View of the eighth green at Rumbling Bald’s Apple Valley Course in Western North Carolina. (Photo courtesy of Rumbling Bald Resort)
LAKE LURE, N.C. – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on Lake Lure, is on schedule to reopen its Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley Golf Course later this summer—with new Champion Bermuda greens on all 18 holes.
Apple Valley began its transition from bentgrass to the smooth-rolling Bermuda grass in June. After exhaustive research and testing, Champion was selected for its superior performance profile, heat tolerance and ease of maintenance. It has speeds up to two feet faster than other ultradwarf turf cultivars, as measured by a stimpmeter.
Champion Bermuda is the marquee turf product of Bay City, Texas-based Champion Turf Farms. Other North Carolina courses with the grass include Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte (G-12), site of the 2017 PGA Championship, and famed Pinehurst No. 2, host of the 1999, 2005, 2014 and 2024 U.S. Opens.
“Golfers are going to love putting on these greens, and my staff is going to enjoy taking care of them,” says Matt Lovell, Rumbling Bald director of golf course maintenance. “Bentgrass requires more maintenance throughout the summer, from additional water to fans. With Champion Bermuda, we’ll be able to focus entirely on the golfer experience.”
The golfer experience at one of Western North Carolina’s only 36-hole golf destinations keeps getting better with numerous enhancements to both Apple Valley and sister course, Bald Mountain. From tree removal and new landscape to E-Z-GO golf carts with USB ports, complimentary coolers and rolled towels, Rumbling Bald continues to evolve and innovate.
“Our golf courses are an invaluable amenity here at Rumbling Bald, and we’ve committed to providing guests with an outstanding playing surface from tee to green,” says general manager Jeff Geisler. “The greens on Apple Valley are growing in nicely and we’re excited to share them with the golfing world this summer and fall.”
Rumbling Bald offers golf packages combining rounds at both courses with the resort’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios. Ideal for social distancing, they feature golf course and mountain views. Golfers can grab to-go meals from Legends on the Lake, the resort’s casual dining restaurant on Lake Lure. And once Apple Valley reopens, so will Pinnacle Southern Kitchen, serving comfort food favorites.
To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.