Best Golf Communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (2025 Guide)
Updated: June 2, 2025
Discover North Carolina's most exclusive golf communities nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. From Donald Ross classics to Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio-designed masterpieces, these gated clubs offer more than just elite golf—they provide a complete lifestyle with world-class amenities, panoramic mountain views, and luxury real estate options. Whether you're focused on championship play, community atmosphere, or high-elevation living, this guide will help you explore the best golf communities across Western North Carolina.
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Why the Blue Ridge Mountains Are Ideal for Luxury Golf Living
The Blue Ridge region offers a unique mix of cool summer temperatures, challenging elevations, and lush forests, creating a dramatic natural setting for golf. The terrain makes course design difficult and expensive, which is why most top-tier clubs are found within private, luxury communities. These developments blend elite golf with privacy, fine homes, and curated lifestyle experiences.
If you're unsure where to start, our expert partners know each community intimately and can guide you based on your lifestyle preferences and real estate goals.
Comparison Table: Top Golf Communities in Western NC
Community | Designer | Price Range | Distance to Asheville | Elevation | Membership |
Biltmore Forest CC | Donald Ross | $1M–$10M+ | 10 min | ~2,200 ft | Invite-only |
Cliffs at Walnut Cove | Jack Nicklaus | $1.5M–$10M+ | 20 min | ~2,500 ft | Access to 7 Cliffs clubs |
Balsam Mountain Preserve | Arnold Palmer | $2M–$6M+ | 40 min | 3,700–4,400 ft | Private, gated |
Mountain Air CC | Scott Pool | $1–$4M | 45 min | ~4,900 ft | Fly-in access |
Champion Hills | Tom Fazio | $800K–$3M | 50 min | ~2,700 ft | Member-owned |
Mountaintop | Tom Fazio | $4M–$20M+ | 90 min | ~3,500 ft | Private club |
Wade Hampton | Tom Fazio | $2M–$10M+ | 100 min | ~3,500 ft | Elite, ranked #1 NC |
Linville Ridge | Unknown | $2M–$6M+ | 90 min NE | High | Private |
High Hampton | Tom Fazio | $5M–$8M | 100 min | ~3,300 ft | Resort access |
Asheville-Area Golf Communities
For those eager to live amid the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains yet still be closer to city life, Asheville offers several prestigious golf communities to choose from. From luxurious estates to vibrant social hubs, these neighborhoods cater to a more social lifestyle. Explore all luxury golf communities near Asheville.
Biltmore Forest Country Club
Just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, Biltmore Forest is one of the state's most historic private clubs and neighborhoods.
Designed by Donald Ross, the course offers strategic play, beautiful surroundings, and the best Donald Ross greens you'll ever putt on. The club itself is a prestigious, by-invitation-only, member-owned private club and offers a range of amenities, including a pool, dining areas, and various social activities.
The community sits in somewhat of a valley so you're looking up at the mountains as opposed to being perched on top. Homes in this elegant community typically range from $1–4 M but can reach up to north of $10M. Explore homes for sale in Biltmore Forest or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: Biltmore forest is steeped in history as it borders the Biltmore Estate, known around the globe, and was created by the Vanderbilt family. Locally it's known as a community of unmatched prestige. It's also the closest to downtown Asheville which means your life will be much more enriched by activities and community outside the neighborhood itself.
Real Estate Snapshot
Home prices: $1M–$10M+
Community: Historic, walkable
Amenities: Pool, clubhouse, social calendar
Adjacent option: The Ramble (non-golf-facing luxury homes)
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
Located in Arden, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course is renowned for its maintenance and exclusivity. Designed to immerse golfers in a natural, forest-like setting, Walnut Cove is the only course in the region to debut with a PGA Tour event.
Renowned for its immaculate maintenance and luxurious atmosphere, this community is tailored for those with top-tier budgets. The community offers a well rounded suite of amenities with a strong focus on wellness, including a massive wellness complex with an indoor pool and a unique agricultural component which brings a whole new meaning to "farm-to-table".
Homes and townhouses range from $1.5M to over $10M, and membership grants access to six other Cliffs golf courses, all within an hour's drive. Membership is not included or available with all properties which makes having a broker well versed in the community all the more important. Explore homes for sale in Walnut Cove or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: Walnut Cove is very amenity dense; where much of the lifestyle experience is intended to be behind the gates. The strong focus on wellness provides a lot of opportunities to socialize and make friends outside of just the golf club. There's a decent mix between second homes and primary residences that you won't find in communities the further out you go from Asheville.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes from $1.5M-$10M+
Golf lots start ~$1M
Some properties include membership to 6 additional Cliffs clubs nearby
Lifestyle: forested, peaceful, gated luxury
Top Golf Communities Outside Asheville
If you’re ready to explore beyond Asheville, Western North Carolina offers an abundance of remarkable golf communities. Nestled among the region’s stunning landscapes, these communities feature exceptional courses paired with breathtaking mountain views and luxurious amenities. Discover the charm of these destinations, each offering its own unique appeal. Explore all of the golf communities in the North Carolina mountains.
