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Golfing in the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County
Jackson County offers a superb selection of classic mountain golf courses that are both challenging and scenic. Our daily fee and semi-private layouts host thousands of golfers each year.
From Cashiers’ world-renowned resorts and courses in the south to the picturesque Sequoyah National Golf Club in the county’s north end, the area is replete with one-of-a-kind mountain golf in a variety of awe-inspiring settings. In addition to Jackson County’s premier golf courses, other offerings, such as Mill Creek Resort & Country Club and Maggie Valley Club, are within a 35-minute drive.
Below is a description of area courses that allow public play:
High Hampton Inn and Country Club (www.highhamptoninn.com) (828) 743-2450
If you can imagine playing golf in a velvet green park shadowed by two of the prettiest peaks in North Carolina – Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Mountain – that’s the essence of High Hampton. The late George Cobb, a legendary golf architect who crafted more than 350 courses, designed the layout at High Hampton. It is part of the 1,400-acre grounds of the High Hampton Inn and amongst the most scenic golf courses in America.
The signature hole is the par-3 eighth. The green rests on a finger in a lake, overshadowed by the sheer rock cliff of Rock Mountain. It’s easy to understand why Golf Digest named it one of “America’s Great Golf Holes.”
Cobb once said of the course, “I have yet to see a course – designed by me or by others – with greater natural beauty or one more enjoyable to play.”
One of the oldest courses in the mountains, High Hampton plays at 6,012 yards from the back tees to bent grass greens. Amenities include a covered driving range and two putting greens. The club also hosts golf schools and tournaments. It is located in Cashiers.
Sequoyah National Golf Club (http://www.sequoyahnational.com/) (828) 497-3000
A spectacular golf course, Sequoyah National Golf Club, debuted in fall of 2009 just outside Cherokee. It is a high-end, public course created by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians to complement the tribe’s nearby casino, hotel and entertainment complex.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, one of the country’s preeminent golf architects, the par-72 layout offers great mountain vistas and a nice mix of holes. Instead of the standard four par-5s and four par-3s, there are five of each.
And despite its mountainous location in northern Jackson County on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the course does not play like a roller coaster. Fourteen of the holes are level or downhill, with most of the climbing taking place between holes.
“Robert Trent Jones II did a fantastic job with the layout,” says director of golf Ryan Ott. “The topography that we have here is second to none.”
Sequoyah National’s elevations range from 2,000 to 2,300 feetl, and the layout is open 12 months a year, weather permitting. The course features excellent greens comprised of T1 bent grass, while fairways and tees are low-mow bluegrass.
Sapphire Mountain Golf Club (http://www.sapphirenational.com/) (828) 743-1174
Florida golf architect Ron Garl developed an 18-hole golfing jewel at Sapphire National.
Scenic splendor and creative design are combined into a wonderful par-70 layout. Sapphire National includes a fine set of five par-3 holes, four of which play over water. The island green on the par-3 15th is a special treat. Another standout feature is the waterfall snuggled beside the 13th green.
There are four sets of tees to suit golfers of any ability. The blue tees measure 6,503 yards, the white tees measure 6,009 yards, gold tees are 5,411 yards and the red tees are 4,733 yards.
Sapphire National features a full service “mountain lodge” clubhouse with a large rock fireplace.
A substantial renovation of the course was completed in 2008, resulting in upgraded course conditions and an improved layout. It is located in Sapphire, just east of Cashiers.
Maggie Valley Club (http://www.maggievalleyclub.com) (828) 926-6013
The course at Maggie Valley Club is among the most scenic in Western North Carolina. It has two distinct nines – the Valley Nine and the Mountain Nine. The Valley Nine comes first and is relatively flat with large bent grass greens. The Mountain Nine rises nearly 800 feet in elevation and features slightly smaller greens and dramatic panoramas of the valley and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Opened in 1962, this 6,500-yard, par-72 course features a mature and well-manicured layout. The course underwent extensive renovations in the last several years, including a new fairway irrigation system, drainage work in low-lying areas, new tee boxes, a dozen new bunkers and the renovation of several existing bunkers. A $6 million renovation and redesign of the clubhouse was unveiled in 2007, providing 18,000 square feet of amenities and food & beverage options for golfers.
