Tag: north carolina

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

I have to be honest – My expectations were not very high for my visit to Rumbling Bald late last year. It’s not because the resort doesn’t measure up to some lofty personal standard, but because my visit came the week before Thanksgiving when the entire area is in holiday mode and most of the tourists are gone. This time of year the town of Lake Lure is as quiet and uncrowded as it is all year. The water level of this man-made lake was down about 5 feet from normal so they could perform annual maintenance of the almost 100 year old hydroelectric dam and everyone was getting ready for Thanksgiving, but that didn’t take away from my experience at all. In fact, I benefitted from the lack of crowds and the feeling that I had the whole place to myself!

The town of Lake Lure has a full time population of only 1100 people, but in the summer season, that number swells to over 12,000. I found the timing of my visit in mid-November to be fortuitous, because the weather was pretty good and there were no crowds at the resort’s golf courses or traffic on the twisty mountain roads that surround the area. This was important to me because I drove up to the Blue Ridge Mountains in my sports car with every intention of tossing it around on the legendary driving roads of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

When it comes to the northern shores of Lake Lure however, all roads lead to Rumbling Bald. Sitting on over 3000 acres of land on the northern edges of the lake, the resort has a little something for everyone, but family vacations are where this place shines. The 720 acres of Lake Lure are available to resort guests for all kinds of activities including boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming at the resort’s beach. If the weather turns bad, the wellness center’s indoor pool will keep the kids busy while mom and dad enjoy a spa treatment or take a fitness class.

When the weather breaks, head outside again and take a stroll on one of the hiking trails that surround the area. There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Rumbling Bald also offers lighted hard surface courts to play tennis, pickleball, basketball and more. There’s a .9 mile fitness trail that starts just outside the wellness center, and of course the 36 holes are golf are just steps away or a short drive down the road.

Speaking of golf – That’s where Rumbling Bald really shines. Of course I would say that, because I’m a golfer, but I believe most golfers will agree with me that this place delivers. The Bald Mountain Golf Course, located across the parking lot from the guest check-in and restaurant, is a unique layout with five par-5s and five par-3s. Designed by W.B. Lewis, the course measures only about 6300 yards from the back tees, but this is mountain golf, so throw out the yardage book. You’ll have to play shots here to score. Interesting Fact: The 16th hole was a shooting location for the movie “Dirty Dancing.”

The second course at Rumbling Bald is the Dan Maples designed Apple Valley Golf Course. Stretching to almost 6800 yards, this course has a great mix of holes that weave up and down the valley, with one of its defining features being that about three-quarters of all the shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, which is pretty hard to do when designing a course in the mountains. Most of the elevation changes on this course takes place on the back nine, where you descend into a valley and cross a pond that is fed by mountain streams, both of which will come into play a few times on your way back up to the clubhouse. Apple Valley is infinitely playable and a lot of fun, especially on a beautiful sunny, crisp November afternoon like I had. I was fortunate enough to be playing with the club champion, so I had someone showing me how you are SUPPOSED to play it as opposed to the way I was navigating the course. The playing conditions at Apple Valley, like the Bald Mountain course, were impeccable, even in this “shoulder” season as they call it.

There is a lot to do in the mountains of North Carolina. There is a seemingly endless list of resorts, attractions, destinations, parks and quaint little towns to visit, and planning out your trip can be a bit overwhelming. In my opinion, Lake Lure and Rumbling Bald make a perfect home base to explore this amazing area. It’s close to major city centers like Asheville, Spartanburg, Greenville, Charlotte and Atlanta and serviced by several major interstate highways I-40 and I-26. Lake Lure is a great place to disconnect because it’s remote enough to feel like you left civilization behind, but still within reach of all the big box stores and services you need. My first visit to Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure was a relaxing off-season getaway, but I suspect it won’t be my last.

