What makes the best golf courses near Cashiers, NC stand out in 2026? The answer is a combination of mountain setting, private-club amenities, public access, and driving distance. This guide compares 10 highly rated golf courses in and around Cashiers, including options in Sapphire, Lake Toxaway, Franklin, Whittier, and Pickens. Based on the listed ratings, review volume, facilities, and location, these are the top Golf Courses Cashiers NC visitors should consider.
1. Headwaters Golf Course
Headwaters Golf Course is a private golf course at 2752 NC-107 in Cashiers. With a 5.0 rating from six reviews, it is one of the most highly rated local options, although its private status means golfers should confirm access, membership requirements, and tee-time policies before visiting. For golfers comparing Cashiers golf clubs, its location is especially convenient.
Address: 2752 NC-107, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: (828) 743-6047
Pros
- Located directly in Cashiers
- Perfect 5.0 listed rating
- Private-course atmosphere
Cons
- Private access may limit availability
- Only six reviews, so the rating has a small sample size
- No public website listed
2. Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club
Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club is located at 1540 Grandview Drive in Tuckasegee. The club is listed as both a golf club and golf course, with a 4.9 rating from 27 reviews. It is a strong choice for golfers seeking a private-community golf experience near Cashiers. When comparing courses personally, the club-style setting and nearby Tuckasegee location make it worth placing on a short list.
Address: 1540 Grandview Dr, Tuckasegee, NC 28783
Phone: (828) 293-5005
Website: bearlakereserve.com
Pros
- Excellent 4.9 rating
- Less than 30 reviews, but consistently positive feedback
- Golf club and course services
Cons
- Access policies should be confirmed in advance
- Located outside Cashiers
- May be more suitable for members and guests
3. Old Edwards Club
Old Edwards Club is a private golf club at Highlands Cove Drive in Cashiers. Its 4.8 rating from 124 reviews provides a stronger review base than several nearby private facilities. The club is listed as both a golf club and private golf course, making it a notable choice for golfers seeking an upscale club environment in the Cashiers area.
Address: 688 Highlands Cove Drive, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: (828) 526-1783
Website: oldedwardsclub.com
Pros
- Convenient Cashiers location
- Strong 4.8 rating from 124 reviews
- Established private-club experience
Cons
- Not a typical public-access course
- Membership or guest access may be required
- Tee times should be arranged before arrival
4. Trillium Links and Lake Club
Trillium Links and Lake Club is a private country club at 48 Links Drive in Cashiers. The facility is listed as a country club and private golf course, with a 4.7 rating from 92 reviews. For travelers searching for golf clubs in Cashiers, its local address and established review history make it a practical course to investigate.
Address: 48 Links Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: (828) 743-6161
Website: trilliumnc.com
Pros
- Located in Cashiers
- 4.7 rating from nearly 100 reviews
- Country club and private-course services
Cons
- Private access can restrict casual play
- Confirm membership and guest policies
- No public-access designation listed
5. Lake Toxaway Country Club
Lake Toxaway Country Club is at 4366 West Club Boulevard in Lake Toxaway. Listed as a country club and golf course, it has a 4.7 rating from 100 reviews. It is a suitable option for golfers willing to drive beyond Cashiers for a traditional country-club setting.
Address: 4366 W Club Blvd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Phone: (828) 966-4020
Website: laketoxawaycc.com
Pros
- Strong rating supported by 100 reviews
- Country club and golf course services
- Convenient for visitors staying near Lake Toxaway
Cons
- Located outside Cashiers
- Access may be limited to members and guests
- Call ahead for current playing arrangements
6. Burlingame Country Club
Burlingame Country Club is located at 746 Club Drive in Sapphire. The club offers country club, private golf course, and tennis club services. Its 4.6 rating from 84 reviews makes it a well-established choice for visitors seeking golf and additional recreational amenities near Cashiers.
Address: 746 Club Dr, Sapphire, NC 28774
Phone: (828) 966-9200
Website: burlingameccwnc.com
Pros
- Golf and tennis club services
- 4.6 rating from 84 reviews
- Located in Sapphire, close to the Cashiers area
Cons
- Private golf course
- Visitor access may require a member connection
- Not located in central Cashiers
7. Sequoyah National Golf Club
Sequoyah National Golf Club is at 79 Cahon’s Mountain Road in Whittier. It provides a golf course, golf club, and golf driving range. With a 4.6 rating from 532 reviews, it has the largest review base on this list, making its reputation easier to evaluate than courses with limited feedback.
Address: 79 Cahon’s Mt Rd, Whittier, NC 28789
Phone: (828) 497-3000
Website: sequoyahnational.com
Pros
- Large review base of 532 ratings
- Includes a golf driving range
- Strong 4.6 overall rating
Cons
- Farthest option for some Cashiers visitors
- Confirm tee-time availability before driving
- May be less convenient for a short local golf outing
8. The Rock Golf Club & Resort
The Rock Golf Club & Resort is in Pickens, South Carolina, at 171 Sliding Rock Road. Along with golf course and golf club services, it operates as an event and wedding venue. Its 4.3 rating from 306 reviews makes it a reasonable destination for golfers planning a broader Upstate South Carolina or Western North Carolina trip.
Address: 171 Sliding Rock Rd, Pickens, SC 29671
Phone: (864) 878-2030
Website: therockgolfclub.com
Pros
- Golf course and resort-style venue
- More than 300 reviews
- Event and wedding facilities
Cons
- Located across the state line
- Lower rating than most courses on this list
- Travel time may be significant from Cashiers
9. Franklin Golf Course
Franklin Golf Course is a public golf course at 1st Fairway Drive in Franklin. It offers a golf course, driving range, golf instruction, golf club, public swimming pool, and public access. For golfers searching for an affordable or accessible golf course near Cashiers, this is one of the most versatile choices.
Address: 1st Fairway Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
Phone: (828) 524-2288
Website: franklingolfcourse.com
Pros
- Public golf course
- Driving range and golf instruction available
- Public swimming pool
- Convenient for golfers seeking open access
Cons
- 4.1 rating is lower than most listed courses
- Located outside Cashiers
- Call ahead for lesson, range, and tee-time schedules
10. Red Bird Golf Links
Red Bird Golf Links is located at 67 Cherokee Trail in Sapphire. The facility is listed as a golf course and has a 3.8 rating from 42 reviews. It may appeal to golfers who want another Sapphire-area option while staying near the Cashiers region.
Address: 67 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774
Phone: (828) 743-1991
Website: sapphirevalley.com
Pros
- Located near Cashiers in Sapphire
- Straightforward golf-course option
- Easy to compare with nearby private clubs
Cons
- Lowest rating on this list
- Only 42 reviews
- Confirm current course conditions and tee-time availability
Before booking any of these Golf Courses Cashiers NC visitors should call ahead, especially for private clubs. Membership rules, guest access, seasonal schedules, and course conditions can change in 2026. For the most convenient local options, start with Headwaters, Old Edwards Club, and Trillium Links and Lake Club. Franklin Golf Course is the clearest public-access choice, while Sequoyah National offers the strongest review volume.
Golfers visiting the Cashiers area will appreciate the variety of options available when compared to the top Golf Courses Highlands NC, which also feature unique amenities and stunning locations.
