Golf
Haywood County is home to six beautiful golf courses, each offering challenges to golfers of all skill levels. And like the game of golf itself, there's plenty of ups and downs on these mountain courses. The setting for a round of golf is nothing short of spectacular, no matter where you might find yourself on the course. For the ultimate golf outing, make sure to pack your clubs and visit Haywood County. Tee it high and let it fly. If the undulating greens of these championship courses prove too difficult, take the Happy Gilmore approach to improving your putting. After all, miniature golf is a fun way to get the entire family involved.
swing away
Iron Tree Golf Course: This 9-hole, par 35 course features 2,616 yards (from the back tees) in a natural mountain setting that will "test your mental game and keep you entertained!" 828-627-1933. 636 Iron Tree Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.
Lake Junaluska Golf Course: At this 18-hole, 5,034-yard course, length and distance takes a backseat to accurancy and placement. A number of blind shots, especially coming in, makes this a challenging but fun par 68 for the entire group. 828-456-5777. 756 Golf Course Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.
Laurel Ridge Country Club: Fast, undulating greens, lush tree-lined fairways and spectacular panoramic views highlight this 18-hole, par 72 championship course. From the back tees, the semi-private course spans 6,904 yards and "offers every challenge expected of a mountain course, yet does it with a delicate balance of fairness and playability." 828-456-3200. 800-769-1177. 788 Eagles Nest Road, Waynesville, NC 29786.
Maggie Valley Club: This 18-hole, 6,500-yard, par 72 course is like two courses in one, with the flat Valley Nine serving as a "warm-up" for the Mountain Nine that features an 800-foot rise in elevation and an increased challenge. 828-926-6013. 800-438-3861. 1819 Country Club Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.
Springdale Country Club: An 18-hole, par 72 course that stretches more than 6,800 yards (from the tips), "from the gradual elevation changes of the front nine toward Rocky Face Mountain, to the wide open fairways that await you on the back nine where Cold Mountain serves as a spacious backdrop." 828-235-8451. 800-553-3027. 200 Golfwatch Road, Canton, NC 28716.
Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa: A picturesque 27-hole course that features three separate and distinct par 35, 9-hole courses that start and finish at the clubhouse. The Blue Ridge Course is the most mountainous; the Carolina Course is the flattest; the Dogwood Course is the shortest. In any combination, a round here offers everything one might expect from a Western North Carolina course. 828-452-4617. 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786.
putt putt
Fantasy Golf & Gameroom: 828-926-8180. 3659 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.
Maggie Valley Carpet Golf: 828-926-3255. 3054 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.
Red Barn Indoor Miniature Golf: 828-926-1901. 1856 Dellwood Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.
