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.

A new year brings exciting new changes to our Bright’s Creek community and renowned Tom Fazio golf course. It’s our pleasure to welcome our brand-new Head Golf Professional, Beau Burgess, to our thriving team.

This month, we sat down with Beau to learn more about his unique vision for the Bright’s Creek’s golf program. Dive in to discover some exciting news about what members and guests can expect, plus find out how our serene North Carolina golf course will continue to be an elite golfing destination this year and beyond.

Beau, welcome to Bright’s Creek! Give us a quick intro of your background and golf experience.

I’m very excited to be here! I’ve always had an interest in sports and started playing golf when I was seven. I continued all throughout high school and in college at NC State, where I studied golf management and entrepreneurship. From there, I knew I wanted to be a clubhouse leader in a role where I could support operations and help set members up for success. I’ve had the great privilege of learning under talented golf professionals and have traveled the country pursuing my passion.

For me, golf is all about building relationships. Enjoying the beautiful outdoors is a bonus, but really connecting with people is what drives me and what made me fall in love with the game of golf.

Tell us about your day-to-day role at Bright’s Creek.

I’m really excited to learn and grow every day at Bright’s. I’ll be managing our golf shop and inventory to make sure we always provide members and guests with an elite experience. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to manage our great staff, greet and prep players, and really work to establish those meaningful connections that will continue to set Bright’s Creek apart. I’ll also be working with our team to plan some exciting Bright’s Creek golf tournaments and just set the year up for success, so I’m looking forward to what we can bring to this community together.

Bright’s Creek’s Director of Membership and Events, Jessica Justice, on Beau joining the team:

“We’re thrilled to have Beau join our team. He brings a sense of calmness to everything he does. Beau’s incredible attention to detail will truly help to elevate our service. He’s already thinking outside the box, greeting members with a smile, and dreaming up ways that he can positively impact the overall golfing experience here at Bright’s. We’re excited for this next chapter in our legacy!”  

What makes Bright’s Creek so special?

Beyond our incredible golf facilities, Bright’s Creek is just a naturally beautiful place. It’s so serene, there are no distractions, and it’s really a destination that you can come and unplug from the world if you want to—all while being within reach of resources and thriving surrounding cities, too. Of course, our Tom Fazio course has the perfect layout, and what I really love is that it offers great playability for both men and women.

What’s your vision for the golf members and guests here at Bright’s?

Our golf program is great right now and it has the potential to be exceptional. Bright’s Creek has a very welcoming, family-oriented feel and I want to extend that sentiment to our golf program. This year, I’ll be identifying ways that we can continue to elevate the guest experience. When a guest or member arrives to play the course, they’ll be greeted with a warm welcome, clean carts, and an inviting atmosphere. It’s all about caring about small details and creating a culture where we can build great relationships and create lasting connections.

Can you share any exciting new features, plans, or amenities you have in mind for the Bright’s Creek golf club?

One of our most exciting updates for 2025 are our new electric golf carts. They’ll be equipped with state-of-the-art GPS designed to elevate every round by showing your location to the pin. Overall, my goal is to really sharpen and polish the program to let every little detail shine, from maintaining the beauty of the course to adding elements on the range to make the overall experience more fun and memorable.

I’ll also be working on video content to level up our YouTube channel, which is just another amazing way to share how special our Bright’s Creek community and golf program are. From helpful instructional videos to highlighting our unique golf course architecture and showcasing the stunning beauty of our Tom Fazio golf course, there are so many exciting opportunities ahead.

What do you hope people take away from their experience at Bright’s Creek?

My goal is to foster an atmosphere of community through our golf program. I want people to feel at home when they come play with us, like they’re enjoying a round with their friends. When they leave, I want people to remember how well they were treated and how nice our entire staff was to them. We’ll create this feeling by providing top-level service and putting a smile on their faces, even if they didn’t play their best on that particular day. Bright’s Creek is a place where you can come to get away from the hustle and bustle, be happy, and enjoy a challenging yet playable game on one of the most beautiful golf courses in North Carolina.

What are you most excited about with your new role at Bright’s Creek?

