LAKE LURE, N.C. – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on stunning Lake Lure, reports its Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley Golf Course is on schedule to open later this summer featuring new Champion Bermuda greens on all 18 holes.
Apple Valley began its transition from bentgrass to the smooth-rolling Bermuda grass in June. After exhaustive research and testing, Champion was selected for its superior performance profile, heat tolerance and ease of maintenance. It has speeds up to two feet faster than other ultradwarf turf cultivars as measured by a stimpmeter.
Champion Bermuda is the marquee turf product of Bay City, Texas-based Champion Turf Farms. Founded by Morris Brown in 1966, other North Carolina courses with the grass include Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte (G-12), site of the 2017 PGA Championship, and famed Pinehurst No. 2, host of the 1999, 2005, 2014 and 2024 U.S. Opens.
“Golfers are going to love putting on these greens, and my staff is going to enjoy taking care of them,” says Matt Lovell, Rumbling Bald Director of Golf Course Maintenance. “Bentgrass requires more maintenance throughout the summer, from additional water to fans. With Champion Bermuda, we’ll be able to focus entirely on the golfer experience.”
The golfer experience at one of Western North Carolina’s only 36-hole golf destinations keeps getting better with numerous enhancements to both Apple Valley and sister course, Bald Mountain. From tree removal and new landscape to E-Z-GO golf carts with USB ports, complimentary coolers and rolled towels, Rumbling Bald continues to evolve and innovate.
“Our golf courses are an invaluable amenity here at Rumbling Bald, and we’ve committed to providing guests with an outstanding playing surface from tee to green,” says General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The greens on Apple Valley are growing in nicely and we’re excited to share them with the golfing world this summer and fall.”
Rumbling Bald offers golf packages combing rounds at both courses with the resort’s 150 sparkling clean vacation rental homes, condos and studios. Ideal for social distancing, they feature golf course and mountain views. Golfers can grab to-go meals from Legends on the Lake, the resort’s casual dining restaurant on Lake Lure. And once Apple Valley reopens, so will Pinnacle Southern Kitchen, serving up comfort food favorites.
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 golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.
About Rumbling Bald Resort
Tucked along scenic Lake Lure surrounded by 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 between one and five hours away. The resort 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 the movie “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 resort’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, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.
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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