Smoky Mountain Country Club (www.smokymountaincc.com) (800) 474-0070
Smoky Mountain Country Club's 18-hole Thomas Walker design is a unique course built on valley floors, into mountainsides and across mountaintops. Spectacular panoramic views are present throughout this 6,000-yard layout. Carts are mandatory as there is 500 feet of elevation change, creating a true mountain golfing experience.
The course has been renovated and remodeled twice in the last decade, creating a fairer and truer test of golf. The course does not overwhelm golfers with length, instead requiring accuracy on several holes. At least three holes provide drops of more than 150 feet, while the drop on the 505-yard par-5 fifth hole is probably closer to 250 feet. It’s so steep that you have to pick a target in the distance and trust your swing on the second shot, because the green is out of sight.
Spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are available from the back nine, and the course is especially picturesque in the fall foliage. The course features bent grass greens, fescue fairways, Bermuda tee boxes and a driving range.
The clubhouse includes a pro shop and the Persimmon Grille. Practice facilities include a driving range, chipping area and putting green. It is located in Whittier, not far from Dillsboro and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Red Bird Golf Links (no website) (828) 743-1991
Red Bird is an executive nine-hole course, which opened in August 2001 just east of Cashiers in the Fairfield Sapphire Valley resort complex. Red Bird is perfect for women, children and beginning golfers because of its length.
Owner/architect Reid Horne designed a nine-hole layout of six par-3s and three par-4s. The longest par-3 is 178 yards and the longest par-4 is 220 yards. All three par-4s are doglegs, requiring two shots to reach the green.
The course features bent grass tees, fairways and greens, and is maintained at a high level with a tee-to-green sprinkler system, which is unusual for an executive course. Golfers have the choice of walking or riding, and there is a driving range.
Mill Creek Resort & Country Club (http://www.millcreekcountryclub.com/) (828) 524-4653
Mill Creek Resort & Country Club is referred to by many as one of the best-kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains. Located just outside Franklin, this 18-hole championship golf course provides excellent views at an altitude of 2,500 feet.
The course was designed in 1980 by former PGA Tour star and noted architect Bruce Devlin. It features bent grass greens and tee, along with lush Bermuda fairways. The design is fair and straightforward, devoid of hidden hazards and gaping greenside bunkers. It measures 6,200 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72.
Golf and Tennis Related Chamber Members
Fairfield Sapphire Valley
Phone: 828-743-7101 - Website: www.fairfieldsv.comAddress: 70 Sapphire Valley Road
Sapphire NC, 28774
Description:
4-season resort with activities for every member of the family. Condominiums & houses with scenic mountain views or cozy woodland settings.
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
Phone: 828-743-7667 - Website: www.foxhuntresort.comAddress: 3065 Hwy. 64 E, Suite B
Sapphire NC, 28774
Description:
Enjoy spacious condo-style suites feturing full kitchens, wood fireplace, w/d, scenic views and more when you stay at Foxhunt & Sapphire Valley Resort
High Hampton Inn & Country Club
Phone: 828-743-2411 - Website: www.highhamptoninn.comAddress: 1525 Hwy 107 S
Cashiers NC, 28717
Description:
A historic, family friendly inn that has been bringing people together for generations. Golf, tennis, kiking, fishing, a European spa, ed. workshops.
Maggie Valley Club
Phone: 828-926-1616 - Website: www.maggievalleyclub.comAddress: 1819 Country Club Drive
Maggie Valley NC, 28751
Description:
Real Estate and resort accommodations. Golf packages. Wonderful mountain valley setting with great views.
Mill Creek Country Club, Inc.
Phone: 828-524-6458 - Website: www.millcreekcountryclub.comAddress: 341 Country Club Drive
Franklin NC, 28744
Description:
Deluxe accommodations, breathtaking views, an 18 hole championship golf course and amazing tennis facilities!
Smoky Mountain Country Club
Phone: 828-497-7622 - Website: www.carolinamountaingolf.comAddress: 1300 Conleys Creek Road
Whittier NC, 28789
Description:
Beautifully landscaped with views. Condos, Homes and Townhouses. Secluded yet easily accessible. Come see for yourself!