Jefferson Landing
...One of North Carolina's Most Beautiful Sites
Story by: Bill F. Hensley
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| Entrance to Jefferson Landing in Ashe County |
Jefferson, NC — In the shadow of towering Mt. Jefferson, Jefferson Landing on the New River lies peacefully on a scenic 490-acre tract that borders the historic river. The prestigious club community is surrounded by dozens of classic Christmas tree farms, and a swift-flowing stream traverses through the rolling Blue Ridge Mountain terrain.
The picturesque area is in Ashe County, one of North Carolina’s most beautiful sites, and is a showplace of stately homes, condos and townhouses with enviable views. One of its main attractions is a renowned golf course that is ranked as one of the state’s finest. In addition to golf, there is a variety of recreational amenities for the more than two hundred families that call Jefferson Landing home.
Since it was founded in 1989, the Jefferson Landing Club has been a popular destination that has lured affluent visitors who are seeking “the good life” in a majestic mountain setting where summer days are air conditioned by Mother Nature and a blanket comes in handy at night.
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| The picturesque area is in Ashe County, one of North Carolina’s most beautiful sites |
Fishermen in the New River |
Members of the Club at Jefferson Landing enjoy a variety of pleasures including golf, tennis, swimming, fitness center, fishing and walking, plus a daily opportunity to “canoe the New,” a unique experience on one of the nation’s oldest rivers. A spectacular 32,000 square foot clubhouse overlooks the golf course and the spacious green valleys and streams below.
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| Jeremy’s Lodge, an 18-rooom facility that is available to the public. |
Adjacent to the golf course is Jeremy’s Lodge, an 18-rooom facility that is available to the public. Lodge guests have golf and dining privileges at the private club.
The golf course, rated 4 ½ stars (out of five) by a national golf magazine, was designed by former US Open champion Larry Nelson and was opened in 1991. Since that time it has become one of the area’s most popular attractions, presenting a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Situated at an elevation that ranges from 2700 to 3000 feet, the course stretches to 7110 yards from the championship tees. Par is 72 and the slope is 135. There are four sets of tees that play from 5051 yards, 5741, and 6450 to the maximum of 7110. A large practice area adjoins the course.
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| The beautiful clubhouse and course at Jefferson Landing |
Dean Spainhour, a native Tar Heel, serves as Jefferson Landing’s Director of Golf, and Patrick Richie is the golf course superintendent. Spainhour and his associates will open a new Golf Academy this summer that features one and two day golf schools. Clinics and private lessons are also available.
“A round of golf here is always memorable,” Spainhour said, “because of the many challenges each hole offers. There are strategically placed bunkers and water to avoid, elevated greens to pitch to, doglegs to negotiate and puzzling club-selection choices. It’s a thinking player’s course, for sure.”
The attractive club community was purchased in 2005 by Ed Rodgers who serves as general manager. A veteran of the club industry and a former golf professional in Florida, Rodgers has spearheaded a number of golf course improvements to maintain the high quality that members and guest expect.
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| Townhouses overlook the golf course |
Guests enjoy a variety of accommodations at Jefferson Landing |
In the past two years all of the bunkers have been rebuilt, more than a dozen tees renovated, drainage problems corrected and a new maintenance program implemented.
“Keeping a golf course in immaculate condition is a continuing job,” Rodgers said, “and is one that occupies our full-time attention. We are very pleased with what Larry Nelson has created here and our efforts reflect a desire to bring playing conditions to a level that showcases a great design.”
Since taking over the club, Rodgers has been excited about the steady growth in membership and real estate sales.
“There are more than two dozen residential units under construction,” he offered, “more than any in our history, and sales last year were brisk even in a slow national market. Our recent survey of members revealed that we are on the right tract in offering the highest quality of facilities, service and lifestyle. Our members seem to be happy campers.”
The club is open all year but peak season is April through November.
For further information on The Club at Jefferson Landing Club or a stay at Jeremy’s Lodge, log on to www.visitjeffersonlanding.com or call 1-800-292-6274.