Highlands Falls at Highlands Falls Golf Course

Highlands Falls Golf Course sits in the mountains of western North Carolina near the town of Highlands, positioned at elevations that give the layout its defining character. Designed by Joe Lee and opened in the 1980s, the course occupies rolling, forested terrain typical of the southern Appalachian plateau. Lee, known for his work throughout the southeastern United States during the latter half of the twentieth century, routed the holes through corridors of hardwood and evergreen forest, incorporating the natural elevation changes and creek drainages into the design.

The course plays across varied topography, with several holes featuring significant uphill or downhill shots and approach angles that require careful club selection in the thinner mountain air. Water comes into play on multiple holes, often in the form of streams and small ponds that reflect the area's abundant rainfall and natural hydrology. The layout takes advantage of the mountain setting without resorting to extreme forced carries or artificial difficulty, offering a straightforward test of accuracy and course management.

Highlands Falls serves as a semi-private facility in a region known for its summer resort character and cooler temperatures that attract visitors from lower elevations. The course fits within the broader tradition of mountain golf in North Carolina, where elevation, forest cover, and seasonal beauty define the experience. It provides a playable mountain round for members and guests seeking golf in a natural, wooded environment at altitude.