Located on the north end of stunning Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald is one of Western North Carolina’s only multi-course golf resorts. An hour’s drive from Asheville and less than two hours from Charlotte, it features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.
Apple Valley
Designed by noted golf course architect and Pinehurst native Dan Maples, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated that 75% of all shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard for a mountain course.
Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes on Apple Valley, but water only occasionally comes into play. The back nine is widely regarded as one of the best closing stretches in the Western Carolinas. The par-3 14th hole, with its shallow green and back bunker, is reminiscent of No. 12 at Augusta National. Exhilarating par 5s abound throughout Apple Valley, including the straight away downhill par-5 15th hole.
Rumbling Bald and Apple Valley are proud to be a part of North Carolina’s “First Family of Golf.” Dan Maples’ father, Ellis, was a prolific golf course designer and his grandfather, Frank, was Donald Ross’s superintendent at Pinehurst Resort.
Bald Mountain
Designed by W.B. Lewis, 6,300-yard Bald Mountain 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 the movie “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.
In contrast to Apple Valley, Bald Mountain is what many golf aficionados refer to as a “true North Carolina mountain course.” Elevation changes, particularly on the back, offer a beguiling mix of uphill and downhill shots amid a variety of doglegs and straight fairways. The majority of green fronts are open, bringing both the ground and aerial game into play.