Chaffin/Light Associates opened of the eight remaining holes of Balsam Mountain Preserve’s 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Sylva, N.C. The first 10 holes opened for limited play to members and their guest this past Memorial Day weekend, and the course opened in its entirety Sept. 1. The course is characterized by a vast amount of stunning mountain views rivaling any other course in the region in terms of majestic mountain beauty.
Ranging from 3,200 ft. to 3,700 ft. in elevation, the par 70 course offers a fair test to golfer’s of all ability levels. Total yardages for the new course range from 6,750 (championship) to 5,070 (forward). Offering the best playing surface possible, the greens at Balsam Mountain Preserve are designed with A1/A4 bentgrass, while tee boxes and fairways are complete with L-93 Southshore bentgrass. Several trickling creeks and flowing streams run through the property creating a total of 11 different water challenges for golfers.
“The unique combination of mountainous terrain, spectacular distant views of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful streams are what makes Balsam Mountain Preserve different from any other course I have designed,” said Palmer.
Long known for creating courses that proactively maintain an ecologically sound environment in order to bring an extraordinary experience to the game, Palmer's courses are designed to connect golfers to the land - a goal that resonates with the lifestyle and values of Balsam Mountain Preserve.
Chaffin/Light Associates and Arnold Palmer have teamed up on past successful projects to include Spring Island's Old Tabby Links in the South Carolina low country that was recently ranked: No. 27 in Golfweek's Best Residential Courses, No. 23 on Travel + Leisure Golf's Top 100 Courses, and included in Golf Connoisseur magazine's Top 40 Golf Communities.
During his well-known golf career, Palmer won seven major championships: The Masters in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964, the U.S. Open in 1960 and the Open Championship in 1961 and 1962. He also received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, and has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
For more information, call 866-452-3456 or visit www.balsammountain.com.