Champion Hills isn’t just another private club tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains—it’s a gravitational force for golfers who crave scenery, sophistication, and a course that rewards both precision and imagination. With its latest accolade, a No. 47 ranking on Golfweek’s 2026 list of America’s Top 200 Residential Golf Courses, the Tom Fazio-designed retreat has once again reminded the golf world why it stands among the elite.
For golfers who appreciate the finer things, from architectural pedigree to year-round playability, Champion Hills remains a benchmark. And this year’s ranking cements its position as North Carolina’s highest-rated year‑round residential course, a distinction that speaks volumes about both its design and its lifestyle appeal.
A Mountain Masterpiece That Keeps Its Edge
Tom Fazio has designed more than 200 courses, but Champion Hills remains one of the layouts most frequently described as his “mountain masterpiece.” That’s not hyperbole. The course is carved into the natural contours of western North Carolina’s hardwood forests and rolling terrain, creating a routing that feels organic, dramatic, and endlessly engaging.
Golfers who thrive on variety will find it in abundance. Elevation changes create thrilling tee shots and demanding approaches. Fairways bend and rise with the land. Greens are perched, protected, and sculpted with Fazio’s signature nuance. Every hole feels like a postcard, but none of them feel repetitive.
The course’s ability to deliver championship-caliber golf in all four seasons is part of what sets Champion Hills apart. While many mountain courses shut down or struggle through winter, this one thrives. Conditioning remains a point of pride, and the club’s agronomy team keeps the layout firm, fast, and visually stunning year-round.
As Heather Myers, director of membership and marketing, put it: “Champion Hills is a place where great design and a great member experience go hand in hand.” That balance—architectural brilliance paired with a member-first culture—has become the club’s calling card.
Why Golfweek’s Panel Keeps Coming Back
Golfweek’s rankings aren’t popularity contests. They’re built on evaluations from hundreds of seasoned raters who assess courses based on design integrity, memorability, conditioning, variety, and overall playing experience. For Champion Hills to consistently land near the top of both state and national lists speaks to its staying power.
The course doesn’t rely on gimmicks or manufactured drama. Instead, it leans into the natural drama of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Long views, tight corridors, and strategic shot values create a rhythm that keeps golfers engaged from the first tee to the final putt.
For golfers who appreciate architecture, Champion Hills offers a masterclass in how to build a mountain course that is both challenging and fair. For those who simply want to enjoy a beautiful walk in nature—albeit with a few well-earned pars—it delivers that too.
A Lifestyle That Matches the Golf
Champion Hills isn’t just a course; it’s a community. And for many high-net-worth golfers, that’s where the real magic lies.
Located minutes from downtown Hendersonville and less than half an hour from Asheville, the club blends world-class golf with a lifestyle that feels both refined and relaxed. Residents enjoy walkable neighborhoods, a welcoming social culture, and access to hiking, racquet sports, dining, arts, and outdoor recreation.
It’s the kind of place where you can play 18 in the morning, explore a mountain trail in the afternoon, and enjoy a chef-driven dinner in the evening—all without leaving the community’s orbit. That balance of recreation, culture, and natural beauty is a major reason Champion Hills continues to attract discerning golfers from across the country.
A Standard-Bearer for the Carolinas
With its latest ranking, Champion Hills reinforces its role as a leader among residential golf communities—not just in North Carolina, but nationwide. The course remains as compelling today as when it first opened, a testament to Fazio’s timeless design and the club’s commitment to excellence.
For golfers who want more than a place to play—for those who want a place to live, connect, and elevate their game—Champion Hills stands out as a destination where the experience matches the view. And in the world of mountain golf, that’s saying something.