I’m surrounded by a fantastic team and am just excited to learn and contribute every day. I can’t wait to meet all of our members and guests and spend my days golfing and growing this amazing Bright’s Creek golf program.

Ready to call one of the best North Carolina golfing communities home? Swing by our Mill Spring, NC, oasis and begin your best life yet. Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to book your Discovery Tour today. And if you are only interested in membership, you can reach out to Jessica Justice to book a tour.

Email Heather

Email JJ

 

Our Head Golf Pro and PGA Professional Mark Ernst now has an exciting debut season with Bright’s Creek under his belt. We welcomed him to our mountain oasis last spring and what a joy it’s been having his exceptional leadership, clear vision, and 30+ years of golf expertise helping us to forge a bright future.

We recently had the chance to chat with Mark about our Tom Fazio-designed golf course, what’s in store for members this year, and even some pro secrets you definitely won’t want to miss.

Mark, you just wrapped up your first season at Bright’s Creek. What surprised you and what did you learn?

Yes and what an exceptional experience it’s been so far! I had the pleasure of meeting with our members throughout the season and I’m just so impressed. It’s truly inspiring to hear the passion in people’s voices when they talk about not only their love of golf, but also life here at Bright’s Creek. There’s a camaraderie and connection that’s palpable here. We’re lucky to get to enjoy such a beautiful property every day! Best of all, our new amenities at The Mill really enhance the overall experience and lifestyle here at Bright’s—and pair perfectly with golf, of course.

Tell us a little bit about what you have planned for the 2024 season. What can members and prospects get excited about?

Well, we’ve got a really exciting year ahead. Our team is currently finalizing plans for our Bright’s Creek signature events, which will be a big draw for our members and their guests. We’re also thinking a lot about how we can enhance the playability of the Bright’s Creek golf course while continuing to maintain the integrity of its original design. Our course was designed by the legendary golf course architect Mr. Tom Fazio and we actually just met with his son and Director of Business Development, Austin, to discuss some upcoming projects and exciting enhancements to our course while maintaining Mr. Fazio’s original vision.

In fact, we learned something really interesting! Our tree canopy grows about one foot per year, which creates a tighter playing window in some areas of the course. Finding ways to enhance the unique beauty of our course while trimming back some of the trees will get us back to the original design and intent of the course.

What are some behind-the-scenes fun facts about the Bright’s Creek golf course that most people wouldn’t know about?

We had a fantastic 2023 and experienced some really positive momentum! We saw an incredible 50% participation increase in our signature Member-Guest, The Creek Cup. Rounds of play were also up almost 20% last year.

We’re seeing some exciting interest in our golf program, not to mention more than fifteen homes under construction in our community this coming year! I can’t wait to be in the middle of it all and work with our leadership team and community members to create our best year yet.

What do you think makes the Bright’s Creek course so special?

I believe that Tom Fazio himself has even called this course one of his favorites in North Carolina so that alone is pretty spectacular. But I would say that the putting green complexes really fit the shot you’re going to play. You can see the unique contours of the green, which informs how to play each hole. Some holes even have multiple greens within a green, while longer holes are a little less contoured. We’re lucky to be able to enjoy such an interesting and thoughtfully designed course. It’s challenging yet welcoming for all player levels. Of course, our surrounding views of the Western North Carolina mountains are truly breathtaking and make a round just that much more special.

Tell us about what you think would draw new members to join the Bright’s Creek community.

There’s something for everyone here at Bright’s. It’s not just about golf, although our course and program are truly spectacular. Our new Lifestyle center The Mill recently opened, which features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated swimming pool, a two-lane bowling alley, and so much more. Plus, our on-site Equestrian Center is unmatched and celebrates the area’s rich equestrian culture. Not to mention our vast network of hiking trails, plus incredible views everywhere you turn. What’s not to love about life at Bright’s Creek?

Can you leave us with any pro insider tips or secrets for playing the Bright’s Creek golf course?

I would say, no matter what your eyes are telling you, always take one more club than you think on an uphill! Some holes don’t look as sloped as they actually are and I’m here to tell you it’s definitely uphill. That would be my insider advice for enjoying a great round with us!

Are you ready to experience your best life yet at Bright’s Creek? Come play a round of golf, explore our exceptional amenities, and see what awaits in our charming Mill Spring mountain community.

Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.

Email Heather

Email JJ

Life at Bright’s Creek couldn’t be better.

Mountain views. Exceptional amenities. Amazing community. And of course, a superstar in the show — our Tom Fazio-designed golf course. 

This month, we had the privilege of sitting down with the renowned golf course architect himself to talk all things Bright’s Creek golf course. With 50+ years of golf course design under his belt, Tom Fazio and his talented team are masters in the art of crafting unforgettable courses all over the world. But, with 200+ courses on his roster, North Carolina holds a special place in America’s top golf course architect’s heart.

Discover how he approached the project back in 2006, what makes the Bright’s Creek golf course special to him, and why he thinks that seeing is believing when it comes to this exceptional course.

 

Tell us what originally drew you to the Bright’s Creek project.

“What drew me to the project initially was certainly selfish. Bright’s Creek was close to my office and my home in Western North Carolina. I live there because of the environment, the weather, and it’s a great golf destination. For all of those reasons, I was already in the area. Then Bright’s Creek popped up. When I saw the property, it was an automatic — it’s absolutely beautiful!”

 

We’ve heard you say that Bright’s Creek is one of your favorite courses that you’ve designed in North Carolina. Tell us more about what makes it so special.

“Everyone feels pride of ownership and I think everyone has their personal reasons for why they like something. I’m fortunate to have done a lot of golf courses, probably 12 in the state of North Carolina, in very distinctive, unique, and special places. Bright’s Creek fits into our program of distinctive, outstanding golf courses. I didn’t tell anyone this, but I mean if they knew how much I liked it, I would have done it for nothing. It’s that neat of a place!”

 

The Bright’s Creek golf course has been described as a challenging, yet player-friendly course. Who do you generally design for?

“Our design philosophy and theory relates to all levels of golfers. It’s really not logical to design for only one group. For Bright’s Creek, we went through the history of my hundreds of courses that I’ve done and that’s the reputation we have. A course for all levels of golfers.”

Do you think the course has stayed true to your original vision? Are you happy with where it is today?

“Yes. I think it shows the commitment that’s been made by the people who have been involved in its development and programming. It’s also not that far away from anything or from where you want to be. When you’re there, the setting is second to none. The environment is so special.” 

 

Tell us a little bit more about your design principles for this course.

“The fact is that on a scale of 1 to 10, we started Bright’s Creek with a 10 in terms of environment. What makes any golf course great is the environment that it’s in. It’s just easier to create dramatic, one-of-a-kind holes when you have so much to work with. But it’s not magic. We just did our job, handcrafting the golf course into this fabulous piece of property, with variation of elevation, with movement of holes, twisting and turning based on long-range views, vegetation, rock outcroppings, streams, and conditions that are natural in the land. In many cases, those are features we have to build out. But at Bright’s Creek, they were already there.”

 

Bright’s Creek is a Ryder Cup circuit-style course. Does hosting any tournaments ever impact how you approach designing a course?

“It can, but in this particular case it did not have an influence because this piece of land and this environment were such that whatever you want to do with the end result, you can play the most magnificent golf tournament. So, it wasn’t planned for that, but the environment is just so good that it definitely could be. It would look great on TV!”

 

Are there any unique challenges or opportunities that you’ve faced when designing golf courses in North Carolina?

“Honestly for me, no. It’s just my job. I’ve done so many. Personally, the more difficult it is, the more I like it. From the ocean to the mountains, the environments in North Carolina are so multiple and there’s so many distinctive settings. That’s what I like about it. I’ve worked in all of those areas from flat terrain to the mountains. I don’t think one is better than the others. They’re just different.”

 

What do you want people to feel when they’re playing Bright’s Creek?

“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.”

Great Golf for a Good Cause

Come experience Bright’s Creek for yourself — all for a great cause! Tom Fazio is hosting the Hunter Subaru Drive for Kids benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County on May 15th. Register here 

Discover more about the award-winning Bright’s Creek course and explore memberships here. If you’re ready to make a move to the mountains and have access to one of North Carolina’s best golf courses year round, book your visit to Bright’s Creek today.

Feel free to contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey.

Email Heather

Email JJ