ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
The club was once managed by Pinehurst’s Leonard Tufts and is affectionately referred to as 'the Pinehurst of the Hills.' Its restored greens are among the most authentically preserved of any Donald Ross design.
About
Roaring Gap Club is a private Donald Ross design set in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, established in 1925 and restored in 2014 by Kris Spence. The course features classic Ross strategies with natural landforms, undulating greens, and minimal bunkering. Revered for its authenticity and mountain vistas, Roaring Gap offers a rejuvenating getaway for members seeking both challenge and scenic beauty.
Caddie Tip
Positioning tee shots is crucial at Roaring Gap—focus on leaving uphill approaches wherever possible, as downhill putts on the angled Ross greens are especially challenging. Manage your club selection carefully, as elevation can affect distances, and avoid being above the hole.
The Main Challenge
The sloping, multi-tiered Ross greens are the course's main defense, punishing golfers who miss to the wrong side. Narrow corridors between trees and natural landforms require accurate drives, while the changing elevations add another layer of difficulty. Even skilled golfers may struggle to consistently get below the hole for a true birdie opportunity.
The Good
Golfers cherish the authentic Donald Ross green complexes and the tranquil, getaway mountain setting. The restoration preserved original dimensions and strategic elements, making each round engaging for both strategists and shot-makers. The club’s peaceful isolation offers an unmatched escape from city life in a pure golf environment.
The Not So Good
Access is a common complaint—being private, opportunities to play are rare outside of membership. Some members note limitations in expanded practice facilities and wish for easier access to the course during high-season weekends, as demand can sometimes bottleneck tee times.
Signature Hole:
#
8
The par 5 eighth is renowned for its strategic routing between a hillside and a creek, devoid of bunkers yet full of risk-reward decisions. Each shot gets tougher as you approach an elevated, plateau green tilted from back to front and right to left, demanding precision and nerve. It epitomizes Donald Ross’s design genius in mountain terrain.
Clubhouse
The main clubhouse is classic but comfortable, featuring lounges, dining, locker rooms, and a pro shop. There are scenic porches for après-golf relaxation, and the club maintains additional amenities for members, including tennis and lake access in the summer.
Practice Facilities
Roaring Gap offers a functional driving range and short game areas, including chipping and putting greens. Facilities may be more compact compared to larger resorts, but provide ample space for warmups and focused practice typical of a private mountain club.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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