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Just forty minutes from the center of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers breathtaking views and an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course that sits between 3,700 and 4,400 feet in elevation.
The course was designed with challenging holes that penalize bad shots and reward the good ones. And the views are incredible from every hole. Palmer himself said: “the mountainous terrain, spectacular views of surrounding mountains and beautiful streams are what make Balsam Mountain Preserve different from any course I have ever designed.”
This exclusive community is more than a golfer’s haven; it boasts 42 miles of hiking trails, equestrian facilities, fitness and dining options, and a serene, nature-filled environment.
Nearby towns like Waynesville and Sylva add to its appeal with charming local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. While golf course homes are limited, the new cottages at Doubletop Mountain offer stunning views of the Palmer Practice Park and course holes 9, 10, and 17. Current homes for sale in Balsam Mountain Preserve begin in the mid $2M and go up to around $6M but you'll find estates within the community valued at well over $10M. Explore homes for sale in Balsam Mountain Preserve or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: I may be a little partial to Balsam Mountain Preserve, it truly is like living in a nature preserve. You'll know what I mean the moment you drive through the gates, there is one specific point where everyone I take into the community says "wow, this is different." During the summer the community is so lush that it takes true effort to find the homes through the tree coverage, even from the clubhouse. The community has seen a ton of renewed activity over the last couple of years due to new developers involvement who is making the upfront investment required to elevate the community to the level it deserves. I could go on and on but we can discuss further when we talk.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes from $2M–$6M+
New cottages overlook holes 9, 10, and 17
42 miles of trails, equestrian center, and spa-like amenities
Lifestyle: Laidback luxury
Mountain Air Country Club
Mountain Air Country Club is a private, member-owned fly-in community perched at nearly 5,000 feet of elevation and located forty-five minutes north of Asheville.
The Scott Pool-designed course is renowned for its dramatic mountain layout and awe-inspiring long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Links Magazine described it as “one of the most dramatic and naturally conceived courses in the country.”
Amenities include a heated pool, fitness classes, hiking trails, and a unique 2,875-foot runway, allowing members to conveniently fly in.
The community offers some of the most dramatic long range mountain views in the area. Homes are typically available from $1-4M+. Explore homes for sale in Mountain Air or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: Mountain air is just a really cool concept and pretty dramatic once you're up there. It's wild to see a runway literally carved on the top of a mountain. It's only long enough for smaller planes and take offs and landings are not for rookie pilots due to the variations in wind up there but none-the-less its a remarkable feature. The community is more remote because Burnsville doesn't offer much in the way of amenities outside the gates but if you prefer to stay close to home, it could be a great fit for you. The steep mountain provides views, particularly to the northeast, that are extremely dramatic long range views with multiple layers; but the roads do take a little getting used to.
Real Estate Snapshot
Condos < $1M, Homes $1-4M
Amenities: hiking, pool, fitness, and private airstrip
Champion Hills
About 50 minutes south of Asheville is Champion Hills Community, a member-owned and somewhat remote golf community enclave.
The Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course offers great green complexes with gorgeous tree-lined fairways running parallel to the mountain scape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s been rated the number one year-round golf course in North Carolina.
The community offers a lifestyle that promotes health and wellness. Aside from playing golf, there’s a swimming pool, fitness classes, and trails. Homes in Champion Hills range from $500K to $3M. Explore homes for sale in Champion Hills or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: Champion Hills is another community that is in a valley where you're mostly looking up at the mountains rather than sitting on top. It's a well established community with a close knit membership but is also very welcoming to newcomers. It's the only Hendersonville community on this list, which is much more of a small town "main street" kind of vibe. All the local amenities such as grocery and shopping are close by so you won't feel too far out.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes: $800K–$3M
Focus on health and outdoor lifestyle
Lifestyle: Member-owned and welcoming
Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club
Mountaintop Golf Club Situated about 90 minutes southwest of Asheville features one of the most meticulously maintained golf courses in Western North Carolina. Designed by Thomas Fazio, the course offers an exceptional golfing experience, complemented by luxury amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and gourmet dining options. The comfort station overlooking the 18th hole is particularly noteworthy to those who visit. The lake club and activities add an additional dynamic to the community's unique appeal.
