TheVirginia Explorer
SEQUOYAH NATIONAL
Sequoyah National boasts Par 5s and five Par 3s.
GROVE PARK GOLF COURSE
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Head down into North Carolina and you’ll
find plenty more opportunities to swing
away at Sequoyah National (Whittier, N.C.,
sequoyahnational.com, 828-497-3000). This
course features an unusual five par-5s to go
with five par-3s, giving those who feast on
the long ball and those who prefer accuracy
an equally large number of holes in which
to excel.
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Kenny Cashwell, General Manager at
Sequoyah National, boasts that the 2nd hole
in particular is a par-3 that offers a major
challenge, while plenty of the holes feature
incredible scenery. Designed by Robert Trent
Jones Jr.—who also designed this year’s U.S.
Open course, Chambers Bay—Sequoyah
offers a great opportunity to sample worldclass golf.
“The course challenges golfers of all skill
levels,” Cashwell says. “Many of the holes have
mountain views that keep the golfer captivated
between shots.” The course sits on land that
was once part of the Cherokee Nation, he
adds. These days, the golf course is under new
management and is operated by the Eastern
Band of Cherokee Indians, while a nearby
casino also tempts those staying in the area.
Looking for a course with a little star
power? Look no further than the Grove Park
Golf Course (Asheville, N.C., omnihotels.com/
hotels/asheville-grove-park/golf, 800-438-5800),
which can boast visits from President Obama
as well as legendary golfers Ben Hogan and
Jack Nicklaus.
The par-70 course opened in 1926 but
received a major overhaul in 2001, giving
it the perfect blend of traditional feel and
modern design. The Blue Ridge Mountains
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5
surround the course, while elevated tee boxes
provide great sight lines for both the golf and
the scenery.
Tranquility awaits at Hound Ears Golf
Course (Boone, N.C., houndears.com, 828-9632123). George Cobb, who also designed the
par-3 course at Augusta National, designed
the course more than 50 years ago. He spared
no detail on this course in a wonderful and
colorful mountain setting.
“Surrounded by lush, colorful mountains
on just about every side, the 18-hole course
stands as one of the preeminent clubs in
the High Country,” says Jason Reagan, the
club’s Director of Communications and
Membership Relations.
There are plenty of memorable holes,
but the par-3 15th stands out. “Don’t let
the yardage [110] fool you,” Reagan says.
“With a 100-foot drop in elevation, the hole
is well guarded with a stream and bunkers.
Additionally, the ride from tee to green is
quite spectacular.”
“Spectacular” seems to be the watchword
for all of these mountain courses. For a cool
golf escape in the summer, you can’t do any
better than heading up in the air to these
great destinations.
Michael Rand is a sportswriter for the
Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
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