High Hampton

Typically, when one thinks about playing a Tom Fazio in Cashiers, North Carolina, they think of Wade Hampton Golf Club. And when they think of playing a course that’s been tinkered with by both Fazio and George Cobb, they think of Augusta National. Both very exclusive clubs. Thankfully, there is now a more publicly accessible option that checks all these boxes.

The High Hampton Resort came under new ownership during 2017 and immediately set about making improvements, including bringing Fazio on for a three-year renovation of the existing George Cobb course, which reopened in May 2021. Previous visitors to the mountain destination will hardly recognize the golf course on display; although 12 of the holes are at least constructed within existing corridors, Fazio created six others entirely from scratch in an effort to open up land for other resort activities.

The resort is right down the street from Wade Hampton, well known for its dramatic views of Chimney Top and Rock Mountain. The renovated High Hampton will now offer similar views and Fazio, who understands show business about as well as any golf course architect, saves the big reveal until hole Nos. 15 through 18.