Travel

Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has released its late fall and early winter golf packages amid high shoulder season demand.

Starting at $300 per golfer for two nights and two rounds on Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, late fall and early winter package rates are offered from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $400 and $514 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a villa or studio (blackout dates apply). Bald Mountain, Rumbling Bald’s mountain style-course will be closed from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31 and reopens on Jan. 1, 2023.

Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from its first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.

“Late fall or early winter is a great time to visit to enjoy Rumbling Bald when things are a little less busy than the peak fall season,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The package rates are a tremendous value, and golfers can expect high temps in the 60s in November and 50s in December.”

Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods.

For golfers who want to experience both courses in the early fall, golf packages are still available to book for select dates between Sept. 18 and Oct. 31, starting at $347, $477 and $608 for two, three and four-night / round options, respectively. Additional nights and rounds can be added, subject to availability.

Golf at Rumbling Bald

Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from numerous metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all one to 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.

Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, 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 “Dirty Dancing.”  A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.

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.

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.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a two-bedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio).

The late Pete Dye once referred to the late Arthur Hills as the “Mayor of Naples,” a friendly quip based on the sheer number of courses Hills designed in Collier and Lee Counties. With this tony town on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Hills’ de facto leadership title carried even more clout.

However, the fact is that with more than 90 18-hole-equivalent golf facilities stretching from Bonita Springs to Marco Island, almost every golf course architect of the past 50 years has staked a claim along America’s “Paradise Coast.” And while Naples remains a predominantly private club market, there are dozens of daily fee and semi-private courses for traveling golfers to play.

Speaking of traveling, timing is key for trip planning. Peak season winter rates at top courses can easily exceed $250, while the summer months bring deep discounts and significant golf course maintenance throughout the market. The early fall and late spring shoulder seasons are great times to visit, with reasonable rates, fewer crowds and less thunder and lightning.

For those looking to retire or relocate to Southwest Florida, the city of Naples still retains much of the charm (and wealth) that put it on the map many decades ago. Outlying areas like North Naples, Golden Gate, Bonita Springs and Estero offer plenty of modern touches and more affordable price points.  

Here’s our breakdown of this eternally sunny Southwestern golf enclave.

First Up

Old Corkscrew Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in rapidly growing Estero in southern Lee County. The brawny, 7,393-yard layout sprawls over 275 acres of native grasses, trees and wetlands marked by vast waste bunkers, pristine fairways and the Golden Bear’s signature green complexes.

Unique to the area, Old Corkscrew is a pure golf experience devoid of housing and other distractions. All the better for focusing on the task at hand and managing the course’s eye-popping 151 slope rating from the tips.

Further south, golfers will appreciate the one-two punch of the Gold and Black courses at Tiburon Golf Club. Both tracks were designed by Greg Norman and are home to PGA and LPGA Tour events: the QBE Shootout and CME Group Tour Championship, respectively. The combo sets up perfectly for the relatively long days of late summer and early that can still accommodate 36 holes.

Second Serving

The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort anchors the Naples region’s southern end, and the Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club is the property’s marquee offering. Jim Hardy and former PGA / Champions Tour player turned commentator Peter Jacobsen designed the course, which recently underwent a $4.8 million overhaul that entailed the installation of saltwater tolerant paspalum grass.

Double up with a round at sister course, The Rookery at Marco, a Joe Lee original touched up by Bob Cupp in 2002 and in 2014 by Hardy and Jacobsen. Both courses are private, but guests of the Marriott have access to select tee times. If the southern end of Paradise Coast is your target destination, this is the place to be.

Golf Gem

The Lely Resort Golf and Country Club is quintessential Naples golf, with two resort tracks and one private course: The Mustang and Flamingo Island are open to public play, designed by Lee Trevino and Robert Trent Jones Sr., respectively. Both are typically in good to great condition, and practice junkies will appreciate its two full-service practice facilities, including a 54,000-square-foot driving range with target greens.

Preferred Private

Golf course aficionados will quickly note that Naples is chock-full of Arthur Hills, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman courses. However, the Club at Olde Cypress stands apart via its affiliation with the Dye family. Owned by luxury home builder Stock Development, it boasts one of the region’s two P.B. Dye-designed courses.  

Like his famed father and mother, Alice, P.B. has always had a penchant for crafting courses that appeal to both men and women golfers. Olde Cypress is no exception as witnessed by the sheer number of ladies golf groups, tournaments and events. The club is the centerpiece of a highly sought-after, 450-acre gated enclave with resale homes ranging from $579,000 to over $2.5 million.

