational amenities.
The Nature Center, staffed by resident naturalists, offers guided hikes, owl prowls, and citizen science projects that reinforce the community's conservation mission. The Balsam Mountain Trust ensures environmental stewardship while maintaining the preserve's "human settlement within a park" philosophy.
Course highlights
- Designer: Arnold Palmer Signature
- 360-degree mountain vistas from most holes
- Six-hole practice course included
- Ridge-to-ridge mountain terrain
Need-to-know
- Equestrian center with club horses and 42 miles of trails
- Nature Center with resident naturalists
- Fine dining at Boarding House with an award-winning wine list
- Only 354 homesites across 3,200 acres
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 45.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 40.5 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $1.59M
- Average homesite $550K
Explore current homes for sale in Balsam Mountain Preserve »
6. Connestee Falls — Brevard
A paradise for waterfall enthusiasts and lake lovers, Connestee Falls sprawls across forested ridges near artsy Brevard, 42 miles southwest of Asheville. George Cobb's semi-private 18-hole course climbs to 3,200 feet in elevation while threading sparkling ponds and mountain creeks, creating both scenic beauty and strategic water hazards.
The 26,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the community's activity hub, featuring indoor and outdoor dining, a dance floor, banquet facilities, and a comprehensive fitness-wellness wing. A six-court pickleball complex reflects the sport's growing popularity, while four year-round ClayTech tennis courts and two bocce lanes provide additional recreational options.
Twenty miles of private hiking trails crisscross the property, connecting waterfalls, creeks, and four stocked lakes ideal for bass, trout, and bluegill fishing. Paddleboards and kayaks are common sights during summer mornings, while lakeside parks offer picnic shelters with grills and a dedicated dog park.
Organic gardens with raised beds allow residents to grow their own produce, reinforcing the community's connection to natural living. With nearly half the acreage permanently conserved, Connestee Falls maintains a relaxed, nature-first atmosphere that attracts both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.
Course highlights
- Designer: George Cobb
- Semi-private access
- Elevation to 3,200 feet
- Mountain creeks and ponds throughout
Need-to-know
- 26,000 sq ft clubhouse with dining and fitness
- Six-court pickleball complex, tennis courts, bocce
- Four stocked lakes for fishing and paddling
- Organic gardens with raised beds for residents
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 28 mi
- Downtown Asheville 42 mi
- Brevard 10 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $712K
- Average homesite $54K
Explore current homes for sale in Connestee Falls »
6. Kenmure — Flat Rock
Anchored by the historic village of Flat Rock—known as "Little Charleston of the Mountains"—Kenmure spreads across 1,400 gated acres where 19th-century Lowcountry families once built English-style summer retreats. The George Cobb-influenced 18-hole championship course winds through gentle foothills terrain, while the nearby village maintains its cultural heritage with art galleries, cafés, and the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse.
Club amenities include heated indoor saline and outdoor lap pools, pickleball and tennis courts, bocce lawns, and a modern fitness center. Dining options range from white-tablecloth evenings to casual grill-room fare, while a robust community association supports diverse social clubs and volunteer initiatives.
The HOA's architectural committee ensures landscape-sensitive development that minimizes land disturbance, preserving the historic character that has attracted generations of mountain visitors. From Kenmure's gates, residents enjoy easy access to regional attractions: Asheville (34 miles), Greenville (40 miles), and the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
The community's location in the thermal belt provides a slightly milder climate than higher elevations, extending the golf season while maintaining the refreshing mountain atmosphere that originally drew Lowcountry families to this special place.
Course highlights
- George Cobb-influenced design
- 18-hole championship course
- Gentle foothills terrain
- Year-round playability in thermal belt
Need-to-know
- Heated indoor saline pool and outdoor lap pool
- Pickleball, tennis courts, bocce lawns
- Walking distance to Flat Rock Playhouse
- Historic village atmosphere with modern amenities
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 16.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 34 mi
- Flat Rock village adjacent
Price guidance
- Average home $1.2M
- Average homesite $159K
Explore current homes for sale in Kenmure »
Choosing your ideal North Carolina mountain golf community
Each of these communities offers distinct advantages for serious golfers seeking mountain living. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove provides Nicklaus championship golf with close Asheville access, while Champion Hills showcases Tom Fazio's artistry in a tight-knit Hendersonville setting. Historic Country Club of Asheville delivers Donald Ross tradition in established neighborhoods, and Balsam Mountain Preserve combines Palmer design with unmatched conservation focus.
For those drawn to lakes and waterfalls, Connestee Falls offers active outdoor living with affordable entry points, while Kenmure provides historic village charm with full country club amenities.
Consider factors like desired distance from Asheville, preferred course style and difficulty, community size and social atmosphere, and budget for both membership and real estate. Most communities welcome prospective members for golf rounds and facility tours—an essential step in finding your perfect mountain golf community.
Buy Confidently with the Best Luxury Real Estate Experts in the Area
For over 20 years, the luxury real estate experts at Private Mountain Communities have leveraged their in-depth understanding of the most sought-after communities in Western North Carolina to assist countless buyers in discovering their ideal luxury mountain home.
As a prominent leader in the luxury real estate market in Western North Carolina, our team comprises record-breaking agents, an award-winning marketing team, a Luxury Marketing Specialist, and exceptional administrative professionals, all dedicated to delivering outstanding results for our clients throughout the entire process.
- Deep on-site expertise: We’ve sold more Walnut Cove real estate than any other team.
- Real-time market data: Pricing guidance shaped by live MLS and off-market intelligence.
- Hands-on service: Private tours, builder introductions and closing coordination handled start to finish.
Through Private Mountain Community's affiliation with Walnut Cove Realty / Howard Hanna, our marketing reach extends globally through Luxury Portfolio International® and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Our tailored, data-driven approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation combined with exemplary service have been our hallmark for decades.
Ready to explore North Carolina's premier golf communities?
Contact our local golf and real estate experts to schedule private tours, discuss membership options, and explore available homes in your preferred communities. With deep knowledge of each course and community, we'll help you find the perfect combination of championship golf and mountain luxury living. Call us at (888) 517-3322 or take our use our community matching tool to get custom recommendations based on your preferences.
