Discover Golf & Real Estate in the High Country of North Carolina
The High Country of North Carolina — especially around Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and their scenic mountain surroundings — offers not just spectacular dining and shopping, but some of the most attractive real estate opportunities in the region. And for golfers, it’s a dream destination: the area is dotted with public and private courses set in the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you're looking for a vacation home near the fairway or just planning your next getaway, here’s a guide to the top golf courses in the High Country — and how they connect to real estate.
Why Golfers Love the High Country
- Stunning mountain scenery: The rugged terrain, elevation changes, and natural water features make these courses both beautiful and challenging.
- Variety of course types: From affordable 9-hole par 3s to highly exclusive private clubs, there’s something for beginners, weekend players, and serious golfers alike.
- Cooler climate: Imagine ending your round mid Summer and it still hasn't reached 80 degrees! No early tee times needed here to beat the heat.
- Lifestyle: Owning a home in a golf community here offers more than courses — they include an unmatched lifestyle. Living here means having hiking, skiing, fishing, world class dining and golf right in your backyard.
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Private & Member-Only Golf Clubs in the High Country
For those interested in real estate in golf communities, here are some of the private clubs in the region with membership details and what makes each unique.
Linville Ridge
This exclusive country club rises nearly 5000 feet above sea level putting it on a pedestal as the highest golf course east of the Mississippi River. With breathtaking views and an average summer high of 75, this renovated golf course in ON , not IN the NC mountains looking eye to eye with Grandfather Mountain.
$60,000 initiation fee and annual dues of $17,800
Social membership allow up to 10 rounds of golf per year limited to 1 per week after 2;00 PM and can be obtained for a mere $30,000 initiation and $7,500 per year in dues.
https://www.linvilleridge.com/golf-pages/golf
Elk River Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Linville Ridge is one of North Carolina's top 10 golf courses and runs with the natural topography and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The course features fairly wide fairways, but challenging approaches to the undulating greens.
Full membership for property owners start with a $90,000 initiation fee and approximately $24,000 in dues annually. Non-Resident golf memberships can be had for an initiation fee of $100,000 but at the annual fees as owners.
Besides golf, Elk River offers a private airport, equestrian center, fantastic dining options, and world class trout fishing.
http://elkriverclubnc.com/golf/
Blowing Rock Country Club
The only Seth Raynor golf course in North Carolina, Blowing Rock Country Club has been challenging golfers since 1915 and rewards accuracy over distance. The club is open from May through October and features many events and tournaments throughout the season.
Sponsored membership begins at a $60,000 initiation fee for those 56 or older (just $47,000 for the younger crowd.) Club dues are $5,700 annually with a $1,200 food minimum. Add $2,000 per year and you are all set to enjoy one of the most beautiful courses the NC mountains have to offer. http://www.blowingrockcountryclub.com/Golf
Grandfather Golf and Country Club
Membership to Grandfather Golf and Country Club is by invitation only, but if you are fortunate enough then you are in for a treat with two courses to choose from. Listed as one of America's 100 greatest courses by Golf Digest, the Championship course features beauty that may distract you from your game. If you are looking for a shorter game then the 18-hole par 59 course is a great option with 13 par 3 and five par 4 holes.
https://www.grandfatherclubnc.com/golf/
Diamond Creek
Located in Banner Elk, Diamond Creek is one of the most exclusive private golf communities in the High Country. This invitation-only, Tom Fazio–designed course stretches more than 7,100 yards and blends dramatic mountain terrain, water features, and pristine conditioning. The gated community spans over 1,000 acres with large, private homesites—often 4 to 10 acres—and luxury mountain estates typically soaring into the multi-million-dollar range. Diamond Creek offers an elegant clubhouse, fine dining at the renowned Artisanal Restaurant, sporting clays, equestrian options, and a low-density, ultra-private mountain lifestyle. Membership details are kept confidential, but demand remains high due to the club’s exclusivity, amenities, and exceptional real estate offerings.
Jefferson Landing
Yet another top 100 4.5 star course in the High Country! Jefferson Landing is an award winning par- 72 golf course spanning 7,110 immaculate yards along the New River. Designed by US Open and two-time PGA Champion, Larry Nelson, this course is fair but challenging.