Olde Cypress underwent a multi-million-dollar remastering of the golf course in 2021 that has it looking, and playing, better than ever. The expansive project entailed resurfacing all 18 greens, practice green and chipping area; enlarging, leveling and re-grassing tee boxes; installing a new subsurface drainage system and new artificial turf on the driving range.

Additionally, the pro shop was reimagined with interior design upgrades ranging from color palettes, woodwork and lighting to countertops, artwork and flooring. In short, Olde Cypress is perfectly positioned for a continued upswell in golf participation and membership demand forecast to continue into the foreseeable future.

Shadow Wood Country Club in Bonita Springs features 54 holes of championship-caliber golf for those who prefer a multi-course club setup. All three courses have been recently renovated by Rees Jones and provide spectacular playing conditions year-round. Shadow Wood is in the process of building a brand new 3,500-square-foot pro shop that will overlook the expansive practice facilities and feature unique retail opportunities for its members.

Game improvement gurus will love the practice facilities, which boast a double-sided range and numerous short game practice areas. The Shadow Wood Golf Academy is located at the back of the range and offers an indoor hitting bay, club fitting studio, and all the latest technological aids to help members improve their game. After a round of golf, members sip cocktails by the fire pits on the club’s Sunset Terrace or dine at one of Shadow Wood’s many venues.

Eat Out

Fifth Avenue is the Naples “OG” when it comes to a night out on the town. Chic shops, decadent restaurants, vibrant bars, and clubs line this famous street. Anything, and any cuisine, is possible here with eateries ranging from traditional American to sushi and Italian. Further north in Bonita Springs, Coconut Point Shopping Center is stuffed with fast-service, sit-down restaurants, and the ever-popular Tommy Bahama Restaurant. For a taste of Naples tradition, pay a visit to The Bay House along the Cocohatchee River.

Travel Easy

Collier and Lee Counties share the Southwest Florida International Airport, and the Naples Area benefits from this optimally-sized, easy-to-access transportation hub’s location in south Lee County just minutes from Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For decades, Midwesterners made their way south on I-75 or U.S. 41 to their Southwestern Florida termini in sunny Naples. Making the trek to Naples has become “a thing” again, what with many folks not ready to return to air travel just yet.

For more information on Paradise Coast golf, lodging and attractions, visit www.paradisecoast.com.

Just two years ago, country clubs nearly resorted to begging to get new members to join. Many lowered or eliminated initiation fees, significantly impacting their capital budgets. Others reduced monthly dues or waived food and beverage minimum, negatively affecting their operating budgets.

Fast forward to the midway point of 2022, and how the times have changed.

Private golf clubs from Florida to California have not only reinstated initiation fees, but many have also doubled or even tripled the price to join. According to several industry sources, the average monthly dues for full golf memberships at clubs throughout the U.S. have increased by as much as 15%.

In white-hot Sun Belt markets in Florida, the Carolinas, Texas, Arizona and Utah, up to 80% of clubs have waitlists now extending beyond six months. And if you think it’s just the lower tier properties, think again. A recent survey by Golf Life Navigators revealed that clubs with initiation fees over $90,000 had the longest waitlists.

Against this backdrop, what’s a golfer in the market for a new country club membership to do? For starters, they need to do their research and plenty of it. There are still plenty of options in dozens of markets as hundreds of clubs have responded with new and creative membership categories to meet this unprecedented demand.

Targeting Gen-X

If you see Heather Myers with her feet propped up in her office in Champion Hills’ clubhouse, she’s not blowing off work. Rather, the club’s long-time membership and marketing director just needs to take a load off. Over the past two years, she’d hosted hundreds of tours for prospective members. That’s not a type-o.

“We’ve hosted a record number of club tours so far this year and don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon,” Myers says. “Our buyers have flexibility when it comes to remote work. They can work from their home here at Champion Hills or commute to an office several times a month.”

Like many private clubs, Champion Hills is quickly approaching its full golf membership limit. This, in large part, is due to the club’s foresight in creating innovative, flexible membership categories that respond to the current demand from generations X and Y.

In 2021, Champion Hills rolled out its Equity 55 Membership, or “E-55” for short. E-55 was designed to meet the uptick in demand from a younger demographic that discovered country clubs during the pandemic. For many of them, golf – then deemed a safe outdoor activity – was the attraction. For others, it was access to kids’ camps, programming, and amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts.