Residences in Mountaintop range from $4M to well over $10M. Learn more about Mountaintop here.
What makes it special: Mountaintop is the first on our list in the Highlands and Cashiers area. This area is dense with luxury homes and communities, and the sky is the limit in terms of how much you can spend. The club is very well established, as many in the area are because it long been a location were wealthy families from Atlanta come to escape the summer heat. It's also the only club on the list that includes a lake club, which makes it stand out for those looking for a summer home. Be prepared though because the area does essentially shut down in the winter.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes: $4M–$20M
Features: Lake access
Wade Hampton Golf Club
Approximately an hour and 40 minutes from Asheville, Wade Hampton Golf Club is a Thomas Fazio masterpiece ranked as the #1 golf course in North Carolina by Golf Digest and #26 in the United States. Surrounded by rugged mountainsides, granite bluffs, and serene lakes, the course is complemented by a charming clubhouse with dining, a golf shop, and relaxing spaces.
Residences and homesites are situated at an elevation above 3,000 feet, surrounded by 28,000 acres of national forest and range from $2M - $10M. Learn more about Wade Hampton here.
What makes it special: From a golf perspective, Wade Hampton truly stands out. Consistently ranks among the best courses in the country for good reason as it's immaculate. The planning of the community was very well done to keep the homes tucked far enough away to maintain the feel of being immersed in nature. The granite bluffs in create an awe-inspiring backdrop to life there which is unique to the cashiers area. As mentioned earlier the entire area does "shut down" in the winter months, but if you have the budget and are looking for seclusion and exclusivity in a summer home, it's a wonderful spot.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes: $2M–$10M+
High-elevation estates only
Secluded, elite, and timeless
Linville Ridge
Near Blowing Rock, about 90 minutes northeast of Asheville, Linville Ridge, is a highly private and underrated golf community. The George Cobb course is celebrated for its expansive, undulating greens and exceptional green complexes.
Beyond golf, residents enjoy five-star amenities, including tennis, swimming, and more.
Homes in this mountain top community range from $2-6M with the occasional listing at well over $10M. Explore homes for sale in Linville Ridge or learn more about the community here.
What makes it special: Linville Ridge is the first, and only, community east of Asheville to be included on our list so far. The club and community are top-notch and have more of a traditional "jacket and tie" vibe. Its location on the eastern cusp of the blue ridge mountains, but still at a high elevation, make it a great option for those living in Charlotte or Raleigh looking for a summer get away. I'll soon be adding more clubs in this region of which there are several so reach out to discuss which is best suited for you and your family.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes from $2-6M+
Country club vibe with full amenities
High Hampton Resort
High Hampton Resort Located 1.5 hours southwest of Asheville, in Cashiers NC, High Hampton Resort features a seasonal Tom Fazio-designed course surrounded by lush mountain views and deep green bent grass fairways. The Range House offers a pro shop and a welcoming space to unwind after a round of golf.
Real estate opportunities include spacious homes starting around $5M and currently up-to $8M. Homesites for custom builds can be found starting at a little over $1M.
What makes it special: High Hampton is a 100 year old luxury resort in a recent partnership with the Beall family of Blackberry Farms and Blackberry Mountain (eastern Tennessee) who are well known for their expertise in ultra high-end hospitality. The club has retained its historic roots and rustic mountain appeal and the resort component ensures the menus are consistently refreshed and activities well planned to give guests a reason to keep coming back. Again, being in Cashiers means it will primarily be for those interested in a summer home and is one of many great options for those coming up from Atlanta.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes from $5M–$8M
Resort Community with Hotel
How to Choose the Right Golf Community
Each community offers a unique blend of elevation, social atmosphere, exclusivity, and pricing. Use this guide to shortlist what matters most—then contact our local experts to match you with the right fit. From gated privacy to walkable fairways to private aviation access, there's a mountain club tailored to your lifestyle.
FAQs About NC Mountain Golf Communities
What is the most exclusive golf community in North Carolina? Wade Hampton Golf Club is often cited as the most elite, ranked #1 in NC and #26 nationally.
Which community is best for high-elevation golf? Mountain Air Country Club and Balsam Mountain Preserve offer courses above 4,000 feet.
Do any mountain communities offer access to multiple clubs? Yes. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove offers membership to six additional regional clubs.
Are there gated communities with non-golf amenities? Yes. Most include pools, fitness centers, trails, dining, and some include equestrian or airstrip features.
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