A Guide to the Best Country Clubs in Highlands, NC

Perhaps you’ve heard about some of the excellent country clubs in and around Highlands. The presence of these country clubs is one reason why the market for Highlands real estate is especially hot right now. This article will provide a brief description of several of the top options in order to help you decide which club might be the best fit for you. Whether you’re an avid golfer looking to hit the links regularly or simply want to enjoy participating in a tight-knit community with excellent amenities, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices on this list.

 

Enjoy the best of luxury living at Cullasaja Club. They value the highest levels of quality and personalized service, and their members enjoy tight-knit relationships with each other. The par-72 golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer himself, who was known for frequently walking through the fairways as the course was being designed to ensure that it moved naturally through the landscape. The course is suitable for beginners, but it also presents a challenge for low-handicap players as well. It stretches nearly 6,900 yards from the back tees and includes multiple white sand traps and undulating greens. The toughest hole is Hole Two, a 546-yard par-five. Each nine includes two par threes and two par fives. When you’re done with your round, you can relax in the member-only bar, or you can order an expertly-created meal to enjoy on the outdoor patio.

Originally founded in 1928, Highlands Country Club is nearly 100 years old and rich in history and tradition. Membership is exclusive, and members gain admission based on their affability and their social compatibility with the group. The golf course was originally designed by Donald Ross, and you’ll notice that approach shots demand a high degree of accuracy on each hole. The number-one handicap hole is Hole Seven, a long par four that measures 438 yards from the back tees. You’ll need two good shots to reach the green in regulation, and if your approach shot travels long or to the right, you risk losing your ball out of bounds. Course amenities include tennis, canoeing, croquet, personal training, and yoga. Children will enjoy Camp Highlands and the Junior Golf Camp, and members of all ages will find a dish they love inside the formal dining room or the 1928 Tavern.

 

The community at Highland Falls is tight and close-knit, with some members comparing the membership experience to going to a summer camp where wine is served. You can enjoy croquet, pickleball, fishing, and swimming in addition to world-class golf. The course makes its way through the mountains with beautiful fairways and appropriately challenging holes. The par-three Hole 15 sits under a 100-foot waterfall that Golf Digest has recognized as one of the most memorable par threes on any golf course. In total, the course stretches 6,300 yards and features 250 feet of elevation change. The course was redone in 2020 to include more risk-reward options that force players to strategize their approach for each hole. Dining options range from casual to formal, and every meal is prepared for your satisfaction and enjoyment.

Old Edwards is a favorite for many owners of Highlands real estate. The front nine rises and falls through a lush valley, and the back nine guides you toward a towering cliff through high ridges. The course measures over 6,600 yards from the back tees and plays at a Par 71. The number-one handicap hole is Hole Two, a 410-yard Par Four. The restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table dishes and offers spectacular views of the course. Members will also enjoy a heated outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and clay tennis courts.

 

At Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, everyday experiences can become extraordinary. The club sits over 3,100 feet above sea level near over 100 waterfalls and several hiking trails. You can visit the nearby Lake Glenville to find over 26 miles of quiet beaches perfect for your next lakeside party or family picnic. Only Mountaintop’s equity golf members, along with their families and guests, can play the course, which was originally designed by Tom Fazio. He personally supervised the creation of each hole using the finest minerals he could find. The Par -70 course plays long, stretching over 7,126 yards from the back tees. The toughest hole is the 491-yard Par Four, where you’ll need both length and accuracy to give yourself a chance at par. The 646-yard Par Five also presents a fair challenge for golfers of all skill levels. When you’re not golfing, you can enjoy the on-site spa and fitness club or a meal prepared by Mountaintop’s world-class chefs.