With E-55, the club’s initiation fee is divided into four equal payments over four years, dues and replacement reserve fund contributions are reduced by 50% and the club’s annual food and beverage minimum is prorated for new members for the first year.

“It’s been a game-changer for us in terms of being able to respond to a seismic shift in the market,” Myers says. “We have more members who are still working full time with school or college-age kids, and the percentage of members who live here year-round has increased dramatically.”  

At Santa Lucia Preserve, Carmel, Calif., the target demo is just as young or younger. Its Preserve Golf Club and Ranch Club offer an “Associate Program” for those under age 45 for the “Legacy” and “Traditional Club Memberships” on a limited basis. The program allows those who qualify, and are approved to join either club (or both) with less upfront investment.

The Associate Program requires payment of 50% of the total initiation fee upon joining with the remaining balance due no later than the 45th birthdate. Associate members pay regular, annual dues commensurate with the Legacy or Traditional category. For golf in particular, the program has proven to be a great opportunity for younger people to explore membership comfortably. 

Golf Capital Fills Up

Naples, Fla., affectionately dubbed “The Golf Capital of the World,” once had no shortage of private club options for newly relocated golfers from points north. Now, local industry experts estimate that around 80% of country clubs in Collier County have waitlists.

At The Club at Olde Cypress, the full golf membership category recently sold out. However, the club still offers an “Associate Golf Membership” that affords the same privileges during the off-season from May through October.

According to Director of Membership and Marketing Melissa Hansen, the “AGM” is ideal for golfers transitioning from public or semi-private golf into a private golf club situation or those working full-time and having less time to play golf during the peak season.

The AGM grants unlimited use of the golf course for those six months for cart fee only and unrestricted use of the practice facilities year-round. Tee times are available two days in advance – more than ample given the limited number of members utilizing the club during that span. During the peak season (November through April), AGMs are allotted 12 tee times for a reduced green and cart fee.

Olde Cypress’ reciprocal program is one of the most robust in the region. It allows AGMs (and full golf members) to play 40 other private clubs in the area from May through October. Naples-area clubs stagger the days they’re closed in the summer, so all Olde Cypress members have a place to play seven days a week.

Privately owned and operated, the influx of new members at Olde Cypress over the past few years has helped the club reinvest in its future. Its P.B. Dye-designed golf course was completely remastered in 2021 with new turf grass on tees, fairways and greens, and the golf shop and second floor of the 34,000-square-foot clubhouse were updated with contemporary furniture, fixtures and décor.

Rumbling On

In the golf industry, the saying used to be “semi-private means semi-public.” But as the game strives for inclusivity, a bifurcated public-private business model is overwhelmingly positive. Semi-private courses offer many of the same benefits as private clubs, such as members-only events, seasonal tournaments, golf shop discounts and member charge accounts.

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure in Western N.C. recently dropped “resort” from its official title and has leaned into its persona as a semi-private operation. The 3,000-acre golf panacea is a mountain golf community with two 18-hole golf courses, rental villas and homes, and ample amenities including a spa, tennis courts and marina. Rumbling Bald is now positioned as a “retreat,” whether it be for a long weekend or year-round relocation.

On its Apple Valley and Bald Mountain golf courses, members blend seamlessly with vacation rental guests and daily fee players from around the area. The initiation fee is waived for those who sign a 12-month promissory note and monthly dues for both the individual and family memberships include all greens and cart fees and unlimited range balls.

Variety is a big part of the allure of Rumbling Bald. Not only do members have access to 36 holes, but Apple Valley and Bald Mountain serve up two divergent golf experiences. Apple Valley, designed by Dan Maples, features a layout devoid of the usual blind tee shots and uneven lies typically associated with mountain courses. Bald Mountain, on the other hand, makes its way up and around its namesake via numerous doglegs and changes in direction.

“Our mission is subterfuge: we want to get you outside, not just the golf but the lake, hiking and fishing,” Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler told Metro Golf Magazine, recently. “We think if

Pinehurst No. 8 closed in June and will reopen in September firmer, faster and even more on-brand with the “Sandhills Aesthetic.” Tom Fazio’s centennial will undergo a series of agronomic and infrastructure enhancements to position it as a marquee course for decades to come. Golfers who’ve followed Pinehurst Resort’s arc over the past decade might assume the seminal Fazio design is getting a Sandhills makeover like No. 2 and No. 4 experienced in 2011 and 2018.

