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 18th 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.
