What makes the best golf courses near Highlands, NC, worth the drive? The answer is variety. Within the surrounding mountain region, golfers can choose private country clubs, lake-oriented communities, public courses, practice facilities, and resort-style clubs. This 2026 guide to Golf Courses Highlands NC includes the closest regional options first, followed by courses that are better suited to a longer golf day or weekend trip.
When comparing mountain golf, I look at accessibility, public availability, practice amenities, dining, and whether visitors can book a tee time. Always call ahead because several clubs listed below are private or member-focused.
1. Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club
Bear Lake Reserve Golf Club is located in Tuckasegee, approximately a longer regional drive from Highlands. The club offers a golf course within a private mountain-lake community, making it appealing for golfers seeking a peaceful setting and a full club experience. Confirm visitor access and tee-time requirements before traveling.
Address: 1540 Grandview Dr, Tuckasegee, NC 28783
Phone: (828) 293-5005
Rating: 4.9 from 27 reviews
Pros
- Excellent 4.9 rating
- Mountain and lake community setting
- Full golf club facilities
Cons
- Not one of the closest options to Highlands
- Visitor access may be restricted
2. Old Edwards Club
Old Edwards Club in Cashiers is one of the most prestigious private golf options near Highlands, NC. Its location is convenient for golfers staying in Highlands or Cashiers, while the club’s private status makes advance arrangements essential. It is best suited to members, guests, and travelers booking through affiliated hospitality programs.
Address: 688 Highlands Cove Drive, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: (828) 526-1783
Rating: 4.8 from 124 reviews
Pros
- Highly rated private golf club
- Close to the Highlands and Cashiers area
- Upscale club environment
Cons
- Private course
- Tee times are not generally available to the public
3. Trillium Links and Lake Club
Trillium Links and Lake Club is another private golf destination in Cashiers. The country club combines golf with a lake-oriented residential setting and broader club amenities. From a practical planning standpoint, it is a strong choice for members or guests who want to pair golf with a stay in the Cashiers area.
Address: 48 Links Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717
Phone: (828) 743-6161
Rating: 4.7 from 92 reviews
Pros
- Convenient to Highlands and Cashiers
- Private country club atmosphere
- Lake club setting
Cons
- Public tee-time availability is limited
- Membership or guest access may be required
4. Lake Toxaway Country Club
Lake Toxaway Country Club offers golf in one of Western North Carolina’s best-known lake communities. The club is farther from Highlands than the Cashiers courses, but it can be worthwhile for golfers planning a scenic day trip. Call ahead to ask about guest policies, seasonal operations, and course availability.
Address: 4366 W Club Blvd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Phone: (828) 966-4020
Rating: 4.7 from 100 reviews
Pros
- Strong 4.7 rating
- Attractive lake-region location
- Established country club facilities
Cons
- Private-access considerations may apply
- Longer drive from Highlands
5. Burlingame Country Club
Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire provides a private golf experience with additional tennis club amenities. It is a useful option for families or groups seeking more than golf. The Sapphire location places it within the broader Highlands, Cashiers, and Lake Toxaway golf region.
Address: 746 Club Dr, Sapphire, NC 28774
Phone: (828) 966-9200
Rating: 4.6 from 84 reviews
Pros
- Private golf and tennis club
- Good regional location
- Suitable for multi-sport club experiences
Cons
- Not a public daily-fee course
- Visitor access should be confirmed in advance
6. Kenmure Country Club
Kenmure Country Club is in Flat Rock, making it one of the longer drives from Highlands. It offers an extensive club profile, including golf, tennis, pickleball, social facilities, event space, and a driving-focused community environment. Consider it for a golf weekend around Hendersonville rather than a quick Highlands round.
Address: 100 Clubhouse Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Phone: (828) 693-8506
Rating: 4.6 from 60 reviews
Pros
- Broad range of sports and social amenities
- Private golf club and event venue
- Good option for a destination golf stay
Cons
- Relatively far from Highlands
- Private club access may limit booking options
7. Franklin Golf Course
Franklin Golf Course is a public golf course in Franklin, making it one of the more practical choices for golfers who need public access. Facilities include a golf course, driving range, golf instruction, and public swimming pool. For players who value practice time, the range and instruction options are useful additions.
Address: 1st Fairway Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
Phone: (828) 524-2288
Rating: 4.1 from 67 reviews
Pros
- Public golf course
- Driving range and golf instruction
- Swimming pool adds recreational value
Cons
- Lower rating than the leading private clubs
- Requires a drive from Highlands
8. Wild Laurel Golf Course
Wild Laurel Golf Course is in Townsend, Tennessee, and is not a close Highlands-area course. It is better considered a regional road-trip option for golfers traveling toward the Great Smoky Mountains. The public course includes a restaurant, giving visitors the convenience of dining after a round.
Address: 702 Country Club Dr, Townsend, TN 37882
Phone: (865) 738-3134
Rating: 4.1 from 433 reviews
Pros
- Public golf course
- Restaurant on site
- Large review base
Cons
- In another state and far from Highlands
- Not suitable for a short local golf outing
9. Red Bird Golf Links
Red Bird Golf Links is located in Sapphire and is among the more accessible options for golfers exploring the Cashiers-Sapphire area. The listed facilities focus on golf, so it may appeal to players seeking a straightforward course without extensive country club programming.
Address: 67 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774
Phone: (828) 743-1991
Rating: 3.8 from 42 reviews
Pros
- Regional location near other mountain courses
- Golf-focused facility
- Suitable for a casual round
Cons
- Lower rating than several nearby private clubs
- Amenities appear more limited
10. Furman University Golf Club
Furman University Golf Club in Greenville, South Carolina, is a longer-distance option rather than a course directly near Highlands. It offers public golf, a driving range, and golf instruction, which makes it attractive for players wanting practice support and an accessible tee-time model.
Address: 400 N Hwy 25 Bypass, Greenville, SC 29617
Phone: (864) 294-2690
Rating: 3.8 from 108 reviews
Pros
- Public golf course
- Driving range and golf instruction
- Strong choice for a Greenville golf itinerary
Cons
- Far from Highlands
- Lower rating than the top Cashiers-area clubs
For the most convenient Golf Courses Highlands NC experience, start with Old Edwards Club, Trillium Links and Lake Club, Red Bird Golf Links, or nearby Sapphire options. Private clubs require advance planning, while Franklin Golf Course is the clearest public-access choice.
When planning your next golf outing in the area, consider exploring the variety offered by the best golf courses near Cashiers, NC, which provide excellent facilities and stunning mountain views.
