Orchard Trace Golf Club, Hendersonville, NC

The Orchard Trace Golf Club is so much more than you would expect for a par-3 course, from the interesting layout to the beloved owner.

Flaughn Lamb designed and opened the course in 1993 on land that was once an apple orchard he owned. He built the course so he would always have a place to play, but it has become so much more over the years.

Anybody who visits Orchard Trace will tell you the same thing – Mr. Lamb and his staff are wonderful people who really go out of their way to assist customers. With that kind of passion and commitment, it's obvious that this is a course that is well taken care of.

This 18-hole course is just 2,139 yards long and most of the holes are 100 yards or shorter. Know right now, this is not your typical pitch-and-putt course. Each has an interesting design that offers challenges you probably weren't expecting. Since this is a mountain course, the terrain is rolling which makes for some interesting stances. Bunkers surround several of the holes.

The greens are in exceptional condition, as nice as any you will find in the area, even the big country club courses. Each hole has its own unique shape, not just a putting circle like you find on many par-3 courses.

One interesting feature of the course is the night golf that is offered at certain times of the year. Night golf is popular among regulars and something you'll want to check out. It's the perfect answer when you are itching to play on hot summer days but don't want to battle the midday sun.

The course is short enough to walk if you don't mind a few hills, and you can do so for under $15. A couple dozen new golf carts were added this year so you will enjoy the beautiful scenery whether you walk or ride. You can complete the entire 18-hole round in around two hours.

Be sure to stop in the pro shop for light snacks, a cool drink and some great company when your round is over. Orchard Trace is a charmer, on and off the course.

This family friendly par 3 has quickly become our go-to course when we want to play a quick round of golf. The owner is truly one of the most unique people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He built this course himself over a period of 3 years. The course is lit up late in the summer evenings, and for only $20, cash only by the way, the value is undoubtedly the best around. Mountain golf is hard, but this course was designed with the beginning golfer in mind. You can walk most of the course, but again you're in the mountains, or you can ride for only a few dollars more. Nice blend of short sub-100 yard holes with some longer more challenging 150'ish yard par 3s that offer the more serious and experienced golfer a challenge. Ask for Flaun.... that's Flaun like the dessert. Spend 15 minutes conversating with him and you'll be a better person for having listened to him.

A scenic enjoyable course. Friendly owner who takes an interest in each person. Course has a nice mixture of holes. Walking is good if you don't mind the hills. Is cash only.
Added benefit is the Burntshirt Winery, just a short drive away on Sugarloaf Road, the NC Winery of the Year for 2016 & 2015.
You will keep going back to the course and winery.

To begin, the course only takes cash or checks. I had to drive 3.5 miles to get cash. The course itself reminded me of playing golf in the backyard. My ball got lost in grass only 4 feet from the green. The value of the course matched the care of the course. Don't miss the green or you may lose your ball in the grass.

This is an update to the review I wrote earlier. My wife and I play here just about every weekend. There is another Par 3 course closer to where we live...but this has become on of our favorite courses. The owner and staff are some of the nicest people we have met in Western NC. They are friendly and approachable and never cease to thank us for coming out to play. We bring the club cat treats every weekend...and Mittens comes running when we call. THe course is a blast as well. It has its straight forward holes and it has its challenging holes. The greens have come in nicely...and roll very well. Its a good walk when the weather permits (i.e its cool enough). We have joined up with other players on the course....and to a person everyone has been wonderful. As someone else said..this is a hidden gem. The prices haven't changed in 10 yrs....and they are a bargain compared to all other area courses. If you want a wonderful Par 3 course where it feels like you are part of an extended family...this is the place!

Can't imagine a better par 3 course for the money. Lots of elevation changes, challenging tee shots and tricky greens. Also, it's hilly and scenic. I've taken a pull cart a few times, but the course is so hilly, it's difficult to walk. I prefer the electric cart, since the greens fees are only $15, including the electric cart, if you're a senior citizen. I think it's only $17 for the under-55 crowd, including the cart. You can walk 18 holes for $10. Admittedly, some of the greens are not in the greatest condition, but for that price, what do you expect? If the greens were perfect, they could easily charge $25 or more. This course is a real gem, and one of the best-kept secrets in Western North Carolina.

I played this course with my wife last weekend. Beware..they take ONLY cash and checks....no cards of any kind!

This is a funky par 3 course. The greens were in terrible shape...supposedly the abnormally hot weather wreaked havoc with them. The signage was funky....they had things like 7A and 7...and come to find out..they gave up trying to maintain 2 tee boxes and went with the A boxes. It was a little difficult to navigate our way around. Better directional signs would make it better. The middle 9 had some long challenging holes requiring some accuracy. Don't trust the yardages on the card or the signs. Use your own judgement. Once we got past the negative stuff....we enjoyed our outing. It was a bit of a walk...but its certainly doable. I suspect we will go back again!