Golfing in Cherokee, Where the Mountains Meet the Sky

With a dream view of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sequoyah National is a fun, challenging course designed by Robert Trent Jones Golf Architects with a guiding principle that’s “of the earth…for the spirit.” With 6,057 yards of groomed bentgrass greens and bluegrass fairways it’s no surprise that Sequoyah National was named Golf Magazine’s #2 “Best New Course You Can Play” when it first opened to the public.

Since last October, the Sequoyah team under the guidance of superintendent Brannon Burnes, has worked hard to reseed every inch—100% of the course—for peak performance for the upcoming season, May through October.

So what can first time visitors expect?

“The Par 72 championship course can be completed in under four and a half hours,” says Cashwell.

When it’s time to refuel, snacks and refreshments are just a touch screen away thanks to GPS systems on the golf carts. Golfers can peruse the lunch menu, touch the screen, and their order will be brought to them. It’s that easy!

As for Cashwell, who has been playing golf since he was three, he’s seen a lot of advancements in the tools and technology of golf course maintenance over the years, but the joy of the sport remains the same. 

“My parents took me out and I beat them, so they thought I was good,” he laughed.

After earning a degree in economics from UNC, Cashwell taught school and coached sports, before moving into the golf industry twenty-five years ago.

When asked what his favorite hole is at Sequoyah National Golf Course, he pauses to consider.

“Everytime I’m out on the course, I can’t get over the beauty,” he says. “Everywhere you look it’s beautiful.  It’s hard to choose one spot, but the view from the 18th tee box is just astounding. You can see over several sets of mountains, over into Tennessee, including Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.”

“People come here for the views and to play some world class golf," he said. “They come back for the fun and challenge, and because our staff is outstanding,” he added.

Rounds can be booked 90 days out, without a booking fee, at http://visitcherokeenc.com/buy-today/tee-times/ or by calling (828) 497-3000.

See more at: http://visitcherokeenc.com/play/attractions/sequoyah-national-golf-course/