Linville Golf Club
Overview
Linville Golf Club was originally founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest clubs in North Carolina. Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1924, the course traverses over steep Blue Ridge Mountain terrain, featuring an out-and-back design where players ascend over steep terrain before heading back down, all the while being flanked by clear, flowing creeks that often dissect fairways. Known for its challenging and demanding green complexes, the standout hole at Linville is the par-4 third with a fairway split three times by a running creek, and an elevated green with a raised center, repelling all but perfectly struck iron shots.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2013-'18 (now private).
Highest ranking: 76th, 2015-'16.
Best in State: Ranked 16th, 2023-'24. Ranked 24th, 2013-'16. Ranked 30th, 2025-'26.
Previous ranking: 16th.
2025-'26 ranking: 30th.
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
“Andrew Green’s work at Linville Golf Club is an exceptional example of how to renovate a historic course without compromising the character that made it special in the first place. He did a wonderful job keeping the original design intact while updating it to today's game. The restored and refined green complexes capture the distinctive Ross character, while the bunkering and surrounding contours create a typical Ross intended challenge. The tree removal was noticeable but done thoughtfully helping the course conditioning and dramatic sightlines The setting is extraordinary, but the renovation never allows the scenery to become the story. The mountain terrain, flowing creeks and dramatic elevation changes are incorporated naturally into the strategy of the course. The third hole, in particular, remains a wonderful example of how Linville’s natural features can provide hazards without relying on excessive artificial features. The course retains the charm and quirks of an old Donald Ross design, yet the playing experience has greater definition, variety and strategic interest for today's game. This is a top-20 course in the state of NC, and I think Andrew and his team have restored that with the renovation work."
Read More2026
Review
“A great classic Ross course in the beautiful NC Blue ridge mountains."
Read More2026
Review
“A great classic Ross course in the beautiful NC Blue ridge mountains."
Read More2026
Review
“Very well maintained and old school golf course. The new greens do have some Donald Ross shapes, but not as severe as one might expect. Stream / creek runs throughout the golf course and takes the place of the need for fairway bunkers."
Read More2026
Review
“Nice Donald Ross Layout in Valley area of NC Mountains. Good challenge and fun course to play."
Read More2026
Review
“Very enjoyable and friendly layout. Variety in holes but greens not so much"
Read More2025
Review
“Linville Golf Club is a classic 1924 Donald Ross design, which is undergoing a restoration by Andrew Green. It sits in a picturesque mountain valley with views of Grandfather Mountain. A winding creek influences play on many holes. Perhaps the signature hole is the long third which crosses the creek three times, playing to a crowned green. Bunkering is elegantly restrained. The original design had relatively few, and Green has converted some into possibly more challenging grass bunkers. In characteristic Donald Ross fashion, many greens are crowned, making approach shots difficult to hold and creating tricky chip shots. There are a few tough uphill approaches to sloped greens. A nice mix of doglegs and uphill and downhill holes create strong Layout Variety. The poa annua greens were consistent and rolled true, though pretty slow, as necessary for the sloped greens. Linville counts as a fine example of mountain golf and one of Donald Ross’s better designs. The hilly terrain and crowned greens are challenging, yet this course is fun for members to play every day. It is a low-key gem that is well worth the trip to the beautiful North Carolina mountains to play."
Read More2025
Review
“A beautiful Ross course in the mountains of western Carolina. Not overly long but still challenging with its small greens. Enjoy the sounds of wildlife around you. A beautiful setting for a golf course."
Read More2021
Review
“This is an excellent Donald Ross course in the NC mountains. While it is hilly the course is walkable. You must stay at the Eseeola Lodge to play it. It is worth it. The lodge is wonderful."
Read More2018
