North Carolina Golf Panel Releases 2023 Rankings
(LAKE LURE, N.C.) – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville, is the No. 4 golf resort in the state, and its marquee Dan Maples-designed course, Apple Valley, is once again included in the North Carolina Golf Panel’s (NCGP) 2023 Top 100 rankings.
Apple Valley ranks 100th in the “Top 100 Golf Courses” (including public and private courses) and 30th in the “Top 50 Courses You Can Play.” The highly regarded mountain layout reopened in 2020 following the installation of new Champion Bermuda greens and other agronomic and aesthetic enhancements. In the resort category, Rumbling Bald trails only Ocean Ridge Plantation (Ocean Isle), Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club (Southern Pines), and Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst).
“We’ve invested heavily in the golf infrastructure and experience here at Rumbling Bald, from Apple Valley and Bald Mountain to the clubhouses, practice facilities, cart paths and more,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The North Carolina Golf Panel and its rankings are held in high regard by golfers throughout the region and we’re honored to be included once again.”
Founded by beloved public relations specialist Bill Hensley who passed away in 2022 at age 96, the NCGP consists of approximately 175 members from the mountains to the coast. Since its inception, it has emerged as the authoritative source of golf rankings in a state that boasts many of the country’s most highly regarded layouts. The panel’s unique composition includes media, club professionals, general managers, accomplished amateur players, prominent business figures, and others who actively promote golf in North Carolina.
Published annually in Business North Carolina, the rankings are determined by a scoring system in which panelists consider these factors, among others: routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety and aesthetics. Panelists can vote only for courses they’ve played. In addition to the Top 100, they also vote on the “Top 50 You Can Play,” plus the best dozen courses in each of seven regions in the state. For 2022, there are two specialty rankings: “Best Shorter Courses” (under 6,500 yards) and “Best Resorts.” All current rankings will be posted at NCGolfPanel.com.
To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a two-bedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio).
About Rumbling Bald
Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all one to five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.
Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.
Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from “Dirty Dancing.” A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.
The property’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure.
Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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