For more information about Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure visit https://rumblingbald.com/ and https://www.townoflakelure.com/

March 16, 2022
Champion Hills – Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece

Legendary golf course designer Tom Fazio has signed his name to over 200 golf courses, and many of them are recognized on “best of” lists at state and national levels. Among his most acclaimed designs are several in the state of North Carolina, including BrightsCreek, Quail Hollow, Wade Hampton, and of course Pinehurst #8. But in the hills just outside of Hendersonville, NC and only minutes from his office is perhaps Fazio’s best design that you haven’t heard of.

Voted one of the best residential golf communities in the United States, Champion Hills Club has 730 acres nestled on the eastern edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains just eight minutes from downtown Hendersonville, 30 minutes from Asheville and about an hour from Greenville, SC. This ideal location affords members the ability to play golf year-round, while still experiencing seasonal changes in weather like frosty mornings in the fall while the colors change and warm, humid summer nights by the fire pit. The course was even rated the No. 1 year-round course in North Carolina.

His design company’s offices being less than six miles away, Tom Fazio was a natural choice to design a course on this amazing piece of property. Land that features such dramatic changes in elevation as this site does can make it very challenging to lay out a playable golf course, but making it friendly to play for all abilities, genders and age groups is even harder. After all, this is a member’s course. Fazio’s mastery of course routing resulted in a par 71 layout that doesn’t feel like mountain golf, while being in the mountains.

By using some clever routing and creating what Fazio calls “playing platforms” in the landing areas from tee to green, the course has only six holes that play uphill despite almost 350 feet of elevation change on the property. The majority of the holes play downhill, and a few of the drops are quite dramatic, such as the par three 9th hole that drops almost 125 feet from tee to green. This results in a very fair and playable course without missing out on those amazing mountain views. Fazio calls Champion Hills a “golf course in the mountains, not a mountain golf course.”

While the golf course may be the centerpiece of this community, it is far from the only thing going on at this active club. There are over 17 miles of maintained trails around the property, which helped Champion Hills get voted Best Hiking Community of the Year by Real Estate Scorecard in 2017. Champion Hills is also an active tennis club with lessons, clinics and leagues (Pickleball is coming soon), and they have a well-equipped, modern fitness center with two personal trainers and a professional staff to help you get in the best shape of your life, or just work off that big meal you ate last night.

Speaking of meals… The Mountain View Room is the highlight of the magnificent 25,000 square-foot clubhouse and Champion Hills’ main dining room, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a country club casual atmosphere. The culinary team brings creative ideas to classic recipes and are committed to approachability and service. Next door to the main dining room is the Fazio Pub, for lighter fare or to enjoy the game on TV and and a few beers after playing golf.

Champion Hills Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company. As such, full members at Champion Hills have access to Troon Privé Privileges, which gives them access to over 100 Troon private courses and amenities at Troon Privé member rates, as well as opportunities to experience 150+ resort and daily fee locations at preferred rates. Plus, all members of Troon Privé clubs receive special discounts with Avis Rental Cars, Ship Sticks, Entertainment, Marinas and more. tennis players also enjoy preferred access, rates and benefits at Cliff Drysdale Tennis clubs and resorts throughout the United States and Bermuda.

The Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina are among the most desirable places to raise a family or retire in the eastern United States. Among the many places to see, things to do and experiences to be had, Champion Hills Club stands out as one of the finest places to live and play in the region. Having spent a day there in the fall, I learned quickly how this residential community seems to be doing so many things right. From the immaculately conditioned golf course, to the gorgeous clubhouse and facilities, to the warm, welcoming staff and the active and diverse membership, Champion Hills Club has found a winning formula and deserves your attention.

To plan your visit and get more details about Real Estate, golf, memberships and more, visit www.championhills.com for more information.

February 10, 2022
Fall 2021 Golf Packages in the Carolinas
The end of the golf season may be just a few months away in the Northern states & Canada, but in North & South Carolina the season is still going strong! The arrival of Autumn in the Carolinas means the hot, humid conditions typical of summer in the Southeast give way to cool nights, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to spend a week or two relaxing, playing golf and enjoying the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer before gearing up for the holiday season.

