Courtesy of the club
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Balsam Mountain Preserve
81 Preserve Rd
Sylva, NC 28779-9372
United States
Overview
Arnold Palmer and his designers, Ed Seay and Harrison Minchew, designed an extraordinary mountainous layout as high as 5,400 feet of elevation within the Balsam Mountain Preserve, a 4,400-acre community about 45 minutes from Asheville and an hour from the Tennessee border. Forced carries over ravines and streams on most holes make this a difficult course to navigate for some, but our panelists give the routing top scores for aesthetics, with the tremendous views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
About
Awards
ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked in Top 20 in North Carolina, 2021-'22; Top 25, 2023-'24; Top 35, 2025-'26.
Previous ranking: 25th.
2025-'26 ranking: 31st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“One of the most spectacular mountain settings for a course -- bring your camera. Also a tough course, so bring your A game!"
Read More2025
Review
“Palmer design is worth the trip just for the mountain top views. Beautiful setting on every tee with some exceptional par 3s. Some of the 4-pars are redundant in their design, and the greens can be extremely difficult depending on pin positions. Conditioning has improved significantly in the past 2-3 years and it is playing more hard and fast as a result."
Read More2024
Review
“It's one of the more aesthetically pleasing golf courses you'll find with expansive mountain views throughout the course. It was lush and vibrant and played long being a par 70 at 6,800yds. There were numerous shots that played 30-60yds downhill and club choices were critically important to avoid big numbers."
Read More2024
Review
“Very mountainous location, impressive views, good conditioning though very damp in the mountains. Long drives between holes and only the most physically fit should consider walking. Worth playing to experience real mountain golf in North Carolina."
Read More2023
Review
“Beautiful mountain course built on very mountainus property. First class private club."
Read More2022
Review
“One of the most beautiful golf courses you will ever play but very much plays like a mountain course. There are some great holes here and the facilities are top notch - be prepared for 5 minute cart rides between some holes though."
Read More2022
Review
“Extreme elevation changes and incredible views. Truly a unique and challenging course."
Read More2021
Review
“Incredible views and a really varied design with uphill and downhill shots. Very good shape also."
Read More2020
Review
“Incredibly unique course that is simply gorgeous. It is, unfortunately, extremely difficult, so lesser players might not enjoy quite as much, but the scenery alone makes a visit worthwhile."
Read More2018
Review
“Absolutely spectacular setting with wonderful views of smoky mountains. Built near Blue Ridge Parkway. Hard to believe they could build a golf course on this terrain. Long up and down hill cart rides and some sough carries over gullies. Worth [playing just for the views. Course in good condition."
Read More2018
