Golfing in the High Country: The Best Courses Near Boone, NC
North Carolina’s High Country is home to some of the most breathtaking and challenging golf courses in the Southeast. With stunning mountain views, cool summer temperatures, and diverse course layouts, it’s no wonder golfers return year after year to experience these incredible courses. Whether you're looking for a public course with rolling fairways or an exclusive club with world-class amenities, there’s a course for you.
Public and Semi-Private Golf Courses
Boone Golf Club
Designed by Ellis Maples, Boone Golf Club is a must-play public course in the High Country. The par-71 layout stretches 6,686 yards, offering well-manicured fairways, fast greens, and stunning mountain vistas. It’s a perfect blend of playability and challenge for all skill levels.
Mountain Glen Golf Club
Located just outside Boone, this George Cobb-designed course is widely regarded as one of North Carolina’s best public courses. Featuring strategic bunkers, rolling fairways, and smooth greens, Mountain Glen offers a true test of golf surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Sugar Mountain Golf Club
At an elevation of 5,236 feet, Sugar Mountain is one of the coolest places to play in summer. This 18-hole public course winds through wooded fairways, across streams, and up rolling hills, making every shot an adventure.
Linville Land Harbor Golf Club
This semi-private course offers a fun and challenging layout for all skill levels. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Land Harbor features tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and stunning water features. Open to the public seasonally, this course is a local favorite.
Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club
Located in Spruce Pine, Grassy Creek is a beautifully maintained public course that offers a relaxed and enjoyable round. The scenic mountain backdrop, gently rolling fairways, and affordable rates make it a great choice for visitors.
Willow Valley Golf
Perfect for beginners and families, Willow Valley Golf Course is a par-3 course located just outside Boone. This laid-back course provides a great opportunity to practice your short game while enjoying the mountain air.
Private Golf Clubs
Hound Ears Golf Club
Designed by George Cobb, Hound Ears is a private club known for its lush fairways, rolling terrain, and scenic views. With tree-lined holes, rock outcroppings, and a peaceful setting, this course provides a challenging yet relaxing mountain golf experience.
Linville Ridge Country Club
At 4,945 feet above sea level, Linville Ridge boasts the highest golf course east of the Mississippi. This private club features dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways, and incredible long-range views.
Grandfather Golf & Country Club
This prestigious private club sits at the base of Grandfather Mountain and offers two stunning courses. The Championship Course, designed by Ellis Maples, is consistently ranked as one of the best mountain courses in the country.
Beech Mountain Club
As the highest private golf course in Eastern America, Beech Mountain Club provides cool summer play with tight fairways, elevation changes, and stunning mountain scenery. Membership is required, but vacation rentals in the area often come with access.
Blowing Rock Country Club
One of the most historic and exclusive clubs in the High Country, Blowing Rock Country Club is a Donald Ross-designed course with tight fairways, strategic bunkers, and impeccable greens. This private club offers top-tier golf in a scenic setting.
Diamond Creek Country Club
One of the most elite clubs in North Carolina, Diamond Creek is an ultra-private golf club known for world-class amenities, pristine fairways, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s an exclusive retreat for golfers who want the best of the best.
Elk River Club
Located in Banner Elk, Elk River Club is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, offering strategic design, rolling fairways, and pristine greens. This private club provides a challenging yet rewarding round for members.
Linville Golf Club
Originally built in 1892, Linville Golf Club is one of the oldest and most historic courses in North Carolina. This Donald Ross masterpiece features classic mountain golf design with undulating greens, tree-lined fairways, and incredible conditioning.
Plan Your Golf Getaway
The High Country is a golfer’s paradise, offering everything from scenic public courses to elite private clubs. Whether you’re looking for a fun, relaxed round or an exclusive championship-level experience, there’s something for everyone.
Before hitting the fairways, be sure to check out Peanuts and Golf for the latest golf apparel and accessories to keep you looking great on and off the course!