Two of the better choices for a fall golf trip in the Carolinas are Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, North Carolina and Cherokee Valley Course and Club in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. These two gems are worth a serious look any time of year, but the fall season is a particularly great time of year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s some details about the resorts, and the fall vacation packages they have to offer.

Rumbling Bald

Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all between one and five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.

Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The property’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.
Fall Vacation Packages at Rumbling Bald

Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas. Lodging options abound, including the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee.

With a nod to the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’ lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon.

For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

Cherokee Valley Course and Club
Cherokee Valley Course and Club is situated amid the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge region adjacent to North Greenville University. It features the region’s only P.B. Dye-designed golf course, a mountain-style gem winding through rolling hills and deep dales, sprinkled with ample stretches of gently rolling fairways and trademark Dye green complexes.

A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountain-style layout can be added for $35 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $45 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability. Golfers have a choice of playing on an exciting Finn Cycle electric scooter or the new E-Z-GO RXV golf carts equipped with high-resolution GPS screens and Bluetooth speakers. All For more information on cottage rates, configurations, availability or to book visit the course and club’s Accommodations Page.

Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes along the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites offering privacy and ample room. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed, $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room, and $1,000 for “Cottage Six,” a two-story home with four bedrooms upstairs and a king bed master suite, one bedroom with four queens, two bathrooms and a game / theater room downstairs.

Golfers enjoying a golf package at Cherokee Valley can now walk from their cottage to the course and club’s new full-service restaurant and gathering place, Core 450. Opened in May, Core 450 overlooks the ninth and 18^th greens evoking memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine.

Cherokee Valley has also partnered with the historic Westin Poinsett in beautiful downtown Greenville to offer value-laden packages. Located in the heart of one of America’s most acclaimed cities, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is an easy 30-minute drive from the course. Packages include a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via our Partners Page.

For more information on golf packages and memberships, visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.
August 27, 2021
Off Season Golf at Pinehurst – Play More, Spend Less
2020 was a crazy year. While COVID-19 was a huge downer for the economy, it hit the tourism industry especially hard as people’s travel plans had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. But golf didn’t seem to take as much of a beating. In many places, golf was one of the more popular outdoor activities that you could safely participate in during the lockdown, thanks to the game’s built-in social distancing.

According to the National Golf Foundation, Golf rounds in June 2020 were up in every state in the continental U.S., including an increase of at least 20% in golf-rich states like Arizona (+29%), Florida (+25%), Georgia (+24%), Texas (+23%), Pennsylvania (+22%) and Ohio (+21%).

The results of this increase in golf led to a boom in golf club & accessory sales also. According to research firm Golf Datatech, sales of all categories of golf equipment set new records in July 2020. Golf equipment and accessory numbers were the highest for a single month since the company began tracking information in 1997. Sales at on and off-course retailers were $388.6 million, which easily surpassed the previous best two months (June 2007 at $368.1 million and June 2006 at $364.0 million).

Pinehurst Resort – Offseason Play in the Cradle of American Golf

I witnessed this mini boom in golf firsthand when I visited Pinehurst Resort in July 2020. Bookings at the resort were through the roof, with near 100% occupancy at the resort’s hotels and tee sheets that were booked solid at all 9 courses. With a packed house and people everywhere, I thought the resort did a really nice job with social distancing and found a good balance between safety, sanitation and hospitality. With ten courses (9 courses + The Cradle short course), three hotels, villas & condos and 10 restaurants, it’s pretty easy to spread people out, and nothing ever feels crowded except at peak meal times.

The Carolina Hotel

Pinehurst is a special place, and with some time off and nothing better to do, I decided to return and spend Thanksgiving week in the sandhills of North Carolina on a solo pilgrimage. Not only are the crowds light at this time of year, but the Village of Pinehurst and the surrounding area were in full holiday mode when I arrived, which adds to the overall experience. The resort is just a 7 hour drive from home, so I was able to avoid the rush of holiday travelers at the airport.

