27 down to thoughtful 18

Bobby Weed Golf Design – retained by new ownership group Raines to return a western North Carolina gem to national prominence – announced the reopening of the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. Weed’s creative repurposing plan has transformed 27 holes into an 18-hole resort facility, accompanied by a new wedge course, driving range, short game complex, lighted Himalayan putting green, golf cottages and numerous parcels for future development. The revived golf course debuts as the centerpiece of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains resort.

“The Waynesville Inn & Golf Club’s new routing is compelling, memorable and avoids repetition,” Weed said. “Quality courses should have a rhythm of scoring opportunities and challenges. The design variety should also provide different hole shapes, distances and shot options for the player to discern. We accomplished these goals during our renovation.”

History

Located 30 miles west of Asheville, the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club was founded as Waynesville Country Club in 1926. The former dairy farm was converted into a 9-hole golf course and boutique Inn. Donald Ross designed this original “Carolina 9.” Two more nines were constructed in 1929 (“Dogwood”) and 1986 (“Blue Ridge”) as land became available.

In April 2021, Raines hired BWGD to repurpose the entire property. The goal was to build a best-fit 18-hole course, practice facilities and related hospitality services, while planning for future development opportunities with higher land value uses. The following elements were included:

Ross Nine

BWGD respected the original front nine routing in the newly named “Ross Nine.” This picturesque, compact set of holes weaves across a valley floor, flanked by streams, evergreen and deciduous trees while surrounded by mountains.

Weed’s sympathetic restoration brought back many of the Ross design intents. Yardage was added where possible, while maintaining the charm and playability of the former layout. The difficulty of the front nine remains reminiscent of the small greens, short-cut surrounds and bunkering that add interest and strategy.

The nine is comprised of two par 3s, six par 4s and one par 5. Weed transformed the first tee box into a multi-use space, with 11,000 square feet of tightly mown bentgrass lawn serving as a teeing ground and pristine outdoor event space adjacent to the resort.

The routing is well suited for walking. Greens and tees are close in proximity and strategically positioned for all skill levels. Tees, fairways and greens consist of bentgrass varieties. Turf-type tall fescues comprise the roughs. Mixtures of fine fescues on hillsides and out-of-play areas add contrast and frame the perimeter of the property.

Weed Nine

The new back side, dubbed the “Weed Nine,” is a 9-hole composite layout that consolidates 18 holes from the “Dogwood” and “Blue Ridge” routings. The former holes not utilized were converted into practice areas and future residential development pods.

BWGD’s transformation of two nines into one allowed the firm to create a set of mountainous holes with panoramic views. The Weed Nine offers three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s. With noticeably more rolling topography, greens were shaped with gentle slopes and falloffs to closely resemble the Ross Nine.

“In partnering with Bobby Weed Golf Design, we’ve been able to elevate this historic destination into a must-visit hub for golfers and guests alike,” said Grey Raines, co-managing partner of Raines. “By preserving the heart of this iconic design and incorporating top-notch amenities, we’ve created a venue that genuinely celebrates the stunning western North Carolina landscape.”

Wedge Park

An out-and-back “Wedge Park” short course was tactically designed between the first and 18th hole fairways. Situated near the Inn, this design is great for short-game training, after-round play and family fun.

Practice Facilities

The practice area is highlighted by an 18,000-square-foot Himalayan putting course. Designed with moderate slopes, swales and plateaus, the free-range green offers fun entertainment during practice sessions and putting contests. It will be lighted for night use.

A new driving range, chipping and bunker complex were also constructed.

Repurposing

A key element in the land plan, led by Weed and design associate Joey Graziani, was identifying a new 10-acre infill parcel within the development. On three acres, eight newly constructed four-bedroom, four-bathroom golf cottages will reside. These spacious cottages will be available to rent when not in use by private owners.

Along the 10th and 12th hole fairways, development parcels have been earmarked for future mountain bungalows and single-family homes.

“My wife, Leslie, has generational ties to Waynesville that date back over 100 years,” Weed said. “As longtime seasonal residents, this was a dream come true to personally steer the club in a new direction for future generations.”

BWGD has extensive knowledge of preserving and improving Donald Ross designs. Other Ross layouts that the firm has restored include Linville GC, Myers Park CC, Palatka GC, Palma Ceia G&CC, Timuquana CC and the University of Florida’s Mark Bostick GC.