Ron Garl, Architect, Sapphire National Golf Club

With over 250 courses designed worldwide, award-winning golf course designer Ron Garl ranks Sapphire National as one of his most cherished treasures, as illustrated by Sapphire National’s featured prominence on Ron’s personal website. “My goal [at Sapphire National] was to design an exciting, innovative and unique golf course that artfully employs the natural characteristics of the mountainous terrain and waterfalls and adhere to sensitive land design where both the environment and man can not only coexist- but also thrive.”

Sapphire National has be awarded the prestigeous 4 1/2 star rating by Golf Digest.

Our Course

Sapphire National Golf Club is the only golf course in the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire region that is open to the public. Recipient of the prestigious 4 ½ star golf course rating from Golf Digest, Sapphire National offers the ultimate memorable experience for all avid golfers, from its dramatic par 4, 13th hole that is nestled beside a majestic waterfall, to the postcard Par 3, 15th hole that hosts an island green.

“the outward 9”

Hole #1. 595 yds. Par 5.

A new back tee, new creek and four bunkers make this an outstanding starting hole. Creeks come into play on the tee shot and approach shot. Par on this hole gives you an excellent start on your round.

Hole #2. 225 yds. Par 3.

One of most intimidating Par 3s you will ever play. While the green has been lowered 8 feet and doubled in size, it is still one of the most exciting holes on the golf course. Green is located over 100 feet below the back tee. Par is a great score on this hole.

Hole #3. 433 yds. Par 4.

New back tee and four new bunkers increase the challenge on this dogleg left Par 4. The hole plays 30 feet uphill to a very challenging green. When the pin is back, be happy with two putts and move to the next tee with a swagger.

Hole #4. 445 yds. Par 4

Straight away Par 4 with a large, but uphill landing area for your tee shot. The approach shot is slightly downhill with bunkers protecting the left side of the green.

Hole #5. 530 yds. Par 5.

A truly beautiful Par 5. Beware of the bunkers and creek that cross the fairway. Slightly uphill approach to a green that slopes from back to front.

Hole #6. 135 yds. Par 3.

Shortest hole on the golf course. The hole plays 50 feet downhill to a small green defended by two bunkers.

Hole #7. 425 yds. Par 4.

Four new bunkers (two fairway and two greenside) have been added to challenge the golfer. Beware of the undulations throughout the green. Hole plays slightly uphill.

Hole #8. 225 yards. Par 3.

Intimidating, yet exciting Par 3. New tee has added 20 yards to the hole. The hole plays downhill over a lake to a green protected by bunkers back right and front left.

Hole #9. 388 yds. Par 4.

A short Par 4 that provides a good birdie opportunity if you can navigate around the two fairway bunkers. A small green, so anything on the putting surface offers golfers a good chance at getting one back.

“the outward 9”

Hole #10. 379 yds. Par 4.

Hole #11. 220 yds. Par 3.

This Par 3 drops over 80 feet from tee to green. A lake and two bunkers guard the left side with trees protecting the right. Par is a good score.

Hole #12. 389 yds. Par 4.

A straight Par 4 with a a daunting green protected by a creek in the front and bunkers on the other three sides. You cannot be long on your approach shot into this relatively small green.

Hole #13. 410 yds. Par 4.

One of the most famous holes in North Carolina. Beautiful waterfall protects the right side of the green, while three bunkers protect the front and back. Approach shot is 50 feet uphill to a postage-stamp green.

Hole #14. 550 yds. Par 5.

Picturesque Par 5 with two new fairway bunkers in play off the tee. A set of bunkers guard the front left and right of the green. Excellent long-range mountain views. A possible birdie hole for long-hitters.

Hole #15. 170 yds. Par 3.

Exciting Par 3 reminiscent of the famed #17 at TPC Sawgrass. This island green plays 70 feet downhill from the tee. A pot bunker front left brings even more challenge to this visually-intimidating hole.

Hole #16. 320 yds. Par 4.

A short Par 4 that can be driven by the long hitter. Four bunkers guard the green, making this a great risk-reward hole where birdie hopes can easily translate into bogies.

Hole #17. 415 yds. Par 4.

One of the best holes on the golf course. Two bunkers challenge the golfer off the tee, while three additional bunkers guard the green. Great long-range mountain views.

Hole #18. 470 yds. Par 4.

Great finishing hole. New back tee added 40+ yards to the hole. The green is protected by a lake on the left and bunkers right and back. Be ready to tip your cap to the patrons at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company overlooking the hole and cheering from the restaurant’s outside deck area.