The weather was ideal for a holiday golf getaway, with daytime highs in the 70s and evening lows in the high 40s for perfect “sweater weather.” The area was noticeably less crowded than my first trip four months prior in July. It almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. In fact, one morning when I showed up for an early tee time on Pinehurst #4, I literally had the entire practice tee, chipping area and putting green to myself for a while. It was an a amazing sight, given how busy that same area was the first time I was there.

Pinehurst at Dawn

For several reasons I think a Thanksgiving visit to Pinehurst is very much worth considering for a family trip or solo getaway. Not only is the weather great and the crowds light, the cost is way cheaper too. For example, from November through February the rates for Pinehurst Resort’s popular Donald Ross Package drop more than 50%!

The weather cools off in the winter, but most golfers (and especially those living north of the Mason Dixon line) will not be dissuaded, with December and January highs usually in the 50s and February highs climbing into the 60s. Of course there can be big swings in highs and lows, so be sure to check the weather before packing.

Beyond Pinehurst Resort – North Carolina’s Sandhills

Pinehurst Resort may be the crown jewel and the center of attention for the region, but there are plenty of other options near by that add to the experience of golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina. My Thanksgiving trip included warm-up stops at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles, both fantastic Donald Ross designs that have tons of character and history. The best part? Tee times at both courses were only $85 – A steal if you ask me. Mid Pines is a classic Ross design that is meticulously maintained and virtually unchanged from the original 1921 design, making it an absolute blast to play. Pine Needles will soon be the first course in the nation to host four U.S. Women’s Opens and is the #4 rated course in NC by Golfweek.
Tobacco Road GC #1
Tobacco Road GC #8
Tobacco Road GC #9
Tobacco Road GC #13
Tobacco Road GC #14
Tobacco Road GC #18
30 minutes north of Pinehurst Village is a golf experience that is unlike anywhere in the world. In 1998, the late Mike Strantz crafted a masterpiece of golf design called Tobacco Road Golf Club. Challenging yet playable, this unique design can be visually overwhelming and playing it can feel a little like riding a roller coaster. It’s not long by modern standards at just over 6500 yards from the longest tees, but it’s very fair. Good shots will be rewarded, but bad shots will be severely punished. I think it must be played to really understand the mystique of the place. In my experience, you either love it or hate it, but most love it. Personally, I think Tobacco Road is in my top 5 golf courses I’ve played in the world. Rates during the winter months vary, but most are under $100 and get cheaper when booked as a package.

Conclusions

The sandhills of North Carolina are a mecca for golf in the Eastern United States, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the cradle of American golf year-round. The weather may not always be perfect, but with golf there’s never a guarantee of perfect weather, even at the peak times in spring and early summer. The biggest benefits of visiting Pinehurst in the late fall and winter are twofold – There are less people, and it’s as much as 50% cheaper. My solo trip for Thanksgiving 2020 was fantastic. I enjoyed good weather, uncrowded courses that were still in fantastic shape, equally uncrowded restaurants, and prices that made the entire experience feel like I was stealing.

Pro Tip: During your stay at Pinehurst, be sure to take advantage of the BMW Guest Drive Program that allows guests of the resort to choose any vehicle from a fleet of new BMWs for a free 3-hour test drive. I spent one very entertaining evening in the fantastic 550 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 powered BMW X5 M550i.
January 24, 2021
Pinehurst Resort Trip Log – Day 2
Our first full day at Pinehurst Resort for this trip was packed full, starting with a full, hearty breakfast an the Carolina Hotel in one of the great restaurants called the Carolina Room. The breakfast buffet includes all the usual items like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and they add some distinctly southern charm with fresh grits, griddle cakes and biscuits & gravy. The omelet bar is also fully stocked. You won’t leave the Carolina Room with an empty stomach, that’s for sure.

Catch up on our trip by reading the Trip Log from Day 1 here.

INSIDER TIP: Since we’re on the topic of food – I highly recommend adding the meal plan when you book your visit to Pinehurst get access to this great breakfast and a full dinner each day. Everything I ordered during my stay was fantastic, and with 6 restaurants to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.

