The Heart of the Plateau

Time spent at Burlingame Country Club isn’t defined only by its mountain backdrop but by the people who flock to it. Members are quick to share a story on the mountain porch or join in a round of golf, pickleball, tennis, or croquet, or they may gather for a meal that stretches well into the evening. It’s a community where friendships are built as naturally as the Horsepasture River that runs through it, blending relaxation, recreation, and a strong sense of belonging in a pristine forest.

Located in Sapphire between Lake Toxaway and Cashiers, Burlingame is known as “the heart of the Plateau” due to its central location on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The private, member-owned club serves as a hub for both the residential community and those who live nearby and join for a wide range of social and sporting activities.

“The people are the best asset of this club,” says Membership Director Jennifer Webb. “It is an unpretentious way to enjoy each other and the time you have in the mountains. This is all about building relationships with each other and just having a good time and enjoying life. It’s something we call the best of times.”

It’s that sense of community that keeps everyone connected, according to General Manager/Chief Operating Officer John Gerdts.

“People come with all their experiences to this moment in time,” he says. “Sometimes they make some of the best friendships they’ve ever had in their life.”

“The club works hard with caring eyes to maintain an atmosphere that is comfortable and feels like home,” Gerdts adds.

“Burlingame is blessed with a stunning piece of land that was responsibly developed with outstanding amenities and great food, but it’s not pretentious,” he says. “It’s about real people doing real things and having fun. The minute you come through the gates, it takes your breath away. It’s just a beautiful place.”

The Boyd family started Burlingame Country Club in the early 1980s, and ownership changed once before it transferred to members in 2009.

“The members have a say in what happens to their investment,” Webb says. “They have a say in everything that happens here as far as capital expenditures are concerned.”

“For instance, 94 percent of the membership passed the golf course renovation project, which will start November 2025,” she adds.

Burlingame’s championship golf course, which is open year-round, features 18 holes at elevations ranging between 3,000 to 3,500 feet and stunning mountain and waterfall views. Members don’t have to worry about sharing the course with temporary guests.

“This can be a challenge at other clubs when hotel customers are in town,” Gerdts says. “We don’t have that issue. It is a totally private club, and you can walk on the golf course most days.”

Other recreational amenities include a dedicated lawn sports pavilion and pro shop, with tennis, pickleball, and croquet facilities. Fly fishing, hiking trails, a dedicated 3-acre dog park, a new world-class fitness facility, a pool, and a spa complement the offerings.

The newly renovated clubhouse offers a variety of distinct indoor and outdoor dining experiences for members to enjoy. These include Elevation 3042, a casual restaurant and bar featuring all three meals, grab-and-go items, and a barista station. Another option is The Overlook Room, which serves dinner on an upscale level. Special events such as dinner dances and oyster roasts happen monthly.

While the club season runs each year from May 1 to October 31, the golf course and fitness facility are available all year long, and the club hosts special Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Club members do not have to own a home in Burlingame. “In fact, 23 percent of the membership is made up of non-residents who own property within a 10-mile radius,” Webb says. “The average age of the membership is 59.”

New members quickly discover the charm of the Burlingame lifestyle, as was the case for professional golfer and former PGA Tour member Mark Calcavecchia and his family.

“Five years ago, we moved to Highlands and then found our dream home at Burlingame,” he says. “My wife Brenda and I became members in 2024, and we are so glad we did.”

“Burlingame Country Club offers so many great amenities, along with great golf and lawn sports.”

“Golfers can expect both beauty and challenge in equal measure at Burlingame,” Calcavecchia adds.

“BCC is a great course and incredibly beautiful,” he says. “It has a wonderful mix of short, medium-length, and long holes that will challenge all levels of players, but it’s very fair for all players to enjoy. I might add it’s always in immaculate condition. We love this club, and Brenda and I are so happy we are members at BCC.”

To find out more about joining Burlingame Country Club, visit www.experience-burlingame.com or contact Jennifer at (828) 966-9200 or mm@burlingameccwnc.com.