Bob Farren, long-time director of agronomy, says he wouldn’t fault them for jumping to that conclusion. But this time around, it’s simply not the case. No. 8 will retain all its original Fazio design elements and architectural stylings. According to Farren, changes will be “subtle yet impactful” and make the layout play firmer and faster in keeping with the Pinehurst way.

“We talked to Fazio’s people, and Tom even came out twice and visited,” Farren says. “We offered him the opportunity to give us ideas and see if he was interested in making any changes. But he had a fair amount of conviction that what we were doing is enough. Like [Pinehurst Resort President] Tom Pashley says, we don’t have to hit every course with the same hammer.”

The menu of upgrades includes new TifEagle greens, bunker restoration and fresh bunker sand, improved drainage throughout the course and the removal of invasive trees limiting views and inhibiting sunlight. Several updates are also planned for the clubhouse interior and grounds, including the installation of firepits overlooking the 18^th green (later this fall).

“No. 8 is a retreat away from the other courses and golfers like the change of pace over there,” Farren says. “Only golfers who’ve played the course several times will even notice the changes. And that’s the goal. The course will appear crisper and play firmer and faster. That’s it.”

While the slope and speed of the greens at storied No. 2 are legendary, the putting surfaces at No. 8 gradually made their way into Pinehurst lore. They were originally bentgrass upon opening in 1995 and were replaced with Champion Bermuda in 2013. Over the years, the slopes became more severe via topdressing and other maintenance practices. To say there have been a few three-putts throughout the past decade is an understatement.

“We’re excavating the tops of the greens before we re-grass them to sort of let the air out of them, so to speak,” Farren says. “Ultradwarf Bermudagrass has fine blades, is dense and can be cut low and roll as fast or faster than bentgrass. This will help temper the severity of the greens while still maintaining their integrity.”

The existing Bermudagrass turf on tees and fairways will be kept, says Farren, but thatch will be removed throughout the course using “fraise mowing” to tighten up lies and foster more rollout on tee shots. Fraise mowing is a highly disruptive mowing technique developed in the North Carolina Piedmont that fully removes thatch from Bermudagrass in one fell swoop.

So, while it may not look like No. 2 and No. 4, No. 8 will certainly play more like the dynamic duo. Just as importantly, No. 8 will be strongly positioned as one of Pinehurst Resort’s premier golf offerings for decades to come.

There are dozens of amazing golf destinations across the U.S., but only a select few can accommodate a wide variety of golf trip types. One of America’s original golf hotbeds, Hilton Head Island can wear several golf hats, ranging from a week-long, 36-hole-a-day golf gorge to a quick weekend couples golf getaway. 

Golf resorts and standalone courses on and off the island came together over a decade ago to create “Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI),” which comprises 26 courses across Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper counties. The idea was simple, yet powerful: create a centralized marketing entity to help golfers plan, book and execute the ultimate golf vacation.

In addition to its website, www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com, HHGI also publishes an annual “Golf Vacation Planner” that can either be downloaded from the site or mailed directly to golfers’ homes. The 2022 edition even offers have-clubs-will-travel types a series of sample itineraries to help with trip planning and overall inspiration.

The 2022 Vacation Planner covers a variety of golf trip types, including:

On-Island Buddies Trip

Focusing specifically on Hilton Head Island, the “On-Island Buddies Trip” features golf at famed Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III at The Sea Pines Resort. It also includes the redoubtable Robert Trent Jones and George Fazio courses at Palmetto Dunes, and Rees Jones’ Heritage Golf Collection masterpiece, Oyster Reef. For golf course architecture aficionados, the On-Island Buddies Trip offers an unforgettable experience.

On-Island lodging is highlighted by Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes rental homes and villas, fully appointed with all the amenities of home, including flat-screen TVs, washers and dryers, wireless internet and fully-equipped kitchens. Dining and nightlife options abound, with more than 250 bars and restaurants to choose from. The “BarMuda Triangle” just outside the Sea Pines gates is home to five bars, while Main Street Village is a bit lower-key, with shops and restaurants.   

Off-Island Buddies Trip

Centered on the charming riverfront town of Bluffton, the Off-Island Buddies Trip starts at Old South Golf Links, a long-time local favorite. Designed by Hilton Head-based architect Clyde Johnston, Old South plays along the Intracoastal Waterway with front and back nine views that are among the best in the region.