To start the day we had a tee time lined up at The Cradle – A 9-hole short course that’s nestled in a valley behind the main clubhouse where the first holes of the #1 and #3 courses used to be. Designed by Gil Hanse who also recently redesigned the #4 course, The Cradle’s nine holes range from 56 yards up to 127 yards. Most players carry a few wedges and a putter to navigate this little gem. Even though we played it in the morning, the best time to go is after dinner.
Up at the top of the hill between the 3rd and 4th holes and along the walk between 8 and 9 sits a small teardrop trailer bar called The Acorn. It’s a very popular spot in the late afternoon when players come off one of the big courses and want to enjoy a few adult beverages while settling some bets on the short course. The atmosphere is similar to that of a low-key college block party, with music playing, drinks flowing and people navigating the fabulous par three course in various sized groups, attire and states of mind. It’s not uncommon for groups of 5 or 6 to play the course barefoot with a drink in hand. It’s all about unwinding at The Cradle.

We teed off on the No. 4 course just after lunch for a nice walk with our caddie and were fortunate to avoid any bad weather the rest of the afternoon. It had rained quite hard the previous evening, but the course drained very well. Being in the sandhills region of North Carolina has immense benefits for golf, and good irrigation and drainage is just one of them.
Unfortunately I had never played the No. 4 course prior to the renovation by Gil Hanse but from what I saw the accolades Mr. Hanse and Pinehurst Resort received for their work are well deserved. The layout of the No. 4 course caught me off guard, with dramatic elevation changes and water features I was not anticipating. The routing is quite brilliant at saving the player from having to walk up too many steep slopes, even though there are several holes that play very much down hill. The steepest slope is on the monstrous Par-4 5th hole that measures 489 yards from tha back tees. It takes a bomb off the tee to reach the top of the hill, but if you do you’re rewarded by a downslope that can add 20+ yards to your tee shot.

After a grueling test of golf from the back tees on the No. 4 course, I understand why this course (along with the No. 2) was selected as host venue for the 2019 US Amateur Championship.

Enjoying a drink at “The Deuce” behind the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2

After 9 at The Cradle and 18 on the No. 4 course, our evening started with a few drinks at The Deuce, which is the restaurant & bar located in the clubhouse right behind the 18th green of the No. 2 course. The patio is a fantastic place to sit in an old rocking chair and watch the late groups coming up the 18th hole. Later in the evening as the alcohol starts to flow more liberally, the folks on the patio are a little less reserved and have a habit of cheering or clapping for good shots, and jeering and booing the poor ones. It’s a great atmosphere, and I look forward to my own walk up the 18th hole, hoping to get cheers from the crowd.

Our final stop for the day was dinner at the famed Pinehurst Brewing Company. It’s not only the best microbrew in the sandhills, but it’s also the best smokehouse. They serve up pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and chicken smoked on site. I got the sampler to try everything, and it was fantastic. The great thing is, Pinehurst Brewing Company is also included in the meal plans as part of your package.

Day 2 was a full day, and wore us out. Time for a restful sleep to recharge, because tomorrow we take on the legendary No. 2 course!
July 7, 2020
Pinehurst Resort Trip Log – Day 1
My buddy and I left Daytona Beach, Florida this morning for the 485 mile drive to the village of Pinehurst, North Carolina for a weekend in the cradle of American golf and the amazing courses it has to offer. The drive took just over 7 hours (not including a stop for lunch) and we made it in less than a full tank of gas.

We arrived just before dinner and checked in to the Carolina Hotel, then headed straight to the main clubhouse to roll some putts around the “Thistle Dhu” Putting Course, which is simply a huge extremely sloping putting green with 18 holes to challenge you and your buddies. The tee markers are also cup holders, which comes in handy because it’s the perfect place to consume a few adult beverages, trash talk and settle some outstanding bets after a round.

