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.

Click to use our Advanced Search to find golf properties in the High Country. 

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Getting Around: In places like Land Harbor, many members use golf carts to move around the community, not just for playing golf. 

Discover Golf Properties in The High Country

Acclivity Realty Group is happy to announce that they have been voted to the ALC (Agent Leadership Council) after their inaugural year with the agency.

The Keller Williams ALC or Agent Leadership Council is made up of the top 20% of agents in each office. This dynamic ‘board of directors’ is actively involved in the leadership decisions that make the office more productive and profitable. Their roles are to inspire, motivate, participate and listen to other agents to help lead them. By having input from these associates, each office can tailor their strategies to thrive in all stages of the market.

We are proud to announce that David Davis of Acclivity Realty Group - Keller Williams High Country Realty has been named as a top 20 producer in volume for June 2018, selling more real estate than hundreds of agents out of 3 area Keller Williams offices. 

Contact David now to see how he can help you navigate the real estate market. 

Tara and I had the great fortune to help out Watauga County a bit today as part of Keller Williams RED Day.  We were

part of four crews split between the local ReStore and the Habitat for Humanity GreenWood community.  Lots of great work was done (floors were installed, cabinets built, and lots of great landscaping got the community ready for spring!)

 but there is always a continual need.

We were joined by some great local service providers including Home Scan Inspections, and the crew from Clean & Dry Environmental Solutions. Others were kind enough to provide lunch for the volunteers including Movement Mortgage, Geeks at Work - The Computer Tamers, America's Preferred Home Warranty, and Attorney Rob Angle.  A HUGE thanks to everyone who helped out any way they could! 

So, What IS RED Day?

RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is an initiative dedicated to celebrating Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving our local communities.  Each year, on the second Thursday in May, tens of thousands of associates from across the United States and Canada participate in a wide range of projects, devoting their time to renewing and energizing aspects of the neighborhoods in which they serve.  

RED Day initiatives run the gamut: From rebuilding homes, refurbishing local parks, giving to local food shelters, hosting blood drives, beautifying beaches and so much more. Projects are chosen by each individual market center based on a need they see within its community.

This event is an entrenched part of Keller Williams Realty’s culture and displays the extraordinary effect a company can have when individuals come together to work as a team for the greater good of everyone. 

“RED Day isn’t about cleaning up a park. It is a one-day expression of what happens 24/7 in the Keller Williams culture. It is seeing a need, discovering who can meet that need and then getting it done."

More about GreenWood

In the spring of 2011, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the first of 20 homes that will be built in the GreenWood neighborhood, a quiet neighborhood in the hear of the High Country spanning 20 acres near Green Valley School.

If you are familiar at all with housing prices in the area, then you know how difficult it can be to find an affordable home - especially one that doesn't need any additional renovations. Habitat strongly believes that housing can and should be beautiful and affordable for all. Each of the homes in the community is energy-efficient and sustainable.  GreenWood is an example of what’s possible in the green building industry, beautifully demonstrating that efficient, ecological building practices can ensure lasting affordability for our hardworking partner families. 

How Can You Help?

Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or you've never picked up a hammer, building with Habitat is a life-changing experience both for you and the community. Sponsor a project, bring a group, or come on your own. They can’t do it without you - it takes a community to build a community!

Build days are typically Wednesdays and Saturdays although special arrangements can be made for groups in advance. Please go online or call Habitat for Humanity's volunteer coordinator at (828) 268-9545 to sign up.

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When searching for property in the NC High Country, there are may options, but what can you expect to pay in HOA / POA fees to be a part of some of the most popular communities? Here is a quick overview of what some of the fees are in popular communities in Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Foscoe, Boone and Linville.

