Maggie Valley Club & Resort

The Maggie Valley Club & Resort has always been known for its southern hospitality. But did you know that this golf resort has some of the most spectacular mountain views in North Carolina?

This a hidden treasure of a golf resort can be found between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 3,000 feet. Its year-round temperate climate makes it a great getaway for golfers and avid outdoorsmen and women. In addition to a 6,500-yard mountain-style championship golf course that will challenge the most seasoned golfer and delight a beginner, The Maggie Valley Club offers several amenities. You'll find a driving range, short game area and putting green where golfers can hone their skills before taking on the links. There are also tennis courts, walking trails, a yoga and fitness studio, hot tub and a heated swimming pool. Numerous hiking and biking trails, rafting, fishing and zip-line adventures can be found nearby. Attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, Deals Gap, Cherokee Indian Reservation and Great Smoky Mountain National Park are just a short drive away.

For many, the draw to Maggie Valley Club is the golf course, where golfers can enjoy playing one of the most scenic golf courses in North Carolina. The course is truly a tale of two nines, as the names suggest. The front Valley Nine is relatively flat and plays along the floor of the mountain valley. The back Mountain Nine features elevations that rise and drop over a total of 800 feet. Both courses offer wonderful panoramic views of the valley and beyond.

Maggie Valley has a number of memorable holes. The 3rd hole is a par 4 that plays 430 yards from the White tees. It's a dogleg left that can be cut down if you can clear the large tree on the left at the corner of the dogleg. Be warned, there's water all down the left side. A good drive will leave a long iron or hybrid into a green that is protected in front by bunkers on either side. Par is a good score here.

From the White tees, the par 3, 9th hole plays uphill and slightly longer than the 165 yards advertised on the scorecard; a little over 170 according to my rangefinder. The green slopes slightly back to front so just select the right club and hit it. You won't know how close you are to the pin until you get up to the green.

The last three holes of the Mountain Course are a lot of fun. Number 16 is a 360-yard par 4 that doglegs slightly to the left and plays uphill; way uphill. Find the fairway bunker on the right at the bottom of the hill and this hole just got a lot tougher! A good drive will leave a mid to long iron into a well undulated green protected on the left side by a single bunker. The green slopes back to front and there's a lot more break there than you might think. Number 17 is an interesting hole. You can't see the green from the tee, just a bunker at the bottom of the hill about 200 yards away. Hit the fairway from the tee and you'll have a short pitch shot into a green that slopes away from you. A front pin can be tough to get close to. Number 18 is a great finishing hole. It's a par 5 that plays 489 yards from the White tees. A creek crosses the fairway about 270 yards out and continues up the right side towards the green. The green is definitely reachable in two; if you have to lay up, beware of the bunkers that dot the rough on either side as you approach. Low scores are possible on Number 18.

Many golf and country clubs are defined by their dining, one area in which the Maggie Valley Club excels. What sets the Pin High Bar & Grille apart from other country clubs is the atmosphere you find when you step through the door. It could be described as "Casual Elegance," an ambience that makes all who enter fell comfortable and welcome. Those looking for a relaxing restaurant in the area will want to check it out. Enjoy large-screen televisions and a fireplace inside while enjoying your favorite adult beverage from their fully stocked bar. Or step outside to their covered veranda with views of the first tee and enjoy the cool mountain breeze.

As far as the food is concerned, the Pin High Bar & Grille will exceed your expectations. Pin High supports local farmers and uses the freshest ingredients to produce meals that are as tantalizing to look at as they are to enjoy. Their everyday clubhouse menu includes both typical fare and a few unique dishes, such as an Elk Burger with or without Smoked Gouda. Their Nacho Appalachia appetizer is made with Elk chili; both are truly delicious. Thursdays thru Saturdays, Maggie Valley runs dinner features; during our visit choices included a Shrimp and Grit Cake appetizer, Potato Crisp Salmon and a YabbaDabbaDoo Ribeye steak, cut as thick as you like. Their desserts are incredible, including Mocha Pecan Ice Cream and Oreo Cheesecake, which is anything but typical.

There are several ways to enjoy everything that the Maggie Valley Club has to offer, but the most popular are their well-priced stay and play golf packages. One of these is the Buddy Package, which includes 2 night's lodging in an upscale, fully equipped, two bedroom/two bath condo, 3 rounds of golf per person (greens and cart fees included), complimentary range balls and overnight bag storage. You'll also receive a 10% discount on Pro Shop merchandise or at the restaurant as well as access to the Fitness Center, outdoor pool & hot tub. Each privately-owned condo is extremely comfortable and is adorned with modern furnishings and stately amenities. All of this for one low price, but you'll need to call for details! Other stay and play packages are available that include thigs like admission to the Biltmore Estate and other local attractions. Daily fee golf rates range from $45 to $79 plus tax depending upon the season and include an electric cart. Group rates are also available.

Maggie Valley Club & Resort is the perfect place to host weddings and special events. Whatever the occasion, you'll be surrounded by the beauty and splendor of the Smoky Mountains, gorgeous rhododendrons and other native flora. Whatever the event, Maggie Valley's culinary staff will see to it that of all your needs are met quickly and efficiently. The culinary staff will help you put together a meal that meets your every desire...and your budget! Because of its location, many companies hold corporate meetings at Maggie Valley and take advantage of the meeting space that is available and use golf and other amenities for team building. Events at Maggie Valley are proven winners.

Another way to experience Maggie Valley Club on a regular basis is to become a member of this truly unique resort. You'll have unlimited access to the golf course and all of the resort's amenities including the tennis courts, fitness center, dining rooms and pool. You can take in all of the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, or just sit back and relax in the clubhouse. There's a lot of value in becoming a member at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort.

All in all, Maggie Valley proves that a mountain golf course doesn't need a lot of elevation change to make it a fun, memorable golf course. This course provides just enough to keep things interesting and makes you think about what club to hit. The greens may not be as fast as others in the area, but the undulation in them makes them every bit as challenging.

This is just a snapshot of what the Maggie Valley Club & Resort has to offer. For more information, visit their website at www.maggievalleyclub.com.