Holes are hemmed by oak forests and pastures and marked with several tidal marshes. Next up in the off-island course lineup is neighboring Hilton Head National, designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed. Both facilities offer golf packages with the Hilton Garden Inn, located less than a mile from either venue. This pair makes for the perfect 36-hole combo with minimal time spent in transit.  

Old Town Bluffton, situated on the shores of the May River, is the place to grab a warm meal, a cold drink and relax with friends. Over the past decade it has emerged as one of the South’s most desirable small towns. Old Town has a little bit of everything, from rustic seafood joints and fine dining to coffee shops and galleries.

Golf Couples Getaway

With its array of award-winning restaurants, boutique accommodations and women-friendly courses, HHGI is the perfect getaway for couples who love the game. So, grab your favorite playing partner, clubs and sunscreen, and enjoy this getaway for two.

For lodging, rest and revitalize at the Inn and Club at Harbour Town (ranked as one of the top 10 hotels in the country by U.S. News World Report) or at the charming Old Town Bluffton Inn, a 14-room boutique property in the heart of the action.

The recommended golf course docket presents a compelling mix of courses – including Harbour Town and Oyster Reef – with multiple tees rated for women. Dining highlights include the aforementioned Main Street Village, home to award-winning restaurants and several specialty shops.

Family Golf Vacation

A record number of juniors took up the game in 2020 and 2021, and the uptick in youth participation continues to surge in 2022. Golf Island is primed for an extraordinary features family trip, with various camps, activities and other programming offered throughout the year for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

Options range from the FUNdamentals Camp at The Sea Pines Resort and late afternoon “family play” nine-hole rates, including a cart throughout the summer at Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club to the new Toptracer Range at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Summer is peak family vacation time, so be sure to check online or call well in advance about availability.

Getting Here

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) on the island’s north end offers non-stop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections via American Airlines, Delta and United. American offers daily non-stop flights from Charlotte and seasonal service from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Philadelphia and Washington National (DCA).

Delta has daily flights to Atlanta and United provides daily non-stop service to Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD). Golfers can also utilize Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports on several major and discount airlines.

For those who prefer to hit the open road, major metro areas in the Carolinas, Georgia and north Florida are under a half-day’s drive, while several Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern cities are seven to nine hours away.

For more information, visit www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com.

 Champion Hills, Western North Carolina’s premier golf community, announces its Tom Fazio-designed course is ranked 11th in North Carolina in Golfweek’s prestigious list of the “Best Private Courses” in each state.

Considered one of Fazio’s seminal works of mountain golf course architecture, Champion Hills moved up two spots from 13^th in 2021 and is tied with the much-heralded Dormie Club in West End near Pinehurst. Golfweek’s elite team of more than 850 course evaluators determine the annual selection of the country’s best private layouts. Each year, the raters survey over 3,600 facilities, grading each following Golfweek’s 10 strict evaluation standards.

The magazine ranks the best classic, modern, resort and residential courses nationally and the best private and public courses in each state. Earlier this year, Champion Hills ranked 51^st in Golfweek’s 2022 list of Top 200 Residential Golf Courses, moving up 13 spots from the previous year. It’s also rated at the 151^st Best Modern course in the U.S.

North Carolina is one of the most golf-rich states in the country, with more than 600 18-hole equivalent courses and hundreds of noteworthy private clubs, including storied Wade Hampton Club, Quail Hollow (home of the PGA TOUR’s Wells Fargo Championship), Grandfather Golf and Country Club’s Championship Course and the Old Town Club.

“We’re honored that Golfweek continues to recognize the pedigree of our Tom Fazio-designed Mountain Masterpiece and the impact it’s had on course design, construction and maintenance in this region,” says Champion Hills Head Professional Scooter Buhrman. “Hendersonville’s mild four-season climate and the course’s tee-to-green bentgrass enables our members to enjoy golf year-round here in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.”

Champion Hills is Fazio’s former home course and club, and the legendary golf course architect devised a brilliant routing through the heavily forested hills, deep ravines and cool mountain streams of its Blue Ridge Mountain setting. He and his team of shapers pulled ridges into valleys and filled hollows to create “playing platforms” providing golfers with level lies amid 350-feet of elevation change.

Said Fazio about his mountain masterpiece: “Six holes play slightly uphill on the entire course, but only six. Overall, the majority of holes play downhill. We did it through grading and do it through transition areas from the green to the next tee.”

