Early Spring Golf Packages, New Club Memberships in the Carolinas

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The official start of golf season is just 60 days away and (crazy enough) it’s just 68 days until the 2021 Masters. In the Carolinas, the first signs of spring typically hit the Lowcountry in mid-February and spread to the Piedmont of North Carolina by mid-March.

Late winter, early spring golf packages offer have-clubs-will-travel types a ton of value. Once April rolls through the Old North and Palmetto states, and the dogwoods and azaleas are blooming, stay-and-play rates hit their peak for the year.

For those suffering from Zoom fatigue, or golfers who’ve reached their limit for indoor practice, here’s a roundup of Carolinas golf packages – and even a new golf membership – should the open road come-a-calling.

Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, N.C.)

The shoulder season is a great time to visit the North Carolina Sandhills and Pinehurst Resort. The USGA’s new second home is the setting for its famed No. 2 Course, recently minted as a U.S. Open “Anchor Site” starting with the 2024 edition.

From a golf consumer standpoint, February presents an extended, value-laden period (potential frost delays notwithstanding). Rates on golf packages like the ever-popular Donald Ross drop about 50% that month and go up around 15% starting March 1. After that, Pinehurst moves into “peak” season with rates commensurate with that period (read: higher).

The 11th Hole on Pinehurst No. 4

Golfers can book a two-night stay in the Carolina Hotel three rounds of golf on any of the resort’s nine golf courses and enjoy Pinehurst’s famous Southern breakfast and a three-course dinner each night starting at $713. There’s a surcharge for playing No. 2, but if you’re on a budget and want to stick to the package as is, you can still enjoy premium tracks like No. 4, No. 8 and No. 9.

For more information, visit www.pinehurst.com

Cherokee Valley Course and Club (Greenville, S.C.)

Cherokee Valley Course and Club, Upstate South Carolina’s premier family club and mountain golf destination, has released its golf packages for 2021 featuring stay-and-plays at its charming onsite cottages and the historic Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville.

Finn Cycles at Cherokee Valley

Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes right on the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites to provide plenty of privacy and ample room. The cottages afford a relaxing atmosphere with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed and range up to $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room.

A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountain-style layout can be added for $33 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $43 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability.

Packages at the Westin Poinsett feature a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via the Partners Page.

For more information visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.

Rumbling Bald Resort (Lake Lure, N.C.)

Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure, has rolled out its golf packages for 2021, customized for golf groups of any size, and ideal for weekend or weekday buddy trips.

Starting at $345 per person, the resort’s “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses, breakfast both days and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Lodging options include the recently updated Apple Valley Studios and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas.

Rumbling Bald
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

Paying homage to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler, the Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and resort hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres included as well as unlimited use of the practice facilities.

Apple Valley, designed by Dan Maples, reopened in Sept. 2020 with new Champion Bermuda greens.

For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com.

Champion Hills (Hendersonville, N.C.)

Private golf communities in the Carolinas experience a record year for new residents and members in 2020. And that trend is expected to continue in 2021. After all, if golfers love to visit the area to tee it up, why not make it a year-round thing?

Champion Hills, Hendersonville’s premier golf community, is responding to a seismic demographic shift in private club demand with its new “Equity 55,” a full golf membership designed for those age 55 and under.

Champion Hills
Champion Hills in Hendersonville

With Equity 55, Champion Hills’ $40,000 initiation fee is divided into four equal payments over four years, dues and replacement reserve fund contributions are reduced by 50% and the club’s $800 annual food and beverage minimum is prorated for new members.

Offering complete access to the club’s amenities and activities, Equity 55 members enjoy Champion Hills’ mountain-style Tom Fazio-designed golf course, clubhouse with pub and fine dining, wellness center, tennis and bocce courts, pool and hydro spa and more.

Like the club’s social and full golf membership, Equity 55 members’ vertical family can also experience the club without being accompanied by a member and do not incur golf green fees when playing Fazio’s mountain masterpiece.

For more information, visit www.championhills.com.

Shane Sharp

Shane Sharp is a longtime golf writer based in Greenville, S.C. In addition to running his content marketing business, Southbound 4, he's a regular contributor to GOLF Magazine, Golf Inc., Club Management and other golf magazines and websites.

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