The Country Club of Asheville – Played November 2023
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: 170 Windsor Road, Asheville, North Carolina
- Year: 1894
- Original Architect: Donald Ross
- Additional Work By: Ron Forse, Jim Nagle, & Rich Mandell
- Course Access: Private
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 6,648 yards, Par 71, 72.5 Rating/134 Slope
- Black/White: 6,476 yards, Par 71, 71.6 Rating/132 Slope
- White: 6,288 yards, Par 71, 70.5 Rating/130 Slope
- White/Green: 6,050 yards, Par 71, 69.2 Rating/129
- Green: 5,836 yards, Par 71, 68.6 Rating/127
- Gold: 5,397 yards, Par 71, 66.4 Rating/119
- Red: 4,824 yards, Par 71, 67.9 Rating/119
On the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, I always try to play golf somewhere. When I’m lucky, I can see somewhere new. In 2023, Country Club of Asheville fit the bill. The fact that my host was one of the nicer guys I’ve met in my travels was an added bonus.
Country Club of Asheville was originally designed by Donald Ross…I mean…this is North Carolina after all. It’s had work done since then, but the routing is essentially the same as Ross’s from 1928 due to the restoration work of Rich Mandell in 2016. As you’ll see in the photos, this is mountain golf. There is plenty of elevation change and contouring. With that, let’s get into the tour.
Hole 1 – 388 yards – Par 4
A big fairway greets you at this dogleg right, but with the slope and shape, driver isn’t always necessary.
You don’t want to miss to the left on this approach shot.
Hole 2 – 507 yards – Par 5
The road pinches this tee shot. If you’re not going for the green, you’ll need to avoid a fairway bunker that’s about 100 yards short of the green.
Hole 3 – 183 yards – Par 3
Distance control must be on point on this downhill shot. Short of the green is the best place to miss this green.
Hole 4 – 411 yards – Par 4
I missed the tee shot photo of this one but it’s pretty straightforward. The approach is pictured below and you can see the creek that bisects the fairway. Playing this hole on a cold day into a breeze made it quite tough.
Hole 5 – 440 yards – Par 4
Another tough par four here with trouble on each side. At this length, the unobstructed green makes sense.
Hole 6 – 131 yards – Par 3
This short hole has a big ridge in the middle of the green that runs left to right.
Hole 7 – 489 yards – Par 5
This will be reachable for some. Be aware of the creek on the left and bunkers on the right.
Hole 8 – 354 yards – Par 4
A hard dogleg left here that calls for a draw off of the tee. Club selection is important on the approach shot to an elevated green.
Hole 9 – 345 yards – Par 4
It’s bombs away with this generous fairway and shorter hole. The real star of the show is the thumbprint green where it pays to know the pin location.
Hole 10 – 394 yards – Par 4
Some players will have to make the decision to challenge or lay back from the creek. After a sharply downhill tee shot, the approach shot plays slightly uphill.
Hole 11 – 435 yards – Par 4
Left is better than right here with a creek all down the right side. Par is a very good result here.
Hole 12 – 321 yards – Par 4
Tee shots will need to favor the right side with the slope. The approach shot can be obscured but it should be with a short club.
Hole 13 – 163 yards – Par 3
With trouble everywhere but short, hit one in the middle of the green and run to the next tee.
Hole 14 – 367 yards – Par 4
The creek must be taken into consideration for the tee shot. After that, the approach plays a bit uphill to a sloped green.
Hole 15 – 383 yards – Par 4
Hopefully the wind is not directly into your face for this severely uphill hole!
Hole 16 – 622 yards – Par 5
This is undoubtedly the signature hole at the Country Club of Asheville and features city views on clear days. Your tee shot needs to avoid the creek to set up a good second shot.
Hole 17 – 192 yards – Par 3
This tough par three should not be missed to the left. If you do miss on that side, beg that it catches the bunker.
Hole 18 – 351 yards – Par 4
A good drive to this wide fairway will set up a short approach shot to a large green.
My time at Country Club of Asheville was was quite enjoyable. As I mentioned, my host was a delight and we had a great time despite the tough conditions. This course has a good mix of difficult and gettable holes throughout the routing.