 

    Echota is a gated community with 2 clubhouses, one indoor pool and one outdoor pool, 2 workout rooms and other amenities. POA fees are approx $1100 per quarter, which also includes water/ sewer, cable and internet. It is about 10 minutes from Boone and 15 minutes to Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. http://www.echotanc.com/

    Chetola is a gated community in downtown Blowing Rock. It has a Bob Timberlake restaurant and spa that is also open to the public, but an option to join its club that gives access to the pool, workout rooms, golf, fishing, etc. There is a one time initiation fee is $4,800 and the annual dues are $1,000.00. Plus POA fees that vary. They start at $480/ month for a one bedroom. https://www.chetola.com/


    Yonahlossee - POA fees approx $975/ quarter plus membership to the Yonahlossee Racquet Club, which has indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, with a new one being built and a clubhouse for a $500 initiation fee and $100 per month. https://www.yonahlosseeclub.com


    Linville Land Harbor is about 10 minutes away from Banner Elk and 35 minutes from Boone. http://www.linvillelandharbor.com/. The POA fees are $2400 per year and include:

    Water/ sewer

    Cable

    Internet

    Trash Pick-up

    24 hour Security

    Outdoor pool

    Beach

    Lake with canoes and kayaks

    Access to Linville River for fishing

    Hiking trails

    Dog parks

    Recreation Center with clubs and activities

    Suffleboard

    Pickleball

    Tennis (extra fee)
    Golf (extra fee)

 
Houses and/or condos in Beech Mountain can be eligible for a Beech Mountain Club Membership. If a property has current membership there is a $500 transfer fee and if its not current it is a $2000 new member initiation fee, then fees are $1700 per year. http://beechmtn.club/. They have golf, tennis, pickle-ball, a pool and more.  

Other communities that have higher Club fees are  

    Hound Ears: POA fees are approx $863/ quarter which does not include any use of the Hound Ears Club. You can join the Club for a $30,000 initiation fee then a min of $6700 per year for fees plus other fees depending on the membership type and level.  https://www.houndears.com/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=HP

 

    Linville Ridge: POA fees are $8750/ year plus Club Membership. https://www.linvilleridge.com/

 

    Elk River: POA fees are $9800 per year plus Club Membership. The Elk River Club amenities include an air field, swimming pool, playground, Dog Park, tennis, fitness center, clubhouse, lake, and a Jack Nicholas signature golf course. http://elkriverclubnc.com/

 

When finding homes for sale in Blowing Rock or the High Country area, your mind is on a million different things from inspections and loans to picking out furniture. One thing that many home buyers overlook in this critical time is homeowners insurance. Here are a few tips for making sure you are covered and how to get some discounts for your new NC mountain home as well.

• Home updates are important. Any updates to plumbing, roof, electrical and heating/air within 10 years can give you a discount when insuring your mountain property.
  
  
• Home insurance companies want the updates above within the last 30 years.
  
  
• Age of construction can give discounts.
  
  
• When you are away from your mountain home, anything can happen from frozen pipes to tree limbs breaking a window. Your piece of mind is your insurer's as well. Discounts can be provided for monitored alarms.
  
  
• If you are searching for real estate as a second home in the mountains, a mountain investment property, or for retirement, then the insurance needed to cover your home can vary greatly. Types of insurance needs can be determined by the use of the home (primary, secondary, rental)
  
  
• If you are in the market for High value  real estate ($750,000+) or log homes, they are underwritten more cautiously. Again, monitored alarms for the home are helpful in these situations.
  
  
• Pets such as certain dog breeds and exotic pets can be a concern when insuring your home as well.

If you haven't already, be sure to create an account so that you get up to the minute details on the real estate market, and to search for and save your favorite properties.  Contact us at any time to discuss your real estate wants and needs and we will be glad to help you find your dream home!

Realtor Tara Davis wins the 2017 Bronze Award from Keller Williams® Realty

Tara came into the world of High Country real estate with her full intent on helping as many people as she could find their dream homes.  In her first year as a Realtor, Tara Davis of Keller Williams - High Country Realty sold 25 properties earning her the 2017 Bronze Award and a spot among the top Realtors in Watauga county and the High Country!

Contact Tara now to see how she can help you buy or sell your home!

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