Bobby Weed Golf Design transformed 27 holes at The Waynesville (N.C.) Inn & Golf Club 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 Waynesville (N.C.) Inn & Golf Club has reopened following a Bobby Weed Golf Design (BWGD) transformation project. Weed’s 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.

Club + Resort Business featured Grey Raines on an episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast to discuss the project.

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,” said golf course designer, Bobby Weed. “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.”

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 nine-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 Weed 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.

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 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 par 35 is comprised of two par 3s, six par 4s and one par 5. Weed transformed the first tee box into a multi-use space. Now, 11,000 sq. ft. of tightly mown bentgrass lawn will serve as both a teeing ground and 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. In-play areas (tees, fairways, 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 nine-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 conspicuous, eye-catching set of mountainous holes with panoramic views. The Weed Nine’s par 36 offers three par 3s, 4s and 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-sq.-ft. 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.

Resort Revival

The 32-room Inn was overhauled with contemporary amenities that preserve the spirit of the original 1920s design. More lodging options are nestled in the revitalized 28-room Golfview and 12-room Brookside lodges.

Two expanded food-and-beverage offerings are available to members. Located upstairs and overlooking the first tee, The Grill will serve daily breakfast, lunch and dinners with locally sourced ingredients. The Watershed Tavern, named after Waynesville’s historic reservoir, features a rotating selection of wines, local brews and old-world favorites complemented by a seasonal menu.

The guest experience will further be enhanced with a new-look pro shop, lobby, fitness center, pool and areas for meetings and events.

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,” continued Weed. “As long-time 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.