Golf With Altitude

There’s a wonderful snippet of well-intended wisdom on the scorecard at one North Carolina mountain course that states succinctly, “CAUTION: at this altitude the ball flies farther.”

It’s a truth that’s just one of the pleasures of playing golf in the mountains of North Carolina, especially when combined with the glorious natural settings and cool summer temperatures. You can test your skills in the shadow of the highest peak east of the Rockies at Mount Mitchell Golf Club, find out what it’s like to challenge a 747-yard par six at Black Mountain Golf Course, or try out the highlands version of an island green at Sapphire National Golf Club near Cashiers where wayward shots sleep with the fishes. If you’re looking for more than a $2 Nassau, check out the Robert Trent Jones II creation Sequoyah National and then head around the corner to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Summer heat falls away when you stroll the lush Boone Golf Club or rock on the porch at Eseeola Lodge in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain after a round at historic Linville Golf Club.

When not on the links or just taking in the scenery, the North Carolina mountains will tempt you with everything from trout fishing to hiking to brewery tours. It’s all part of the mountain highs and good-time attitude that goes with the altitude.