Gated Golf Community in Highlands, NC
Cullasaja Club is a private golf community set between the town of Highlands and Whiteside Mountain, about 4 miles from Main Street via US 64 East. Arvida Corporation founded it in 1987 as a second-home retreat from the southern summer heat, and it became a private, invitation-only club in 2000. About 350 member households return each year, and the club operates from May 1 through October 31.
The community sits in old-growth forest dotted with century-old trees, and the Cullasaja River runs through the property. At its headwaters is Ravenel Lake, a 27-acre lake inside the community used for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Club membership is by invitation and subject to club approval.
Cullasaja Club's 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by Arnold Palmer with Ed Seay and opened in 1989. Fairways lined with hardwoods, rolling greens, and white sand bunkers make the most of the mountain terrain, and multiple sets of tees, from about 4,700 to more than 6,800 yards, let players of every level enjoy the course.
Practice facilities include a newly renovated driving range, a new short-game practice area, and a putting course. Weather permitting, the course is open about 11 months of the year. During the season, members enjoy a full calendar of golf events, from weekly twilight rounds followed by dinner at the clubhouse to member-guest tournaments and traditional club cups.
The newly renovated 24,000-square-foot clubhouse is designed in a mountain lodge style and sits on a plateau with long mountain views. Dining ranges from the formal Sweetwater Room and its outdoor terrace to Arnie's Bar, with its glass-front wine cellar, and the Verandah, a porch running the length of the clubhouse. The 4032 Market serves morning coffee and pre-dinner gatherings, the Pool Side Grill offers light fare, and the Fairway Café sits on the course between the 9th green and 10th tee.
The well-being center features Cybex fitness equipment and classes including Pilates, spinning, yoga, golf stretching, and water aerobics. Massage services, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage, are offered daily.
Four Har-Tru tennis courts are supported by a PTR-certified tennis professional, regular clinics, private lessons, and a full-service pro shop. Croquet players have three lawns: the first opened in 2013 and was named Lawn of the Year by the National Croquet Association that same year, and two more were added in 2019. A heated pool rounds out the recreation amenities.
Members have private water on the Cullasaja River for trout fly fishing, groomed trails inside the community, and Ravenel Lake for paddling. Club staff also lead hiking trips and road biking outings on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Club amenities are available to members. Membership is by invitation and subject to club approval.