After 18 holes on the putting course and a quick tour of the clubhouse and pro shop, we enjoyed dinner at the Pinehurst Brewing Company, which is a must when coming to town. The food is fantastic, the beer selection is diverse and the atmosphere is laid back. Insider Tip: Get the smoked chicken wings!

Tomorrow we will warm up with a quick round on the “Cradle” short course, followed by 18 holes on the newly renovated No. 4 course. Stay tuned!
June 19, 2020
Mountain Golf Escape: Rumbling Bald Resort on North Carolina’s Lake Lure

There’s always been a certain magical quality to mountain golf. In the Carolinas, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston and the Brunswick Islands have more than their fair share of outstanding layouts. And the central Piedmont of both states surprises with some real hidden gems.

But there’s something special about packing up the car full of golf gear and heading into the North Carolina’s stunning section of Blue Ridge Mountains. Maybe it’s the cooler weather in the late spring and summer. In the fall, it is all about the colorful foliage and playing golf in a sweater or fleece pullover.

For most golfers, though, the connection is more visceral than the weather. Mountain golf is a way to escape the pace and stress of today’s hurry-up, always-on lifestyle. Rumbling Bald Resort on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure is all about offering golfers a refuge from the daily grind.

“We want golfers to get here, unplug, play 18 or 36 holes and shed the stress of the hurry-up, always-on lifestyle we lead,” says Jeff Geisler, General Manager at Rumbling Bald Resort. “Post round, they can relax over a hearty meal and a cold beverage, then retreat to the deck of their vacation rental with cigar or night cap.”

The Golf Courses

Adam Bowles, Head of Golf Operations at Rumbling Bald, is quick to point out that the resort’s two mountain courses, Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, offer decidedly different, yet complementary, experiences.

Bowles says the key to playing Bald Mountain is understanding the effects of uphill and downhills slopes. Longtime Laurel of Asheville golf writer Chuck Werle once said Bald Mountain designer W.B. Lewis was “part man, part mountain goat.”

“Bald Mountain is what most golfers would refer to as a classic mountain course,” says Bowles. “The back nine especially offers a mix of uphill and downhill holes that require adjustments in club selection, trajectory and spin.”

One case in point being the par-4 11 hole. The uphill approach shot is the most extreme on the course and can easily call for an extra club or two, depending on the wind speed and direction. It’s the 383-yard par-4 10^th hole preceding 11 that is one of Bowles favorite on the layout, however.

An elevated tee shot offers harrowing glimpse of a creek on the left and a thick row of trees on the right that appears to extend all the way into the fairway. The approach shot is to an elevated green with the putting surface completely hidden from sight. Most golfers under-club, says Bowles, leaving a chip shot into a slanted green.

A manageable 6,300 yards from the back tees, Bald Mountain is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16^th green, the backdrop of a scene from the famed 1987 rom-con “Dirty Dancing” staring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.

Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. The course was designed by North Carolina-based architect Dan Maples, whose father Ellis was a prolific golf course designer and accomplished superintendent who apprenticed under Donald Ross.

Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard for a mountain course. Glistening mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

“You get the best of both worlds on Apple Valley and that’s what keeps golfers coming back and new golfers coming in for the first time,” says Golf Operations Manager Adam Bowles.

Bowles is particularly fond of Apple Valley’s finishing stretch, capped by the 564-yard par-5 18^th. A true three-shotter, a pond runs along the right side of the fairway starting about 300 yards out, extending past the green. The second shot needs to be long enough to setup a short approach to a green guarded by bunkers on both sides.

Bald Mountain GC

Bald Mountain #17

Apple Valley #7

The Lodging Lineup

The resort’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios feature both golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining on shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball and hiking trails. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or call (828) 694.3072.

Getting There

Rumbling Bald Resort is an hour east of Asheville and 1.5 hours north of the Greenville-Spartanburg metro area in Upstate South Carolina. Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and other metro areas in the southeast are under a half day’s drive. Long a popular summer destination for Floridians, Rumbling Bald is just a six-hour drive from Jacksonville and eight-hour ride from Orlando.

