Courtesy of Diamond Creek GC
Courtesy of Diamond Creek GC
Courtesy of Diamond Creek GC
Courtesy of Diamond Creek GC
Diamond Creek
Banner Elk, NC • Private
Overview
While architecture purists scoff at the notion of waterfalls on golf courses, there is something magnificent about a cascading water feature done right. Few are as effective as the one behind the par-3 17th green at Diamond Creek. Tom Fazio positioned the green nearly at the base of a sheer granite quarry wall, down which a slender stream of water drops more than 100 feet. Amazingly, the club entrance’s drive is also at the base of the quarry wall, hidden from view on the 17th as effectively as Fazio hides his cart paths.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
Previous ranking: 77th (highest).
2025-'26 ranking: 95th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in North Carolina from 2005-'07 & since 2013; Top 10 from 2009-'12.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 4th.
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
“Awesome track. In great shape, beautiful layout. Challenging but fair. Lacked slightly from a variety perspective. A lot of longer Par 3's (180-210) and long par 4's (440-480)."
Read More2025
Review
“When the course has a helicopter to pick up its members, you should try to play there. It is worth every penny."
Read More2025
Review
“A shockingly good experience. I have never had every employee on a property introduce himself or herself to me (which happened here). The course just assaults the senses from the moment you enter the exclusive property. It flows up and down the mountain just as the water from an intense rain would. Conditioning is superb, as is the layout. Each hole melds perectly into the next."
Read More2025
Review
“One of the great mountain courses in the US. Excellent conditioning."
Read More2024
Review
“On Wednesday 8/21/24 I was able to play and evaluate Diamond Creek GC. The Tom Fazio design opened in 2003 and features bent grass greens. Shot Options 7.6851 The big influence here is the uneven lies. Time and time again you find yourself contemplating the type of shot simply dues to the ball being above or below your feet or with an uphill or downhill lie versus the elevation change. Challenge 7.5996 While tee shots don’t feel as challenging as your approach shot, strictly based on your lie the course will challenge your level of contact from shot to shot and often with a wedge. There are a few forced carries that can create some level of stress from time to time. Layout Variety 7.5001 Much like Wade Hampton the course feels very natural. This course is not a walkable course from start to finish and has lots of elevation changes. The holes are situated in different directions so any variable wind will affect you differently. Often holes are setup opposite the natural slope of the terrain which can create some deception and in some cases won’t fit your eye causing confusion on where to start your ball flight. Aesthetics 8.0021 The course is beautiful to look at. Fazio does a masterful job at blending/ hiding cart paths and you rarely see them throughout your round. The lush tree must be amazing when showing their fall colors. Conditioning 8.2271 The course is in great shape from tee to green hole after hole. The course has minimal play throughout the year and it shows. The greens are receptive and putts run true. Character 8.0011 This place feels truly natural and really set amongst the mountainside. I think this course fits its terrain as well as any course in America. Fun 7.7231 The course is fun and it’s always fun seeing your ball fly from some of the elevated tee boxes."
Read More2024
Review
“A breathtaking mountain course in exception shape and with top notch amenities. A must play if you get the invite!"
Read More2023
Review
“Excellent. Top-notch everything. Conditions are some of the best. Views are fantastic."
Read More2022
Review
“Beautiful Tom Fazio design in the North Carolina mountains. Conditions were superb."
Read More2021
Review
“Really cool club with outstanding finishing holes."
Read More2018
Review
“I love this place. The golf course is routed in the mountains, yet is walkable. Fazio's routing is nothing short of excellent. There is plenty of room off the tee but the shots into the green demand accuracy if you want to get close to the pin because the greens have interesting undulations. The clubhouse is elegant and the food exquisite. If you can, make a reservation and Artisinals outside the clubhouse gate. It is the best restaurant in the state."
Read More2018
