a black and white photo of a town with a river running through it

A Nod To Ross’s Vision

With a legacy dating back to 1926 when famed golf architect Donald Ross chose an old dairy farm as the perfect setting for his “Carolina 9” course, the foundation of the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club has always been one of understated excellence. The 165-acre historic property is now home to 18 holes of breathtaking golf, 72 well-appointed guest rooms, 6,000 square of event space, a picturesque Event Lawn and dining that expertly complements any occasion. Members and guests alike can expect state-of-the-art facilities and amenities encapsulated within a legacy as timeless as the surrounding mountainscape.


Early 1920s
a person standing next to a car on a street

The property's heritage dates back to Jack Welch, a local dairy farmer deeply invested in his land. As Waynesville gains a reputation as a health retreat, Jim Long acquires the farm and sees a golden opportunity. With the help of friends, he sets out to create an extraordinary golf course.

a person standing next to a car on a street
1926
OUR PAST A LOOK BACK
a house in a field

Waynesville Country Club is brought to life from a sketch by legendary architect, Donald Ross, on a simple napkin. The first nine holes are crafted to perfection. The old dairy barn is given a new lease on life, transforming into a clubhouse with a card room, dance hall, and a cozy golf pro's living area.

a house in a field
1929

Thanks to the passionate support of the community, the club purchases an additional 50 acres, paving the way for completion of the former Dogwood course, which played an integral part in the transformation of what is now the Back 9.

1935
a room with shelves and shoes

The Lodge is created with local stone and a pro shop in the basement. Soon, affluent Southern families are visiting, taking part in a new American hobby – golf!

a room with shelves and shoes
1939
a group of people sitting at tables

Visitors would often stay for a month or even longer, prompting the need for additional space. This leads to the construction of the charming Woodcrest building as a part of the Lodge, which also includes a full kitchen and dining room.

a group of people sitting at tables
1946 - 1962
a room with shelves and shoes

W.T. Eller and his son-in-law George Kimball soon realize that Waynesville Country Club is a diamond in the rough. Following the purchase in 1946, they initiate a series of improvements that transform the club into a premier golf destination. The putting green is added, Brookside is constructed, the iconic TapRoom is born, along with a 150-person conference space, pro shop and locker rooms - all perfect additions to a club that was already steeped in history.

a room with shelves and shoes
1963 - 1976
a large crane over a building

A group of investors, including Jonathan Woody and General Sumter Lowry, purchase the property. Improvements continue, including the first-ever irrigation system and a modern swimming pool to replace the “old mud hole” which used creek water for the pool supply.

Interesting fact: If you wander around, you'll stumble upon a plaque beside the back patio flagpole pointing towards a five-story lighted cross on the hill that is dedicated to General Lowry's late daughter, who passed away from leukemia.

a large crane over a building
1978 – 2002
a row of houses

Thanks to the new owners, Mr. and Mrs. William Hall, the hotel property undergoes an extensive transformation. Most of the rooms get a complete makeover, providing guests with greater comfort and enjoyment. The grounds are significantly enhanced, and additional acreage is purchased for construction of the Blue Ridge Course which is completed in 1986. The Dogwood and Carolina courses are also redesigned to provide golfers with an excellent experience. The four-story tower and Pavilion are added and now connect the Lodge, and Woodcrest, creating a setting like no other in the area and a favorite spot for receptions and other events.

a row of houses
2003
a hotel room with two beds

In 2003, the classic Golfview building is upgraded with 28 revamped course-side rooms. It was this same year, the old Brookside building is torn down to make way for a new and improved version that opened its doors in 2005. These brand-new buildings offer a breathtaking vista of the Inn and magnificent Balsam Mountains, along with a special and intimate connection to the course, which you can still find today.

a hotel room with two beds
2006 – 2011
a room with a table and chairs

In September 2006, the property is purchased by David Stubbs and Sammy Carver and in 2009 is officially renamed the Waynesville Inn - Golf Resort and Spa to emphasize a public facility and not a country club. The old dining room and kitchen in Woodcrest is made into a restaurant formerly known as Cork and Cleaver, open to the public and hotel guests for the first time. Additional amenities are added, including a Spa in order to provide more recreational opportunities for the non-golfing guests.

a room with a table and chairs
April 2021 – June 2023
a building with a clock tower

The Raines Company purchases the Waynesville Inn – Golf Resort and Spa. The property undergoes a rebrand with a new logo and name, the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club. In partnership with Bobby Weed Golf Design, the course begins an extensive renovation to become an 18-hole 6,500 yard championship golf course with bent grass tees, fairways and greens. The Original 9 is restored and practice facilities are added including a lighted Himalayan putting green, short game chipping/bunker area, full driving range and par three short course. Brookside and Golfview get a new look with updates to both the exterior of the buildings and the rooms. Both restaurants are reconcepted, redesigned, and renamed to The Grille and the Watershed Tavern. The Inn is thoughtfully reimagined to include a fresh color scheme, new carpet, wall coverings, furniture, and other modern touches all while maintaining its original charm. Newly constructed four-bedroom cottages are added to the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club – the perfect stay for families or guys’ golf trip.

a building with a clock tower
July 2023

The Waynesville Inn and Golf Club renovation is complete, and members and guests can now enjoy all that it has to offer. The Raines Company is incredibly proud to bring this vision to life. Golf is a company passion and the chance to merge it with a love for hospitality at such an iconic site is incredibly thrilling. With the legacy of this famed golf course as the foundation, Raines has created a true destination for golf and hospitality. The mix of refined amenities and facilities coupled with top-notch golf create an allure way beyond the beautiful mountains that surround this property. And so, on this cow pasture where Donald Ross sculpted his vision, Raines is excited to now have sculpted their own.

January 2024

Waynesville Inn and Golf Club becomes a part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, seamlessly integrating brand signatures including digital key capabilities and Hilton Honors. The conversion to Tapestry by Hilton marks a significant milestone for the property, combining its rich history with Hilton’s reputation for exceptional service and distinctive guest experiences.