Asheville's Grove Park Inn
is Simply Stunning

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

March 30, 2000

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Golf in Myrtle Beach in the summer is nothing sort of a paradox, a double-edged sword if you will. One hand, it is so hot and oppressive that greens fees are substantially reduced and courses usually clear out by the afternoon.

On the other hand, it is hot and oppressive. Enough said. But an escape to a cooler clime with top shelf resort golf does not have to involve an expensive airfare or a lengthy drive up the coast. In fact, just next door to South Carolina is none other than North Carolina. You know, Tar Heels, baby blue, barbecue, Pinehurst.

And snuggled in the western most region of the state simply referred to as "Carolina" is the mountain town of Asheville - home of American novelist Thomas Wolfe, cooler temperatures, and the Grove Park Inn. Nestled amidst the rolling foothills of the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grove Park Inn is a stunning sight to behold.

Resembling a noble medieval castle, you half expect to have to cross a moat, joust a knight, or rescue a damsel in distress before checking in. Built in 1913 and set on 140 stunning acres of pure Asheville real estate, the resort is one of the oldest in the south, and certainly one of the more famous.

Gracing the grounds of the Grove Park Inn is one of the oldest and most charming golf courses in all the Tar Heel State. The layout was designed by Pinehurst creator and legendary course designer Donald Ross. If the impossible greens at Pinehurst No. 2 want to make you pull your hair out, then Ross' forgiving layout at Grove Park is more like an aspirin that eases the pain induced by tricked up, overly difficult courses.

The front nine meanders around the base of the resort property while the back nines takes a turns running up and down the hills next to the Inn itself. Collectively, holes range from straightforward and simple to flat out majestic. Water is in play on the front nine, and Ross does not wait long to present one of the truly great holes of the entire layout in the 517 yard par-5 third hole.

Longer hitters will find that a downhill lie after a booming drive sets up for chance at getting on in two. Lurking like that medieval moat in front of the green is a small pond that carries all the way up to the false front of the green. Shorter hitters and prudent course managers will want to lay-up in front of the pond, providing for a perfect sand wedge shot into the green.

Water comes into play again on the front nine at the 361 yard par-4 6th Hole, as well as the 191 yard par-3 7th hole. The back nine bids a fond North Carolina good-bye to the water, but offers a warm southern greeting to some of the most stunning views in western Carolina.

The par-4, 415 yard 16th is the highlight of the round. From the elevated tee box, golfers can gaze out upon the tree lined peaks of the Appalachians and truly appreciate the Grove Park Inn Resort Course for what it is - a fair and enjoyable test of golf.

It would not be like Ross to send golfers away without one last attempt at golfing perfect, and the 382 yard par-4 18th is a fabulous finishing hole that ranks just behind the 16th in terms of drama. From an elevated tee box, golfers look out upon their final challenge, which essentially boils down to hitting the equivalent of a frozen rope through one of the narrowest tree-lined fairways on the course.

WHERE TO STAY

The Grove Park Inn is one option, and one incredible one at that. Contact the Inn (800) 438-5800 or (704)252-2711 to find out more about their package deals that include golf, lodging and meals. But for golfers on a tighter budget, Asheville and surrounding comminutes boast more bed and breakfasts that you can shake a stick at. The Aberdeen Inn (704-254-9336 or 888-254-9336) is conveniently located in the Grove Park neighborhood of Asheville amongst towering Oak and Maple trees.

Some more affordable B and B's that offer up just as much charm and hospitality as their pricey counterparts can be found around the outskirts of Asheville. A simple on-line search of Asheville B & B's will yield incredibly robust results, but one such facility is the Dry Ridge Inn in nearby Weaverville. Being a fully operational battleship, Asheville also has the regular assortment of Motels and Hotels -

Comfort Inn (I-40 & I-240, 828-298-9141) - suites with jacuzzi tubs; HBO; meeting rooms; playground; hot tub; free deluxe continental breakfast.

Comfort Inn (51 Crowell Rd., 828-665-6500) - Opening Summer of '96; continental breakfast; quiet king & queen rooms; free local calls; HBO, ESPN, CNN; pool & jacuzzi room; 6 miles to Biltmore House & Gardens. I-40, Exit 44, next to Cracker Barrel.

Comfort Suites of Asheville (890 Brevard Rd., at Biltmore Square Mall, 665-4000) - continental breakfast; all suite hotel; outdoor heated pool; 2000 sq. feet meeting space.

WHERE TO EAT

Where not to should be the question. For fine dinning, it is hard to top the Grove Park Inn. But coming back into the city for a sampling of local chow can prove to be just as exciting. Check out Wall Street and the hopping area around the city's government center. Here is a sampling of what to expect:

Uptown Cafe (22 Battery Park, 828-253-2158) - Slightly upscale Asheville favorite we/ Intercontinental menu featuring pasta of the day, marinated grilled chicken, vegetarian dishes, Louisiana Cajun catfish, Szechwan & vegetable stirfry, and always fresh fish. Special Sunday Brunch till 2:30.

Bier Garden (46 Haywood St., 828-258-3005) - Non-pretentious combination of fine dining room and downtown pub w/an American/Continental menu and premier beer (over 200 to choose from), malt and wine selection. Features daily specials, a freshly stocked salad bar and live music.

McGuffy's (13 Kenilworth Knoll - off Tunnel Rd., 828-252-0956) - Eclectic eatery with extensive menu including fresh pastas, stir-frys, healthy salads, char-grilled chicken & burgers, steak & seafood, vegetarian entrees, and irresistible homemade desserts. Also features bar & lounge.

Westside Grill (1190 Patton Ave., 828-252-9605) - 1950's diner-style restaurant with all-time favorite menu items such as meatloaf and fried chicken as well as continental favorites such as pasta and sandwiches. Enjoy Westside's breakfast featuring "huge" homemade biscuits, pancakes and more.