In 1938, chemist James Cummings sold his successful pharmaceutical companies in Buffalo and Toronto and began his search for the ideal, temperate climate where he could escape the extreme Buffalo winters. His search lead him to Hendersonville, NC, where he spent part of each year raising cattle on his farm, overlooking the French Broad river. For the rest of his life, he made it a priority to give back to his three favorite cities – Buffalo, Toronto and Hendersonville – funding hospital and church projects.
Cummings Cove is located on the gentle slopes where James Cummings’ cattle once grazed, in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s a mountain community and the Cummings Cove Country Club serves as its centerpiece. Whether you’re on the golf course, in the clubhouse at the restaurant or in the pro shop, you’ll enjoy the same mountain views that James Cummings saw when he decided to make this area his new home.
The golf course at Cummings Cove offers golfers 5 sets of tees. From the back tees, Cummings Cove plays 6,415 yards. This may not seem like a lot, but remember, we’re talking mountain golf. The Bermuda fairways lead to Bentgrass greens. There’s a lot of elevation change yet very few extreme uphill shots. From the Gold tees, the course has a rating of 72.4 and a whopping slope of 134. Seniors typically play from the appropriately named Silver tees (5,133/69.5/127), while ladies will move up to 4,821 (65.4/113). No matter your skill level, you’ll find a set of tees to match your abilities.
Cummings Cove is full of memorable holes but what I will remember most is the stretch from 12 – 15. Each hole is unique and distinct in its own right. Twelve is a short dogleg right par 4 with a blind tee shot. Play out to the left of the tee; if you try to fade it around the corner, don’t go too far right or you’ll never see that ball again. Keep it in the fairway and you’ll have a short iron or wedge in. Number 13 is a long par 3 that plays slightly uphill. The green is wider than deep and well protected by sand. Par is a good score here. Fourteen is a long par 5 that doglegs slightly left and features water all down the left side. Play your drive and layup shots down the right side but beware of the fairway bunker about 80 yards out from the green. The water sneaks back into play just left of the green. Number 15 is one of the best risk/reward opportunities on the course. It’s a dogleg left par 4; the only thing you can see is a bunker about 225 yards straight out. Play your tee shot left of the bunker and you’ll have an upward approach shot of around 135 – 155 yards, Cut the corner off the tee, carry the rough and you can get it down to under 100 yards. It’s your choice. Cummings Cove ends with back-to-back par 5s and gives you a chance to get a couple of lost strokes back.
All in all, the golf course is in fantastic condition and is a lot of fun to play. The staff is as friendly and as outgoing as the members; it’s obvious they love what they’re doing and have fun doing it. The views are incredible; stand on the 16th green and look out over 50 miles of mountain vistas. In the springtime you’ll see more shades of green than a leprechaun with a hangover!
Like most country clubs, the clubhouse at Cummings Cove is the center of community activities; it’s also a great place to catch the beautiful mountain sunsets. It sits on a high knoll overlooking the golf course and lake with the mountains in the distance serving as the back drop. The views don’t let up when you enter the dining room as walls of glass wrap around the room and you can see the everchanging panorama. The clubhouse is reminiscent of a mountain lodge, with massive wood beams and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace; it’s a great place to host a special event.
Recently, the clubhouse went through a massive renovation. The old pro shop has been taken over by a multipurpose/card room. The pro shop is now an 1,100 ft. standalone building. Inside the golf pro shop, you’ll find premium golf club rentals as well as quality clothing from manufacturers such as Antigua, and golf balls and accessories from companies like Callaway, Titleist, and Bridgestone.
The golf course at Cummings Cove is open for anyone to play; you don’t need to be a member, however memberships are available. In fact, the only way to become a member of Cummings Cove is to be a resident of the community; that way you can experience all that Cummings Cove has to offer on a regular basis. All residents are required to have at least a Social Membership.
Cummings Cove has been named “One of America’s Best 100 Best Master-Planned Communities” and offers three levels of membership: The Golf Membership gives members full use of all Cummings Cove facilities. A Sports Membership includes some golf and full use of all other facilities. As a Social Club Member, you have complete use of the clubhouse, tennis facilities and pool. Electric personal golf carts are permitted; If a household member is using their personal cart for a club golf event, the club will provide a golf cart for the other household member, free of charge.
With a vibrant and diverse membership, the Club participates in many civic and charitable projects in addition to a wide array of sporting and social activities. Members can enjoy an afternoon on the course, indulging in in nine holes of golf, followed by dinner and a glass of wine at the clubhouse. With more than 60 indoor and outdoor activities to participate in, there’s bound to be something for everyone. If not, start your own group!
Depending on the season, the club serves both lunch and dinner. During the season, members enjoy holiday parties, dances, bridge and golf tournaments and other special events. Every month sees something new going on whether it’s a seasonal party, sock hop or a mystery “whodunit” night.
Outdoor activities come together at the Sports Complex, which is home to the fitness center, pool pavilion and tennis courts, all with spectacular mountain views. If tennis is your game, the men’s and women’s groups are eager to welcome newcomers; if you haven’t played in a while and want to get back in the game, just show up on Saturday for the “show-up mixer.” The less competitive atmosphere is great way to meet other players and get those tennis juices flowing again.
There’s two state-of-the-art HydroCourts which maintain an even playing surface throughout the day and are easy on the joints. Four pickleball courts let you take advantage of the fastest growing racquet sport in the world; lessons and clinics are available for both.
Step inside the fitness center and you’ll find an exercise classroom with a cushioned floor; perfect for Pilates, aerobics, NIA and more. You’ll also find Precor cardio-training equipment, a Cybex weight training circuit and a free weight area. Both the men’s and women’s locker rooms have showers. While you’re working out, you’ll have a great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the tall windows that wrap around the building. After a good workout – and a quick shower – pay a visit to the Pool Pavilion, where you’ll find a large swimming pool and hot tub. There are tables and chairs to relax in after swimming a few laps along with restrooms and showers.
Your best friend is always welcome at Cummings Cove and frisbee is one of the most popular games at the dog park. A two-gate staging area behind six-foot high chain link fence provides a secure place for owners to let their dogs run and play. Access to the park requires a $50 annual fee; all dogs must be registered and show proof of up to date vaccinations.
One of the greatest things about Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club is that the atmosphere within the club makes you feel right at home. Some say it’s the relaxed mountain lifestyle, others say it’s the people. Members have come from several different places, all in search of the things James Cummings was looking for: natural beauty and a mild climate; without the stress of a big city. And, since most of the members feel the same way, newcomers to the club find it easy to make friends. Ask any of the members what they like most about Cummings Cove and most will tell you that it’s the people.
If you’re looking to relocate to Western North Carolina, Cummings Cove deserves your consideration. An outstanding golf course, the lure of mountain scenery, along with the creeks and lakes that are created have become an attraction to those relocating into the area. For more information on Cummings Cove or to plan a visit, give them a call (800.958.2905), drop them an email (info@cummingscove.com) or visit their website at www.cummingscove.com.