Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Of the seven courses thus far built for the Cliffs communities of North and South Carolina, the Walnut Cove course is both the longest and the shortest, depending on your level of play. For those just beginning in golf, it can play as short as 4,646 yards, while the biggest hitters can take it back to a full 7,270.

Although the course does play along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the state’s mountainous Western front, this Jack Nicklaus design is positioned on property that is relatively calm compared to its surrounds. Although there is no “cove” in the traditional sense, there are several water hazards to navigate. The par five at No. 12 features a mountain creek coming across the fairway, causing players to consider their second shot accordingly. The most daunting will be No. 7, which plays as the toughest hole on the scorecard. More than 460 yards from the back tees, the green on this par four is curled around the largest pond on the property, forcing those who doubt their execution to play it as a par 4.5.

The course is also notable for its development of the girls golf game, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated member who worked with LPGA icon Nancy Lopez to develop the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Academy at Walnut Cove.