Last Updated on May 7, 2024
Have you experienced the under-the-radar golf destination of Lake Lure, NC?
Tucked amid scenic shorelines and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure is secluded yet easily accessible from several East Coast population centers. Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh, NC; Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Greenville and Spartanburg, SC are all within a half-day’s drive or less.
Golf enthusiasts travel from all over to enjoy Lake Lure’s unique courses, rich amenities, and world-class mountain views. Here’s a primer to the fantastic courses that make Lake Lure, NC, a golfing destination.
Golf courses in Lake Lure, NC
Lake Lure is the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is rich with outdoor amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa, and hiking trails. Families enjoy Rumbling Bald’s Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure, or Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge.
Here are Lake Lure, NC’s top-notch golf courses:
Apple Valley – Public/Resort
The marquee course at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Golf course architect Dan Maples estimated 75% of the shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill. While that is virtually unheard of for a mountain course, it also makes the course eminently playable for golfers of all skill levels. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.
New Champion Bermuda greens were installed on every hole in the summer of 2020, a superior ultradwarf turf that’s heat tolerant, easier to maintain in Rumbling Bald’s temperate climate, and has speeds up to two feet faster than other ultradwarf turf cultivars as measured by a stimpmeter. Noteworthy holes include the par-3 8th, featuring a stunning view of Bald Mountain, and the par-3 14th with its panorama of Young’s Mountain. No wonder it was named one of Golf Digest’s “Place to Play”!
Membership available. Lessons and clinics available.
112 Mountains Boulevard, Lake Lure | (828) 694-3000 | rumblingbald.com/golf
Bald Mountain – Public/Resort
Bald Mountain, Rumbling Bald’s original W.B. Lewis-designed mountain-style golf course, re-opened on April 1, 2021 after undergoing a series of enhancements to beautify its surroundings, increase overall playability, and restore original shot values. Throughout the 6,300-yard par-72 layout, the resort reduced tree canopy coverage, allowing for more sunlight to penetrate areas around tee boxes and green complexes. On several dogleg holes, tree lines were restored to their original borders, providing golfers more options on approach shots into greens. New turf was installed on several tee boxes and in fairways running up to green complexes.
Unlike Apple Valley, Bald Mountain features varying elevation changes and a challenging mix of up and downhill shots. The course’s unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s makes it an ideal complement, offering a decidedly different, yet unforgettable, golf experience. In addition, the 16th green is home to a scene from “Dirty Dancing”, which was shot at numerous locations throughout town.
Membership available. Lessons and clinics available.
112 Mountains Boulevard, Lake Lure | (828) 694-3000 | rumblingbald.com/golf
Additional golf courses near Lake Lure, NC
Bright’s Creek Golf Club – Private
2222 Palmer Road, Mill Spring | (828) 694-4500 | brightscreekclub.com
Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club – Public/Resort
183 Golf Circle, Rutherfordton | (828) 286-9117 | cleghorngolf.com
Dogwood Valley Golf Course – Public/Municipal
328 Dogwood Valley Road, Forest City | (828) 657-6214
Forest City Municipal Golf Course – Public/Municipal
211 Clay Street, Forest City | (828) 248-5222 | townofforestcity.com
Kenmure Golf Club – Private
100 Clubhouse Drive, Flat Rock | (828) 697-1200 | kenmure.com/golf
Meadowbrook Golf Club – Public
1211 Meadowbrook Road, Rutherfordton | (828) 863-2690 | meadowbrookgolfclub.com
Orchard Trace Golf Club – Public
924 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville | (828) 685-1006 | visithendersonvillenc.org
Red Fox Country Club – Semi-Private
106 Club Road, Tryon | (828) 894-8251
Rutherfordton Golf Club – Public/Municipal
191 Twitty Ford Road, Rutherfordton | (828) 287-3406
Tryon Country Club – Private
393 Country Club Road, Tryon | (828) 859-9561 | tryoncountryclub.com
Read more: Play the best courses in WNC with this complete Golf Course Guide
Mini golf in Lake Lure, NC
Looking for something a little more kid friendly? “Putt” a smile on their faces and check out these mini golf courses around Lake Lure.
Chimney Rock Adventure Golf
Play an adventurous game of miniature golf on a naturally landscaped course situated along 400 feet of the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock Village. You’ll enjoy the landscaping, sounds of the river, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chimney Rock Mountain. Grab a sno-cone or ice cream bar from the Snack Shack for a quick treat while you play or when you’re done.
339 Main Street, Chimney Rock | (828) 625-8870 | broadriverinn.com/mini-golf
Putt and Go Video
Enjoy outdoor fun for the family, groups, and parties at Putt and Go Video. This mini golf course is conveniently located near the intersection of Highways 74 and Alt 221 in nearby Forest City. It’s also just across the street from the Thermal Belt Rail walking trail. Shop for scrubs and other essentials while you’re there. And enjoy unlimited play every day for just $3!
126 Frontage Road, Forest City | (828) 245-0466 | facebook.com
Read more: 7 WNC mini golf courses that will putt a smile on your face
Find what feels like home in Lake Lure, NC
Waterfront mountain real estate is something that is rare indeed. What’s more, there is a unique variety of homes in Lake Lure ranging from the historic to the modern, from the somewhat rustic to the state of the art. Here at Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, we pride ourselves on our deep relationship with the area, as well as our vast knowledge of Lake Lure property, land, and its unique, storied history.
Does this sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find what feels like home in Lake Lure, NC.
