Fall Trip to Highlands/Cashiers NC Area

[Doug Wright]

I'm planning to go with a couple golfing friends to the Highlands/Cashiers NC area in late September for 3-4 days of golf as my brother in law has a house there. I've looked through all the GCA.com archives for the area and see that the "top 3" seem to be Wade Hampton, Mountaintop and Highlands CC. All well and good, but I also see that access may be a problem as all are private. My question is, are there "next tier" courses worth playing in the area if those aren't available? I've seen some favorable comments about CC of Sapphire Valley  and also mentions of Lake Toxaway and Old Edwards GC, though they also appear to be "members only" or "resort guests and members only". The only truly public course I see that may be of interest is Sapphire National GC; regrettably (in addition to the pretentious name), it boasts of a waterfall and  island green on its website, which isn't very encouraging. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Also, we will be driving from the Atlanta airport to Cashiers and will probably try to play  a round en route. Appreciate any ideas for that as well.

[Tom_Doak]

Better check when they close for the season, too.  I was traveling years ago from Michigan to Myrtle Beach, right at the peak of fall color season, so I thought I'd stop at Linville and play the course.  There was nobody in sight.  They'd aerified the greens, left the cores on them, and gone south for the winter!

[Doug Wright]

Better check when they close for the season, too.  I was traveling years ago from Michigan to Myrtle Beach, right at the peak of fall color season, so I thought I'd stop at Linville and play the course.  There was nobody in sight.  They'd aerified the greens, left the cores on them, and gone south for the winter!

I was wondering about frost delays that time of year, but that would be worse...

[Tom_Doak]

I think that was the first of October, so you might get in under the wire.

[Joe Hellrung]

Brasstown Valley is a nice track and worth the detour.  Not walkable and a lot of forced carries, but a good track.  Not sure how you are getting there, but if you are driving from Atlanta you should stop at Achasta on your way - nice Nicklaus layout. 

[hhuffines]

We've played well into Oct. so you should be fine.  Sapphire Valley is a nice "old school" course that is a pleasant walk.  Biltmore Forest in Asheville is a great old Ross course if you can get on...  Champion Hills is always on Golf Digest's NC list but I'm not sure why.  The newer Player course, Cliffs at Mtn Park, is nearby too.

[Robert Kimball]

Wade Hampton is getting ready to close for 9 months for a renovation. My source wasn't sure who was doing it (probably didn't care unfortunately).


It will be interesting to see the results.


-- Rob

[Anthony_Nysse]

Wade Hampton is getting ready to close for 9 months for a renovation. My source wasn't sure who was doing it (probably didn't care unfortunately).


It will be interesting to see the results.


-- Rob

They have closed. More of a rebuild greens to USGA spec and original shapes and regrassing greens, apps and rough. Tom Morzolf is overseeing the work.

[Bill_McBride]

Doug, another vote for Sapphire Valley. I have friends who are members if you need an introduction.

[Mike_Young]

You will pass cateechee on your way up 85 to Cashiers.  www.cateechee.com     

[Anthony_Nysse]

You will pass cateechee on your way up 85 to Cashiers.  www.cateechee.com   

They're regressing to Mini Verde, right now, too. Will be ready by fall.

[Mike_Young]

You will pass cateechee on your way up 85 to Cashiers.  www.cateechee.com   

They're regressing to Mini Verde, right now, too. Will be ready by fall.

They got their first mowing today...new owner and I did not get a vote on which ultradwarf.   

[Tim Martin]

Better check when they close for the season, too.  I was traveling years ago from Michigan to Myrtle Beach, right at the peak of fall color season, so I thought I'd stop at Linville and play the course.  There was nobody in sight.  They'd aerified the greens, left the cores on them, and gone south for the winter!

I was wondering about frost delays that time of year, but that would be worse...

Doug-No way do you have to worry about frost at the beginning of September in Cashiers. The average temperature for September is 67. If anything you can still experience hot temp towards 90. Enjoy!!!!

[Robert Kimball]

Wade Hampton is getting ready to close for 9 months for a renovation. My source wasn't sure who was doing it (probably didn't care unfortunately).


It will be interesting to see the results.


-- Rob

They have closed. More of a rebuild greens to USGA spec and original shapes and regrassing greens, apps and rough. Tom Morzolf is overseeing the work.

Thanks Anthony, my friend just knew the course was closing for renovations. I'm hoping to get up there when Tom and company are done. Great stuff!


-- Rob

[John_Cullum]

I would play Trillium over Sapphire Valley. It used to be daily fee, but I don't know current status.


If Cateechee is out, Currahee is decent.

[Bill_McBride]

You will pass cateechee on your way up 85 to Cashiers.  www.cateechee.com   

Had a good time playing Cateechee a few years ago.

[Doug Wright]

I would play Trillium over Sapphire Valley. It used to be daily fee, but I don't know current status.

I was wondering about Trillium, as I understand it is very close to my brother in law's place.

Thanks all for your helpful suggestions!

[John_Cullum]

Sapphire Valley is very much a valley. The course is pretty flat, especially so for that area. Trillium is more like traditional N Carolina Mountain golf. It's mountainous and has some nice views. It's more difficult than Sapphire, and you'll lose more golf balls, but I think you'll enjoy it more. I might be up there around that time. My wife has been bugging me to go to the mountains sooner rather than later.

[Chris_Blakely]

I really enjoyed Balsam Mountain Preserve.


Chris