Become a member of this award winning golf club for a one time initiation of $7,500 and annual $5,700 dues with a minimum food. (This may change, so verify with the club.)
http://www.visitjeffersonlanding.com/golf.php
Hound Ears Club
Hound Ears Golf Course is a private course open to club members and their guests. Rental guests are also allowed to play the course if they are staying in a property that has full access to the Club.
The course winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains around lakes waterfalls and streams.
Membership: $55,000 initiation | aprox. $10,000annual club dues | $1,500 annual golf dues
Guest fees (historically): $80 Greens Fee | $25 cart fee
Top Public Golf Courses in the High Country
Here are some of the best public golf courses around Boone and the surrounding mountain towns:
Boone Golf Club
- 18 holes over 6,680 yards with a par of 71
- Designed by Ellis Maples, sitting at about 3,346 ft elevation.
- Amenities: Fully stocked pro shop, two chipping practice areas, large putting green, and on-course dining at the Fairway Café (run by Casa Rustica).
- Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and one of the top 50 golf courses to play in NC and hidden gem of the North Carolina Mountains.
433 Fairway Drive Boone, N.C. 28607
(828) 264-8760 http://www.boonegolfclub.com/
Linville Land Harbor
1665 Goose Hollow Road Linville, N.C. 28646
(828) 733-8300
This semi-private course features a distinct difference in front and back nines with a scenic mountain layout. The front nine is more than 1,000 yards longer than the back with the course's only two par 5s. The back nine meanders through the mountains and will test your short game. With various memberships available, Linville Land Harbor is an approachable price point for golfing in the High Country.
Mountain Aire Golf Club
18 holes over 6,404 yards par 72 designed by Dennis Lehmann
1104 Golf Course Road West Jefferson, N.C. 28694
(336) 877-4716 http://www.mountainaire.com/
A moderate length golf course that can be enjoyed by all skill levels nestled in beautiful West Jefferson.
Membership Options:
- Full Membership (season): $650 for individuals — unlimited play, pay only cart fee. NCGolf
- Daily Fee Membership: $325 per season — discounted green fee + cart.
Mountain Glen Golf Club
18 holes over 6,723 yards with a par of 72
1 Club House Drive Newland, N.C. 28657
(828) 733-5804 https://boone-asheville-nc-mountain-golf-course.com/
A 4 star Golf Digest rated George Cobb (ie Quail Hollow, Charlotte) designed course that is laid out to be rewarding and enjoyable. With practice facilities and clubhouse grill, this course has one of Western NC's best par 4 holes. Take a look at the layout of the course with a drone virtual tour of each hole.
Red Tail Mountain
18 holes over 6,884 yards with a par of 72
300 Clubhouse Lane https://www.redtailmountain.com/
Just over the NC boarder, this TN golf course is only 20 minutes from Boone. noted as a top 10 retirement location in TN, this newly renovated course features amazing views and wildlife.
Sugar Mountain Golf Course
18 holes over 4,560 yards with a par of 64
1054 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, N.C. 28604
(828) 898-6464 https://seesugar.com/golf/
Located just minutes from Boone, Banner Elk and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 18-hole seniors course is an affordable and accessible "Everyman's Golf Course" in a region home to some of the world's premiere private country club communities.
Willow Creek Golf Course
9 holes over 1,663 yards with a par of 27
354 Bairds Creek Road Vilas, N.C. 28692
(828) 963-6865 http://www.willowvalley-resort.com/
Willow Creek is a 9-hole Par 3 Executive course designed by Tom Jackson. Yardages range from the 137-yard sixth hole to the signature 221-yard ninth hole. The course has varying elevation changes with four tee boxes for all levels of play!
Course Rating: 45 Slope Rating: 113
Driving Range -Mountaineer Golf Center
115 Beverly Heights Ave. Boone, N.C. 28607
(828) 264-6830
How Golf Ties Into Real Estate in the High Country
- Lifestyle & View Premiums: Homes in or near golf communities often command a premium — not just for the course, but for the surrounding mountain views, walking paths, and resort-like amenities.
- Second Homes & Vacation Rentals: Many buyers are second-home owners or investors. Courses like Linville Land Harbor or Linville Ridge are popular for vacation homes because of the combined golf + mountain lifestyle.
- Resale Value: Golf communities often hold value well. Even if you don’t golf much, having access or proximity to a golf course can be appealing to future buyers.
- Getting Around: In places like Land Harbor, many members use golf carts to move around the community, not just for playing golf.