Delicately balancing strategy and playability, Champion Hills features five sets of tees, including three rated for women. Additionally, “combo tees” placed 15 to 30 yards in front of forced carries eliminate stressful shots for higher handicap golfers or those with slower swing speeds. Members are treated to inspiring elevation changes on several holes, including a 125-foot drop from tee to green on the par-3 ninth hole.

It’s been a banner year for the Western N.C.-based club and community thus far, with more to come. Champion Hills vaulted 28 spots from 44 to 16 on the Club + Resort Business ranking of the “Top Fitness and Wellness Facilities” in the U.S. And it’s Fazio designed came in at 39th in the North Carolina Golf Panel’s (NCGP) ranking of the “Top 100 Golf Courses in the State.

Location and Lifestyle

Champion Hills is a private boutique club in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, situated just south of the acclaimed “Main Street Town” of Hendersonville and 45 minutes from burgeoning Asheville. Its Fazio-designed “Mountain Masterpiece” is ranked among the top private courses in the state by Golfweek and is the No. 1 year-round private course in Western North Carolina in Golfweek’s “Top 200 Residential Golf Courses in the U.S.” Champion Hills is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon, the world’s largest golf management company.

Resident-members enjoy a balanced and relaxed lifestyle steeped in golf, tennis, fitness, hiking and swimming, all surrounded by the recreation, entertainment and culture of Western North Carolina. Unlike many private, seasonal, mountain communities, Champion Hills offers year-round golf and activities, as well as casual and fine dining options. For more information, visit www.championhills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

Booking an annual or regular golf trip a couple of months in advance is so 2019. More and more, golf destinations and resorts are rolling out rates six months to a year ahead of schedule. Count Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure, N.C. among them.

With temps ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s in September and October, ample fall foliage and the refreshing waters of Lake Lure next door, this 3,000, 36-hole golf panacea is a popular pick for fall golf getaways.

As such, Rumbling Bald, situated an hour east of Asheville and two hours west of Charlotte, is making its fall 2022 golf packages available to book this summer ahead of what is projected to be a record-breaking autumn season for the 3,000-acre golf destination.  

Starting at $347 per golfer for two nights and two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, fall package rates are offered from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $477 and $608 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a Rumbling Bald villa or studio.

Lodging options include 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. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.

Additionally, Rumbling Bald’s Weekday Special Golf Packages are a great value for those with flexible schedules and are offered Sunday through Wednesday starting at $320 per player for two nights and two rounds and range up to $554 per player for four nights and four rounds. Customized weekend packages for groups of all sizes are available year-round.

“Rumbling Bald is a year-round golf destination, but the peak fall season is when this property, and these courses, really shine,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Temperatures are in the low 80s in September, transitioning to the 70s and 60s in October. The fall foliage around the lake is stunning, and that’s typically a dry period in the Carolinas.”

Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods.

For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com or call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules.

Getting There

Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from numerous metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all one to five hours away.

Golf Courses

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.

Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, 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 “Dirty Dancing.”  A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.

Amenities

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. After a long day exploring the area, or playing golf, guests can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure.

Hilton Head Golf Island, the golf marketing arm of Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort area golf courses, is urging golfers to book their trips to this popular Lowcountry destination much further in advance than in previous years. One of America’s true golf capitals, Hilton Head is experiencing the same historic uptick in demand and other U.S. and global golf hotbeds.

“Golf Island’s” premier resort partners – The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and The Heritage Golf Collection – are making their fall golf packages available for booking this spring and summer in hopes golfers will book ahead before inventory is gone. 

Comprising 26 courses across the scenic South Carolina Lowcountry counties of Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper, “Golf Island” has long been one of the nation’s most sought-after golf destinations. The region’s stunning setting – marked by barrier islands, coastal marshes, and Spanish moss-draped live oaks – has inspired timeless designs from Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Bob Cupp, Willard Byrd, George Cobb, Clyde Johnston, Davis Love III and other noted architects.

Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes and Heritage Golf are collectively home to 189 golf holes spread among tournament-tested layouts such as famed Harbour Town Golf Links (home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage), The Robert Trent Jones Course and Oyster Reef. All three are located within a short drive, setting up perfectly for golf buddy trips consisting of a steady diet of golf, great food and good times.

