Asheville Golf Course is a true gem and one of the oldest courses in Western North Carolina. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this classic layout was designed by famed course architect Donald Ross in 1927 and it accomplishes the difficult double task of being challenging and fun. The front nine of the par 72, historic course spans 3,246 yards from the back tees. Its scenic design allows for the use of a driver on most holes. Meanwhile, the 3,194 back nine favors accuracy over distance. Although not long by today’s standards, the course proves length does not make a great course.
The History of Asheville
Before European settlement, Asheville was part of the Cherokee Nation. Bearing the name Untokiasdiyi, meaning “Where they race,” the Cherokee people used the area as a gathering place.
Settlement didn’t occur until after the Revolutionary War, in 1784, when Colonel Samuel Davidson and his family arrived, claiming land through a soldier’s grant. The settlement, initially named “Morristown,” was later renamed Asheville in honor of North Carolina Governor Samuel Ashe.
Asheville became an important outpost in the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracting famous travelers like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The city flourished during the railway boom into the 1920s but faced a significant setback during the stock market crash of 1929. However, thanks to a committed urban renewal plan and efforts to maintain the city’s charm, Asheville transformed into the vibrant culture hub it is today.