The 9 Best Golf Communities in the North Carolina Mountains

Western North Carolina golf community Balsam Mountain Preserve. Beautiful mountain golf course in the private mountain community Balsam Mountain Preserve.

If you are an avid golfer, looking for the best golf communities in the North Carolina mountains around Asheville, you’re in the right place.

Luxury-Communities.com specializes in helping buyers find the best private golf communities all over the US and we have rated our favorite golf communities in the mountains of North Carolina.

While the main focus is golf we also considered the quality and atmosphere of the communities.

Western NC Golf Communities

North Carolina mountain golf communities are incredible for several reasons. Western NC offers a spectacular setting to build a golf course and the weather is perfect for nine months of the year.

However, building in the mountain terrain is an expensive endeavor. This is why the area’s best golf courses often lie behind the gates of exclusive custom home communities.

If you are trying to decide which golf community is best for you, the good news is there are several great options. The challenge comes in finding which community is best for you. That's where we come in. Our Broker partners have all specialized in private communities and know these places like the back of their hand. If golf is an important component of your decision, let us know, we'll be happy to connect you with our Asheville golf pro who can tell you about each course and the community and lifestyle around it.

Best Golf Communities in Asheville

If you’re looking to get on the greens in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville features top-notch options. To browse all of Asheville's golf communities click here.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Walnut Cove in south Asheville North Carolina is a first-class private golf community with a beautiful Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

In his design, Jack's intention was for golfers to feel as if they were playing within a national forest. Walnut Cove is the only course in the area to have debuted with a PGA Tour event. 

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a very well-maintained course and luxury community for those with a top-tier budget.

Golf course homes and townhouses range from $1-3 million. Members within this community also have access to the six other Cliff’s communities golf courses all within an hour’s drive.

Biltmore Forest Country Club

This high-class, elegant, private club is just ten minutes from Asheville’s city center. Biltmore Forest Country Club is a by-invitation, member-owned, private country club.

The course sits on 135 acres and was designed by Donald J. Ross. Our golf pro says that Biltmore Forest has the best Donald Ross greens he’s ever putted on.

The clubhouse features a pool, various member activities, several dining areas, and more. Homes in the community typically range from $1-4 million but can approach $10 million.

Best Golf Communities in Western North Carolina

If you’re looking to get a little bit outside of Asheville, there are several stunning communities throughout western North Carolina. These feature prime courses with breathtaking views. To view all golf communities in Western North Carolina click here.

Balsam Mountain Preserve Golf community in North Carolina Mountains. Arnold Palmer Signature Design.

Balsam Mountain Preserve

Just forty minutes from the center of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve has some of the best views of all Western North Carolina golf courses.

The Arnold Palmer Signature golf course is elevated from 3,700 to 4,400 feet and was designed with challenging holes that penalize bad shots and reward the good ones.

The views are incredible from every hole. Palmer himself said, “mountainous terrain, spectacular views of surrounding mountains and beautiful streams are what make Balsam Mountain Preserve different from any course I have ever designed.”.

Balsam Mountain Preserve comes at a cost but has a lot to offer. Not only is golfing a major component of this private gated community but its natural surrounding is unmatched and offers a peaceful environment. The community offers 42 miles of hiking trails, equestrian facilities, fitness, dining, and much more. There’s also plenty to see and do right outside of Balsam Mountain Preserve in the towns of Waynesville and Sylva. 

There are very few golf course homes in Balsam Mountain but the new Overlook at Doubletop Mountain neighborhood sits just above the Palmer Practice Park and has great views of the mountain as well as #'s 9, 10, and 17.

Mountain Air Golf Club in North Carolina mountains.

Mountain Air Country Club

This western North Carolina golf community is located just forty-five minutes north of Asheville. Mountain Air Country Club is a member-owned, private gated community.

Situated at just under 5,000 feet in elevation. Mountain Air's Scott Pool-designed course is a challenging but spectacular mountain golf course with jaw-dropping views of the blue ridge mountains. It was described by Links Magazine as “one of the most dramatic and naturally conceived courses in the country.”

The clubhouse at Mountain Air Country Club is just as excellent as the golf course. The community also features a heated pool, hiking trails opportunities, and fitness classes. Most interestingly, there’s a 2,875-foot runway along the top of the mountain allowing for easy access for members to fly in. It’s also a great spot for outdoor events.

Mountain Air has homes and condominiums for sale anywhere from about $300,000 to $700,000. Homesites are also available for up to $250,000.

5th hole Champion Hills Golf Club Hendersonville NC

Champion Hills Community

About 50 minutes south of Asheville is Champion Hills Community, a member-owned and somewhat remote community.

The Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course offers great green complexes with gorgeous tree-lined fairways running parallel to the mountainscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s been rated the number one year-round golf course in North Carolina.

The gated community offers a lifestyle that promotes health and wellness. Aside from playing golf, there’s a swimming pool, fitness classes, and trails.

Homes in the community range from $500,000 to $3 million.

Mountaintop golf club Highland Cashiers NC

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

About an hour and a half southwest of Asheville sits, possibly, the most manicured golf course in Western North Carolina.

Mountaintop was designed by Thomas Fazio and our golf professional claims the golf course and community are better than its neighbor, Wade Hampton Golf Club but with less desirable views. With that said, the comfort station and grill area overlooking the 18th hole are top of the line.

The clubhouse at Mountaintop is ideal for gathering and offers a spa, swimming pool, and more. Dining options at the club vary from casual to gourmet. The lake club and activities is also a unique feature of this club.

Residences at Mountaintop include estate lots and cabins with a wide range of prices.

Wade Hampton Golf Club

This Thomas Fazio-designed course is located about an hour and forty minutes from Asheville.

Wade Hampton Golf Club has been rated the #1 golf course in North Carolina by Golf Digest and the #26 in the United States. It’s surrounded by mountainsides, granite bluffs, and lakes. 

The rustic-style clubhouse features dining, a golf shop, and spaces for relaxing. Residences and homesites sit at an elevation of 3,486 feet surrounded by 28,000 acres of national forest.

Linville Ridge Country Club Linville NC

Linville Ridge 

This private North Carolina golf community is located about an hour and a half northeast of Asheville near Blowing Rock.

It’s a very private golf course and probably the most underrated one in North Carolina. It features some of the best green complexes with a lot of massive, undulating greens.

Amenities and facilities at Linville Ridge are five-star. The club offers various activities from tennis to swimming and more.

Live next to the greens in this mountaintop community with homes ranging from about $175,000 to a few million.

High Hampton Resort

Situated about an hour and forty minutes southwest of Asheville is High Hampton Resort.

This Tom Fazio exhilarating golf course is surrounded by mountain views and boasts deep green bentgrasses. The Range House features a pro shop and an excellent space to unwind after a round of golf. The course is seasonal and closed during Winter. 

High Hampton is home to an Inn and cottages that display unique architectural details.

Real estate opportunities nestled in the mountains offer spacious floor plans and cozy features. Prices range from about one to a few million dollars. Steer clear of local traffic by enjoying resort activities including dining, water sports, hiking trails, tennis courts, a pool, and much more.

Real Estate

If you’re looking for your ideal North Carolina golf community with a top-tier course and views, contact Luxury-Communities. We can answer all of your questions about golf courses in Western North Carolina along with helping you find your dream home or second home in the community that's best for you.