A Ross Trilogy: Architect Kyle Franz readies to add Southern Pines Elks Golf Club to list of Sandhills successes

        By David Droschak With dozens of Donald Ross-designed golf courses scattered across the state of North Carolina from Asheville to Wilmington, golf enthusiasts have debated for decades the best of the best. One Ross course that has often flown under the radar has been the Southern Pines Elks Golf Club, especially over the last decade…

A determined pair of ladies return mountain course to its former luster

        By Brad King Brett Miller has worn many hats in the Carolinas golf industry. He’s a lifetime member of the PGA of America and former longtime president of the Great Smokies Mountain Golf Association, the area’s regional co-op of golf course owners promoting golf tourism. Miller also played collegiately at Western Carolina University, where he…

Golf Travel USA: More than one million rounds of golf are played on Hilton Head each year

        By Brad King Hilton Head Island, a crown jewel of the hauntingly picturesque Lowcountry of South Carolina, continues to generate impressive headlines. For the third year in a row, Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Hilton Head as the “No. 1 Island in the Continental United States.” Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler proclaimed Hilton Head its top choice…

Summer Escape: Converted brickyard one of Western North Carolina’s pristine getaways

        By Keith Jarrett For a half-century, Etowah Valley Golf & Resort has provided quality play for more than a million rounds and lodging for tens of thousands for visitors. And as the 27-hole layout in Henderson County celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, there are current and future plans to ensure those numbers of golfers…