Highlighted fall golf packages available for booking:

The Villa Golf Package (The Sea Pines Resort)

The Sea Pines Resort’s most popular stay-and-play for small groups, the Villa Golf Package starts at $335 per person per night. It includes three total rounds on Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye, and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and three nights’ deluxe villa accommodations. Afternoon replays are available for $75 on Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes. The resort’s private villas are the perfect lodging option for golfers to relax after a long, rewarding day under the Lowcountry sun. They offer fully-equipped kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, and all the comforts of home.

The Golf Group Package (The Sea Pines Resort)

Designed for leisure golf groups of 12 or more, the Golf Group Package (also $335 per person, per night) features three total rounds on Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III, three nights’ deluxe villa accommodations, gratis resort gift, a personal on-site coordinator, and complimentary afternoon replays on Heron Point. And out of appreciation for all the hard work and planning that goes into organizing and executing a golf buddy trip for the ages, the group leader’s golf is covered by the resort.

Birdies and Beer Golf Getaway (Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort)

Back by popular demand, Palmetto Dunes Birdies and Beer Golf Getaway is fully customizable by group size and preferences. The package features three nights’ accommodations in a two-bedroom villa, two or three total rounds on the Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio or Arthur Hills courses, a one-hour Toptracer Range experience and complimentary range balls. Additionally, golfers enjoy exclusive discounts on pro shop merchandise, dining at Big Jim’s, The Dunes House and Alexander’s Restaurant, preferred rates on bike, kayak and canoe rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters inside the resort, and two hours of tennis and pickleball court time per day based on availability. And of course, breakfast and beer are included.

All partner packages are subject to availability, rate changes and blackout dates. Golfers can visit the Hilton Head Golf Island website for more details. 

Fall ‘Fore’ 2022 (Heritage Golf Group)

The Heritage Golf Collection offers 81 holes spread among three distinct properties: Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club (36 holes), Shipyard Golf Club (27 holes),) and Oyster Reef (18 holes). The Fall “Fore” 2022 Golf Package lets golfers secure their autumn golf getaway for just $150 down per person. Package pricing starts at $200 per night, per person, based on quad occupancy and includes four nights’ accommodations, taxes, and resort fees. Golfers also enjoy unlimited golf on all Heritage Golf courses, including cart fees and range balls, and a $100 gift card per person to be used for merchandise, food and beverage.

Getting There

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) on the island’s north end offers non-stop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections via American Airlines, Delta and United. American offers daily non-stop flights from Charlotte and seasonal service from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Philadelphia and Washington National (DCA). Delta has daily flights to Atlanta and United provides daily non-stop service to Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD). Golfers can also utilize Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports on several major and discount airlines. For golfers who prefer to hit the open road, major metro areas in the Carolinas, Georgia and north Florida are under a half-day’s drive, while several Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern cities are seven to nine hours away.

For more information, visit www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com.

Before there was Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Streamsong and the American Club, there was Hilton Head. This iconic golf destination in South Carolina’s famed Lowcountry region that came of age in the 80s and 90s remains one the East Coast’s premier strongholds for high-end resort and daily fee golf. Buoyed by a $200 million-plus investment in its hotels, resorts and golf courses over the past decade, “Golf Island’s” future is just as bright as its storied past.

In addition to the region-wide refresh, golfers will also appreciate Golf Island’s depth and breadth of courses. More than 30 18-hole layouts are conveniently clustered within the island’s 70 square-miles and sprinkled throughout neighboring Bluffton and Beaufort, off-island. No matter where you stay, the next round of golf is never more than a few minutes away, setting up perfectly for those who love to log 36 holes a day.

For those considering a Golf Island Getaway, here’s a lineup of the premier on- and off-island courses, as well as the inside scoop on accommodations, dining, and transportation.

Top Tier

Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort is the long-time home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage (recently won by Jordan Spieth) and is a must-play for golf course architecture aficionados. This Pete Dye/ Jack Nicklaus collaboration epitomizes Lowcountry course design replete with live oak-lined corridors, diminutive greens and Dye’s trademark bulkheads lining languid lagoons.

For 16 holes, Harbour Town winds its way through the languid lagoons and towering pines of the island’s south end. But walking off the 16^th green and toward the tee box on the par-3 17^th, the Calibogue Sound comes into view with a panoramic parade of shrimp and sailboats passing by. Harbour Town then concludes with one of America’s most famous finishing holes, the par-4 18^th, with the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse as its backdrop.

