Linville Golf Club

As a group, we hit various courses through out North Carolina with the goal of enjoying the experience, not setting personal bests. I won’t bother commenting on the course, because that has already been done. It is amazing. I will leave it at that. The difference here is the people. AMAZING STAFF. We were welcomed with open arms and enjoyed a number of hilarious exchanges. In particular, Robert made us feel like members….and we had never been there before. We will go back again because of these people. We will do it over and over again.

Back in the day, many people from different walks of life saw Linville’s potential. World-renowned golf course architect Donald Ross was one of them. Ross visited Linville in 1924 and knew almost immediately that this was the place he wanted to build his next golf course. He spent barely two days scouting the soggy valley and forests in the area. Later that year, Ross and his company began construction of a new 18-hole championship golf course and the old course was abandoned. The Linville Golf Club was born!

To say Donald Ross did a magnificent job creating The Linville Golf Club is like calling the Titanic a boat. In true Ross fashion, the course is both playable and challenging. On most holes, there’s plenty of room off the tee, although some require something less than driver. There’s a lot of undulation and mounding in the fairways, creating uneven lies, but the biggest challenge when playing this course lies in the green complexes. They’re smaller than most and the undulation and pitch requires some skill to get it close and keep it close. Many greens have no sand bunkers around them; they don’t need them, the grass mounding is penal enough. On just about any hole, your best bet is to leave it below the hole, if possible.

Over the years, closely mowed collection areas around the green have been attributed to Ross, but that is just a fallacy. His goal in creating these collection areas around the green was to promote the art of chipping. You’ll see this as you make your way around the course, especially at the par 3, 6th hole. Miss the green off the tee and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The 3rd hole is a par 4 that plays 414 yards from the White tees and has been ranked as one of golf’s 100 greatest holes. I had a good drive off the tee and was still left with an uphill 165-yard approach shot into a green that slopes dramatically from back to front and has a lot of undulation. Score a par or better and consider the round a success!

During our stay, I met Bill Mechesney. Forty-nine years ago, Bill was the Assistant Professional at the Golf club. He and his wife Sue were back for the first time since he left. I asked him what differences he saw in the course then and now; his answer was “Very little.” That’s not an uncommon response when it comes to a Donald Ross golf course. Ross’s courses are classics that stand the ultimate test – time. His green may not be large, but they are indeed challenging. Many of the greens don’t have any bunkers around them – they don’t need them. The creek that meanders throughout the course makes you think about your club selection. Tee box landing areas are generous, and the course isn’t overly long, yet conquering it is an arduous task. It’s a course I can’t wait to play again.

There are two ways to play this incredible Donald Ross layout; become a member or stay at the Eseeola Lodge.

Beautiful golf course, great place to play. Nice club house and resturant. They also have a four tennis courts.

Love this old Ross course. Tiny green narrow fairways and beautifully maintained.

Beautiful course!

Probably my favorite private club in the high country. A Donald Ross design with good length and excellent greens. If I could afford it I'd be a member there and play it everyday.

Great course, though greens. Very scenic.

Beautiful place to visit. I delivered new golf carts there.

Beautiful mountain Golf resort - Linville, NC. I don't golf - but they are a client of mine and treat me to fancy lunches! This is Heaven for a single guy that doesn't cook!

a donald ross gem hidden in the mountains; the chicken salad at the halfway house will make you question whether to play the back 9 or stay for a while

Fantastic Donald Ross classic. Greens very fast and perfect condition as are tees and fairways.

This is a gem, wonderful golf club and great atmosphere.

Very nice restaurant. Ask to be seated outside on the golf course.

Old Linville...pure awesomeness. Better have your short game sharp for this D. Ross gem.

If you ever get the chance, play it. One of the greatest courses in NC.

My Very Favorite - wish I could play it more.

Beautiful private golf course

Invited to play
Nice course

Great historic course

Fantastic food and lodging.