Raines, the visionary behind the newly revitalized Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, has successfully breathed new life into this iconic destination. With a deep respect for the heritage of the historic Donald Ross-designed course at its core, Raines partnered with Bobby Weed Golf Design to seamlessly meld refined luxuries with exceptional golfing on the picturesque backdrop of Western North Carolina.
The roots of Waynesville Inn & Golf Club stretch back to the early 1920s, originally a local dairy farm. Throughout the years, it underwent significant transformations that cemented its reputation as a premier golfing haven.
In 1926, the establishment of Waynesville Country Club, inspired by a sketch from the renowned architect Donald Ross, marked a pivotal moment. A community-backed expansion in 1929 further propelled its growth, solidifying its legacy. The addition of the quaint Woodcrest building in 1939 catered to the rising demand for extended stays.
W.T. Eller and George Kimball, the driving forces behind the club’s ownership in 1946, injected their transformative vision, enhancing its appeal. Fast-forwarding to the 2000s, a series of upgrades were carried out, including the overhaul of the Golfview building and the construction of the new Brookside building. In 2006, David Stubbs and Sammy Carver took the reins, leading to the property’s evolution into the Waynesville Inn – Golf Resort and Spa by 2009.
In April 2021, Raines’s acquisition ushered in a fresh chapter, merging historical charm with contemporary comforts. Guided by Woven by Raines, a specialized division focusing on distinctive approaches to boutique hotel development and management, an extensive two-year renovation and rebranding effort ensued. The result is the resplendent Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, a testament to its enduring allure and storied heritage.
The property now boasts refurbished guest rooms, an all-encompassing 18-hole golf course with practice facilities, a sprawling 6,000 square feet of versatile event space, an inviting Event Lawn, and a diverse range of dining options adaptable to any occasion.
Guests are presented with an array of accommodation choices, each exuding its own unique charm. The historic Inn, harkening back to 1926, offers rooms that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Alternatively, the Brookside rooms channel a classic ’60s roadside motel ambiance. For those desiring proximity to the famed “Ross 9,” the Golfview rooms provide private balconies with panoramic course views. Meanwhile, the Golf Cottages, nestled by Hole #9, provide spacious rooms with a comforting homelike atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day’s activities. Beyond golf, Waynesville Inn & Golf Club’s location affords convenient access to Western NC’s offerings, including exceptional hiking, fishing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Building upon the legacy of the renowned golf architect Donald Ross’s 1926 “Carolina 9” course, the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, in collaboration with Bobby Weed Golf Design, has skillfully reimagined its course into a classic 18-hole championship layout. The updated course preserves the original design’s integrity, showcasing bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, along with a 9-hole redesign of Ross’s “Original Carolina.” The Club boasts cutting-edge practice facilities, a new fleet of advanced golf carts, and uninterrupted mountain vistas from its elevated 3,000-foot point, ensuring an unparalleled golfing experience.
The dining scene at the property has also undergone a notable transformation. The Grille and the Watershed Tavern, now revitalized and renamed, offer an expanded range of culinary experiences. The Grille caters to those seeking refined American flavors, wood-fired dishes, and timeless American cocktails. The Watershed Tavern, paying homage to Waynesville’s historic reservoir, presents a rotating selection of wines, local brews, and beloved old-world favorites, complemented by a seasonal menu.
The property’s on-site amenities have seen substantial enhancement and diversification, encompassing a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped business center, and accommodations tailored to guests with pets.