There have been some important off season changes at Rumbling Bald both on the course and on the internet.

The get-a-way not too far away destination just over the North Carolina state line from the Upstate has a new online identity and a small. but important change to its name.

The Rumbling Bald Resort is now Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

“The re-brand helps tell the story and invites guests and potential new neighbors to enjoy it with us. That is why we’re giving our brand an update to better reflect who we really are,” according to a recent news release

Visitors who review the resort online will see a fresh new look and logo at www.rumblingbald.com.

 While the look is updated, the hospitality, guest service, and amenities remain at a high standard. 

“We take pride in everything we do here and are thrilled to have a new brand that captures our standard of excellence and guest satisfaction we hold in such high regard,” the release added.

As the Director of Golf, Adam Bowles is especially excited about the changes that have come in the last couple of years to the courses at the resort.

 “With what we have done, we have two exceptional golf courses,” said Bowles. ” One is a traditional course and the other is a championship test for golfers. The two courses provide a nice variety of options for golfers who come to visit,” he said.

The Apple Valley course improved its championship quality with the addition of Champion Bermuda greens last summer.

“It was the right time to make the change. Over the years there was a lot of encroachment on the greens,” said Bowles.

The greens at the course had gotten smaller and the change over to the new putting surface allowed the overall size of the greens to be returned to a size very similar to when the course opened.

This year the Bald Mountain course greens were improved, but not by changing the surface, but instead clearing trees.

“What we are doing is bringing the Bald Mountain course back to what it looked like 20 years ago,” said Bowles.

And that involves restoring some of the playability of the old course that has changed over the years because of the trees around the course.

“The old trees are one of the favorite parts of the course and one of the reasons people love to play here, it gives the course a unique character,” said Bowles.

But too much of a good thing was affecting the health of the greens and causing major headaches for the maintenance crews.

“These are bent grass greens and to keep them healthy you need air movement and sunshine around them and the trees were limiting that,” he said.

Taking out some trees and trimming up some others also returns some shots to a golfers round that had been limited over the years.

“Our greens, they always drain well and with the extra sun and air they will be completely healthy very soon,” he said.

An extra benefit of the tree project near the greens and around the course opens up some of the greens to new pin placement to provide some variety on many holes.

“We really have the best of both worlds now. We have our championship course at Apple Valley with wide fairways and undulating greens. Bald Mountain is shorter and more of a fun type resort course. Golfers can enjoy both on a trip to visit us,” he said.

In addition to the rebranding, Rumbling Bald is offering some special stay and play packages for golfers.

Both courses are always available for daily fee play, but to enjoy everything Rumbling Bald at Lake Lure has to offer Bowles suggests staying more than a day.

There are several packages available on the Rumbling Bald at Lake Lure website https://rumblingbald.com/golf-here/groups-and-packages/

“A large number of our stay and play guests are here on the “Hole-In-One” package it is perfect for as few as two golfers and small groups,” said Bowles.

The Rumbling Bald PGA professional believes The “Ryder Cup” package is a chance to experience everything available to golfers at Rumbling Bald.

“I really like this package. It is three nights and three rounds with replays, an opening round reception, unlimited practice and full use of all the amenities at the resort,” he noted.

The package is designed for a group of 12 golfers or more.

Besides new signage and fewer trees golfers coming to the resort will enjoy some other improvements.

“Apple Valley and Bald Mountain are sporting new E-Z-GO cart fleets, bag drop areas and water coolers, and both practice ranges have brand-new performance-engineered mats and spacious hitting bays. Overall, we’re committed to making Rumbling Bald the best 36-hole retreat in Western North Carolina,” concluded Bowles.

The Rumbling Bald course will have the work completed and is expected to reopen in early April.