Photo from club member Lee Burton’s back deck overlooking the infamous Hole 19.
Spring’s in the air and what better way to enjoy the great outdoors in North Carolina than with a round at our exceptional Tom Fazio-designed golf course? In fact, a couple years back, we had the distinct pleasure of chatting with the renowned golf course architect himself. Here’s a snippet of what Mr. Fazio had to say about our mountain community and one of his most beloved courses.
“I think when people get to Bright’s Creek, they’ll stand on the tee and go, ‘WOW, this place is really neat! Let’s get to the next hole!’ And that wow factor will continue on. It’s the kind of golf course where I wouldn’t be surprised if people say it’s one of their favorites. Now, did I make that happen? Maybe part of it, but really, nature made it happen. Seeing is believing and when someone sees Bright’s Creek, nothing can be overstated. It’s such a great environment. The truth is always easy.”
We love shining the spotlight on our course, just one of many incredible amenities that make life here at Bright’s Creek extra special. This month, we’re bringing you insider golf course secrets, straight from our members themselves. We asked about their favorite holes, top tips for your best round yet, and what to watch out for, too. Let’s start with some of the course highlights.
Starting Off with a Bang on Hole 1
Hole 1 is a long dog-leg left par 5, but “it’s not the length that will get you,” according to Macon Lovelace, member and property owner since 2006. He had the good fortune of touring Bright’s Creek when the course was being constructed with one of Bright’s Creek founders, Bill Amick. “To me, Hole 1 is challenging because it’s so tight. The fairway can give you trouble, so I recommend laying up on your second shot and having a longer approach shot to the green versus bringing trouble into play with a 3 wood. Take it easy on the first hole so you aren’t pressured on the second.” Lovelace also recommended generally clubbing down one if you are new to the course. “The fescue is penalizing.”
Everybody’s Favorite Hole 7
This was on everyone’s short list of favorites and Tom Black, a Bright’s Creek Club member with 40+ years of golf experience, breaks this hole down perfectly. “While Hole 7 is one of my favorite holes, I also consider it to be one of the most challenging holes. It’s not a long hole, just a par 4 playing less than 400 yards, but it starts with a tee shot over one of the deepest creek gorges to a sloping fairway. Your second shot usually is played from a side hill lie to a kidney shaped green guarded by two front traps, combined with the danger of hitting long through the green to a severe slope down to Harm Creek.” Luckily the challenge of this hole is offset by the amazing views. Black noted that he always makes his friends pause on the greens and reflect on where they are standing. “Stop and take a moment to listen to Harm Creek running through the valley. The course has hidden breaks that move with the flow of the water, so always trust the waterflow.” Check it out for yourself here.
Lucky Hole 13
But, it’s not all serious business. Beau Burgess, new Head Golf Pro at Bright’s Creek, has a tip for the hole he calls the most fun. “Hole 13 is a short par 3, and I really look forward to it every time I play,” says Burgess. “You can hit a shorter iron, which is uncommon on the par 3s at Bright’s Creek. This hole offers a great chance at a birdie but still presents a challenge, with two large bunkers guarding the front left and back left of the green. Several members have made a hole-in-one on it since I arrived at the club. It has the potential to be a very rewarding hole—if you attack it the right way!” With a course that’s challenging overall, Burgess recommends celebrating the wins when they come. “If you truly play a lot of golf, you’ll understand how fantastic the Bright’s Creek course really is.”
Don’t Underestimate Hole 16
If you ask member and Club Champion, Jim Stone, one of his favorite and most challenging holes is the par 3 on Hole 16. “It’s downhill and with a rock wall on the left and a steep drop off to a stream below. There’s a ridge off the back of the green, so you have to hit it just right. I’ve spent a lot of time studying these greens,” he laughs. So much time, he actually sketched out each angle and undulation of each of the greens and keeps it in a notebook in his golf bag. “Reading the greens with the hills and mountains can be challenging. So, I charted every green in a notebook— where it breaks, how it lies, where it’s flat. That saved me!”
Finishing Strong on Hole 18
And when you’re about to wrap up and enjoy Water Wheel Grille lunch for the day, keep in mind this tidbit on the longest hole, from Bright’s Creek member, Lee Burton. “I think 18 is the most challenging and unique. You have to think your way through it and approach it with the right strategy,” she says. “The hole is fair and well-designed, but requires three great golf shots and the greenside bunker loves to gobble up balls. A birdie or triple bogey is waiting for you! But of course, it’s always nice to end at the water wheel.”
Final Thoughts From the Insiders
A huge thank you to our members, residents, and team members who brought this blog to life. We’ll leave you with some memorable last moments from our chats–and don’t miss Macon’s run-in with Tom Fazio himself!
“Bright’s Creek is a special place. From every tee box, I see vistas and views all around me— this is where I want to be. I appreciate historic clubs, but the culture at Bright’s is very gracious and accommodating. When you ask the staff something, their answer is always ‘yes.’ The member service is amazing and they’re always so gracious and accommodating. It’s one of my favorite courses that I play regularly. I have a print of the course hanging in my office.” – Tom Black
“Tom Fazio is my favorite architect of all the courses I’ve played around the world. His designs are fair and there’s no hidden trouble! He puts it all out there and the rest is up to you. It’s truly the perfect piece of land for a course because it’s all pastures surrounded by mountains—I can’t imagine a better place and he turned it into a masterpiece. I’ll never give up my membership! The Club has done a great job with all of the amenities, and I’m a member because of the memories I make with my kids and grandkids. It’s about legacy.” – Lee Burton
“We love it up at Bright’s Creek—it’s awesome! Even though we moved to Florida, I kept my Bright’s golf membership and make it up a few times a year. I’m a charter member and toured the property way back when it was all dirt roads! The three owners are just so incredibly dedicated to the success of the community.” – Jim Stone
“I’ve played a lot of Tom Fazio golf courses, but I think Bright’s Creek is the best. He did a fabulous job. After I played Bright’s for the first time, I saw Tom Fazio at the Masters at Augusta National. I introduced myself and told him how much I loved the course—and I asked him why he’s so difficult with the fescue! ” – Macon Lovelace
Oh, yes, be sure to watch out for that fierce Fazio fescue indeed.
Now that you’re equipped with all the best golf tips and tricks, are you ready to play a round at one of North Carolina’s best golf courses? Uncover a world of unlimited possibilities at our mountain paradise. Contact our Membership Director, Jessica Justice directly at (828) 694-4500 to book your Discovery Tour today.
