The Omni Grove Park Inn

There are thousands of Golden Age golf courses in America. The number of courses in the United States grew from fewer than 750 in 1916 to nearly 6,000 by 1930, and one need only travel through the suburban areas of the country’s major cities to see private and public courses alike originally designed by legendary golf architects with initials for first names, and who wore suits and ties out on tract. Few, however, are memorably unique or maintain a true “country club” character, with many now surrounded on all sides by houses and developments.

Enter Grove Park Inn Golf Club. Designed by one of golf’s most venerable names, Donald Ross, the course is a masterpiece of Golden Age design that was guided by the fact that 100 years ago, one could not simply move around massive amounts of earth to create the Pete-Dye-golf-amusement-parks that litter the landscape of modern course design. No offense, Pete. People like your Disney Worlds, too, myself included. But in Donald’s day, the terrain dictated the layout, and the more interesting the terrain, the more interesting the golf course. And since nobody could drive the ball 260 yards “back in the day”, accuracy off the tee and on approach, as well as putting, made the best golfers. Donald attempted to challenge all of those elements in his designs, with Grove Park Inn being no exception.

The course is built into the valley of a now almost-extinct creek that cuts the course into two distinct nine-hole adventures. The Front 9 runs along, forth, and over the creek. It is decidedly narrower, with plenty of penal tree lines and OB, not to mention a “cliff of death” on the 400-yard, uphill #4 that requires an exceptional drawn tee shot just to have a chance at the green. If you drive to the right over the cliff, like my father-in-law likes to do, you can take your 3 minutes and try to find the ball on the adjacent hole, but even if you do, you probably would be better to drop and take your third shot to the green from 180-200 out. Medicine.

The Back 9 plays up-and-down the mountain to-and-fro the resort buildings, including the original hotel, which is simply beautiful. Your ball flight consistently towers over Appalachian mountains miles in the distance. Flowing robes, the grace, bald…striking. While shorter than the front, the severe uphill lies found on Back 9 will test anyone’s abilities, which is a tough shot to practice given that most driving ranges naturally offer flat tee boxes. However, the highlight of the Back 9 is by far the tee boxes of the #17 Par 3, which are rock terraces leading up to the Bynum House, a magnificent rock-built mini-castle that overlooks the entire property. Get your phone out.

Overall, the condition of the course is far-and-above than any other course in Asheville that permits the public. The turf is cut at the right time. The greens are properly paced and do not prevent you from missing any putts. he fairways are all fully covered and the right viscosity. The landscaping is pristine. The only area of conditioning that’s tough to maintain in the mountains with plenty of rain are the bunkers, which can be washy and firm depending on when you play. But, if you simply play a standard pitch shot, many will find it easier to get out than if they were laying on a typical white sand beach in North Carolina. In shoes. And a hat. And a polo shirt. Tucked in.

This course is not to be missed on any bucket list. And while it has its challenges that Mr. Ross knowingly built in (outlined above), it also remains a very accessible course for a range of skill levels and genders. Along those lines, I’ve been pleased to see plenty of the fairer-sex out on course over the past few weeks, which the sport can absolutely use more of.

And as a final note, the staff is fantastic. The starter Mike will give you the most informative opening spiel you’ve ever had before he directs you down to the first tee. “Putts move away from the hotel”, he’ll say. And he isn’t lying...

I understand the situation we are in but was disappointed in the approach Omni Resorts are taking on this great layout. First and foremost the staff is very unfriendly. This includes the pro shop and outside staff. The course is a great Ross design and is very challenging despite it’s shortness. I would have expected that the dew was knocked off the greens and the sand traps were manicured even in this age of no raking. The traps look like they haven’t been touched since this started. Could be a great track again with a little TLC.

Belong to a Donald Ross course and believe me this not one of his best designs. Course was in poor condition with bumpy, inconsistent greens. Bunkers were a joke. Only part of the golf course in decent condition were the fairways.Finally, the pace of play is horrible. Quit after nine holes despite having paid for 18: of course they would not refund any of our money. Group behind us quit after 8 holes due to the slow pace of play. Stay away from this golf course at all costs.Never consider purchasing a golf package as you will regret that.

Great course. A little short but challenging! A bit pricey at the normal rate but had a good time

First time playing here and course is nice. Very good condition but pricey. Would not have played without a great deal from Golf Now (Golf Pass member). Greens were good (a little slow at times), fairways were good as were tee boxes. Course is not long, only plays at just over 6,000 yards from tips.

One of Donal Ross’s masterpieces. You can really feel the history of the course. If you like Donald Ross you will love this course. Elevation changes in the fairways make every shot a challenge. Tees and greens are close to each other with a great deal of undulations in the greens. But, the course is very playable. It is not penal or extremely difficult. If I had to play this course everyday it would be a dream come true. We got a great deal on golf now and used coupons to play for 70$. If you come to Asheville you simply must play this course then sit in the hotel veranda overlooking the course and the smoky mountains in the distance. It is an experience you won’t forget. We will play it again next time we visit Asheville.

The course is a bit short to be considered worth $150 but the overall condition and the views of the course make up for its lack of length

The staff (mainly the pro shop manager ) Seems to not want golfers who aren’t members there. Our foursome was purchased on Golfnow for the hot rate and it seemed as though we were treated as such. There was no water available on course or beverage cart and there is no snack bar, just a water and ice station inside the pro shop. For the money these guys charge for this course, you would think they would be very cordial and welcoming. This was not the first time I had dealt with this guy. The course was in ok shape for time of year, but the greens were very slow and needing attention. I’m sure out of town guests may find this course beautiful due to the area and the views on the back nine, but it’s definitely not worth over 100.00 during peak season.

Don’t let the 6000 yds from the back tees fool you! Course has constant elevation changes making club selection tricky. Beware of the Donald Ross signature false fronts on many greens!

This is a great course! Plush green fairways, greens that roll true and at a good pace, the staff is super nice and down to earth. The tee boxes were the only down to the course and they were only a downside due the the conditions of the rest of the course. I would defiantly suggest any skill level of player give this course a shot!

It was a beautiful February day so I had to get out. The course was in good shape for mid February. A little soggy from the rain the night before so Carr path only, but overall very pleased Witt the conditions. Only complaint would be all the unrepaired ball Mark’s in the greens. It’s a shame that players can’t repair their ball marks and make conditions better for their fellow golfers.

Love the design and routing. Course conditions is good for this time a year but come for the course design and greens. Had a great time and will play it again if I get a chance.

Started playing aound 10am when the temp wad 33 degrees and it had been raining for the past 3 days. The course drained great and although it was cat path only it still played true and the greens rolled great!

Overall, fun round with good course conditions considering I played in early January. Most of the tee shots require straight drives. Par 3’s are a challenge as they are long for the most part. Certainly like this course and anticipate returning.

My favorite course in Asheville, and I know it's January 1, but the greens are in awful shape. Doesn't anyone know how to fix a ball mark on the green?

You would think a few words in the pro shop, and oh... hey here's a complimentary divot tool, do you know how to use it? would go a long way.

Got extremely lucky with a 12/30 Sunny day hovering near 70 degrees. Fun course. Scenery is awesome. Perfect father son course and day! And almost a hole in one on 17 was a highlight.