Booking an annual or regular golf trip a couple of months in advance is so 2019. More and more, golf destinations and resorts are rolling out rates six months to a year ahead of schedule. Count Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure, N.C. among them.
With temps ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s in September and October, ample fall foliage and the refreshing waters of Lake Lure next door, this 3,000, 36-hole golf panacea is a popular pick for fall golf getaways.
As such, Rumbling Bald, situated an hour east of Asheville and two hours west of Charlotte, is making its fall 2022 golf packages available to book this summer ahead of what is projected to be a record-breaking autumn season for the 3,000-acre golf destination.
Starting at $347 per golfer for two nights and two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, fall package rates are offered from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $477 and $608 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a Rumbling Bald villa or studio.
Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.
Additionally, Rumbling Bald’s Weekday Special Golf Packages are a great value for those with flexible schedules and are offered Sunday through Wednesday starting at $320 per player for two nights and two rounds and range up to $554 per player for four nights and four rounds. Customized weekend packages for groups of all sizes are available year-round.
“Rumbling Bald is a year-round golf destination, but the peak fall season is when this property, and these courses, really shine,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Temperatures are in the low 80s in September, transitioning to the 70s and 60s in October. The fall foliage around the lake is stunning, and that’s typically a dry period in the Carolinas.”
Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods.
For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com or call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules.
Getting There
Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from numerous metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all one to five hours away.
Golf Courses
The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley. Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.
Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from “Dirty Dancing.” A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.
Amenities
Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains. After a long day exploring the area, or playing golf, guests can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure.