Linville Golf Club
Constantly Changing for the Better
Story by Bill Hensley
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| Viewing the first fairway on right and the 18th green on the left at Linville's golf course |
Several years ago, there was a slightly new, but familiar, look at North Carolina’s oldest and most historic golf course that opens in May for the season. The historic course first opened in 1895.
The 17th hole at the Linville Golf Club, tucked away in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, was restored a few years ago to famed architect Donald Ross’ original design, according to Linville resorts president and general manager John Blackburn.
“Over the years, the hole lost some of it design character,” Blackburn said, “so we reworked it to its original design. The fairway have more contours and fewer slopes, and a new Ross-type green was created. The changes were well received by our members and guests.”
Another significant change was the addition of a rock retaining wall on the challenging third hole, a tough par four that was regarded as one of the nation’s most demanding. Much of the creek bank near the hole was washed away during the heavy thunderstorms that plagued the area several years ago.
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| Considerable work was done on bridges and drainage at Linville |
Other work included new bridges on holes number eight and 14, also washed away, and extensive cart path work. The changes were completed during the winter months prior to the spring opening.
“The course was hit hard by the heavy rains,” Blackburn commented, “but we survived better than some of the other courses in the area. Linville is now just as good as new.”
The historic course was North Carolina’s first golf facility, opening a few holes at a time in 1895. The resort had 14 holes by 1900, was hosting tournaments in 1910 and had a full-time professional.
The Linville layout, at an elevation of 3,712 feet, was built on a picturesque 130-acre tract to help attract guests to the Eseeola Lodge, which was opened in 1892. The lodge, on the national register of historic places, will begin its 118th year as a popular mountain destination in May of 2010.
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| Golfers pose on the 13th green with the 14th fairway in the background |
Ross, who was living in Pinehurst, designed the current layout, which was begun in 1924 and completed in 1926, using mules and pans to carve out its spectacular mountain setting.
Throughout its long and colorful history, Linville has been acclaimed as one of the state’s finest because of its immense beauty, plus its great design, character and many challenges. It has been ranked in the top ten each year since the North Carolina Magazine golf panel was founded in l995 and last year was rated ninth.
In the “mountain category” in last year’s ratings, the course was a named as the third best, the best preserved, and the best for seniors. It plays to a par 72 and measures 6946 yards from the back tees. Each year it hosts the Linville Four Ball, a long-standing event that attracts the area’s best players.
“Playing at Linville was always a thrill,” famed amateur Billy Joe Patton—once a frequent visitor—said, even though I lost the Southern Amateur there in 1955. “It’s a wonderful course; one of my all-time favorites. Like all Ross designs, it’s a great test; a wonderful, classic course that everyone can enjoy and appreciate.”
For more information:
Linville Golf Club and Eseeola Lodge
175 Linville Avenue
Post Office Box 99
Linville, North Carolina 28646
Website at www.eseeola.com
Phone:l 1-800-742-6717.