Just a smooth 3-wood away from Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort’s Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a masterful overhaul of the resort’s historic Ocean Course, the island’s first course. Completely reinvented by Love Golf Design, native seaside grasses and coquina shells meld with pines and oaks to create a calming coastal ambiance that puts golfers at ease. 

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is less than a Darius Rucker song away from the Sea Pines gates, and its Robert Trent Jones Course at is widely considered one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the state. Having opened in 1967 just two years before Harbour Town, the two courses’ histories are forever linked by two World Golf Hall of Fame architects.

Jones’ former protégé Roger Rulewich updated the course in 2002, elevating the fairway on the signature par-5 10^th hole for even better views of the Atlantic Ocean. Credited with designing most of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Rulewich spent considerable time reworking every tee box and green.

Solid Seconds

Situated in east Bluffton just a cart path-drop off the island, Old South Golf Links is widely considered one of the area’s most underrated layouts. Designed by Hilton Head-based golf course architect Clyde Johnston, Old South is the only public access course playing along the Intracoastal Waterway. Johnston cut his teeth with Willard Byrd, Ron Kirby and Dennis Griffiths and is known for his non-penal, player-friendly approach to design.

The front and back nine views at Old South, with MacKay Creek and the Calibogue Sound in the distance, are among the best in the region. The endless views and overall vibe are perfect for welcoming your golf group to the Lowcountry. The variety of indigenous terrain is also surreal – oak forest, pastures and tidal marshes are all on display and in play.

Circling back to The Sea Pines Resort, Heron Point by Pete Dye (formerly the Sea Marsh course) was a labor of love for the renowned golf course architect, who returned several times to tweak its putting surfaces and green surrounds. From its 7,035-yard tips and with a slope of 140, it gives Harbour Town a run for its money as the resort’s most demanding track.

Playing to more than 7,000 yards with a 139-slope rating from the tips on the island’s north end, Oyster Reef beguiles low handicap golfers while appealing to players of all skill levels with its spectacular setting. The redoubtable Rees Jones returned in 2018 to lead a full-scale bunker renovation project at this Heritage Collection flagship facility, restoring the course to its circa 1982 splendor.

From one of Golf Island’s most postcard-ready venues to perhaps its most difficult – the George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes is Hilton Head Island’s only par-70. With a slope of 144 from the 6,873-yard back tees, it’s considered by many to be the most challenging resort course on the island. With just two par 5s and a series of meaty par 4s, birdie opportunities are few and far between.

Where to Stay

For sheer convenience during a multi-day golf trip, it’s hard to top a rental home or villa at The Sea Pines Resort or Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. These vacation residences are fully-appointed with all the amenities of home, including flat-screen TVs, washers and dryers, wireless internet and fully-equipped kitchens. For smaller groups or shorter stays, Golf Island obliges with brand flag hotels from Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, and historic and charming inns and B & Bs.

Dining and Nightlife

More than 250 restaurants on Hilton Head Island range from celebrity chef-driven restaurants to locally owned seafood joints, as the region has emerged as a foodie destination over the past decade. Check out Skull Creek Boathouse or Skull Creek Dockside for a true taste of Lowcountry waterfront dining.

Replenish calories burned from a long day on the links with a full Italian meal at Frankie Bones or a dry aged steak from WiseGuys. And whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, do not miss the chance to visit Java Burrito for the region’s best “Fresh Mex” and espresso.

Options abound for those who prefer to grab a bite at or near the golf course. At Palmetto Dunes, Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers, Pizza at the Robert Trent Jones Course clubhouse is open seven days a week, serving three meals a day. In the stunning new Harbour Town Clubhouse, Links, an American Grill, serves up signature filet, strip and porterhouse steaks. The LagerHead Tavern at Oyster Reef showcases Southern comfort food with a twist.

Getting Here

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) on the island’s north end offers non-stop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections via American Airlines, Delta and United. American offers daily non-stop flights from Charlotte and seasonal service from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Philadelphia and Washington National (DCA). Delta has daily flights to Atlanta and United provides daily non-stop service to Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD).

Golfers can also utilize Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports. Southwest Airlines service began in March with six flights from five markets. SAV is an approximate one-hour drive to Golf Island, and golfers should allow for more time getting over the James F Byrnes Bridge to the island during busy periods.  

Hilton Head Golf Island’s expert golf vacation planners can help design your ideal Hilton Head Golf Island golf trip. Click here to complete a brief form and to receive a custom quote.