Golfers can expect high temps in the 70s and 80s in May, and the mid to high 80s June through August. Its Blue Ridge Mountain location means lower humidity and cooler nights than most the Southeastern U.S. in the summer.

May 5, 2020
Golf Groups, Buddy Trips Find a Home at Pinehurst Resort’s Reimagined Manor Inn

There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations at Pinehurst Resort. The famed Carolina Hotel with its sweeping verandas, regal white exterior and signature copper roof, exudes the very essence and spirit of Pinehurst.

The charming, intimate Holly Inn located in the heart of the Village is Pinehurst’s oldest hotel, having opened in 1895. It’s wildly popular with returning guests who relish a taste of vintage Pinehurst, as well as cocktail in the Tavern and four course dinner at the 1895 Grille.

And now, Pinehurst Resort’s Manor Inn has been reborn as a haven for golf groups and buddy trips. Fitting, considering the 43-room hotel on the corner of Magnolia and Community Roads was a favorite of a young Arnold Palmer when he visited the “Cradle of American Golf” during his salad days.

The King was always the life of the party during his days on the PGA Tour and would no doubt approve of the Manor Inn’s new look and esprit de corps positioning. One can almost envision him holding court in the Inn’s Library or embroiled in a poker game in the cozy Club Room.

First opened in 1923 and acquired in 1990 by the resort, golfers like Palmer and his father Deacon have gravitated toward Manor Inn’s relaxed vibe, cozy enclaves and off-the-beaten-path location a short walk from The Carolina Hotel and resort hub.

Now, that gravitational pull is even stronger, buoyed by a spacious, communal lobby, larger king and double queen rooms with hardwood floors and two finely appointed hospitality suites that accommodate groups up to 20 (available for the entire length of stay).

The centerpiece of lobby is the North & South Bar. Featuring a vast selection of fine whiskey and craft beers from Pinehurst Brewing Co. next door, the bar is adorned with vintage advertising and photos paying homage to the historic North & South Amateur Championship, played at Pinehurst since 1901.

The bar’s signature element is the dramatic ceiling, with an illustration of the original routing of Donald Ross’ first four courses at Pinehurst.

And it’s not just what’s inside the renovated Manor Inn that will astound guests. A new patio outside the North & South Bar features three firepits, seating for 20 and a soothing water feature (a full day of golf can be a strenuous endeavor).

Sipping a single malt Scotch or fresh IPA on the patio, the view is slightly downhill to Pinehurst Brewing Co., below. Opened in 2018, “PBC” quickly emerged as the Village of Pinehurst’s most popular gathering spot. Housed in the old steam plant building, it serves up award-winning brews, barbeque smoked onsite and handcrafted pizza.

The lone original component to the Manor following the renovation is its fabled exterior structure of the unique Kellastone, a special stucco-style building material that was new to the era and known for its permanence.

“Our intention was to improve upon and modernize the guest experience while still preserving the Manor’s unique charm,” said Bob Dedman, Jr., Pinehurst Resort’s chief executive offer. “I think we’ve accomplished that in fine fashion. Our mantra is simple: always Pinehurst, but always better.”

For Pinehurst Resort, “better” has included an astonishing run over the past decade, bookended by the restoration of its famed No. 2 course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2011, and renovation of No. 4 by Gil Hanse in 2018.

Pinehurst No 4 – 11th hole

Also, during this historic span, the resort opened the country’s most talked about short course, The Cradle, acquired nearby National Golf Club and rebranded it as No. 9 and expanded its 18-hole putting course (Thistle Dhu).

Golfers now have more dining options than ever before, with the aforementioned PBC (owned by the resort) and addition of The Deuce, a full-service bar and grill in the clubhouse overlooking the 18^th green of No. 2.

The resort’s Donald Ross Golf Package is an excellent option for experiencing the Manor Inn and a sampling of Pinehurst’s championship golf lineup. It includes a two-night stay, three rounds of golf, overflowing breakfast buffet and dinner, daily.

For more information or to check rates and availability, visit www.pinehurst.com.

March 10, 2020