The golf world is buzzing with the news that the PGA TOUR is returning to Asheville, North Carolina, for the first time in over 80 years. The newly announced Biltmore Championship Asheville is set to debut in September 2026, and it has found the perfect home: the stunning Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Asheville, North Carolina, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove has long been one of the Southeast’s most coveted private communities. Now, it’s stepping onto a much bigger stage. This convergence of luxury living and professional golf signals something bigger than a tournament- it’s a defining moment for both Walnut Cove and Western North Carolina.

 

The PGA TOUR Returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Asheville has a storied golf history: World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Hogan won three consecutive titles here in the early 1940’s, but the city hasn’t hosted a PGA TOUR event since 1942. That’s all about to change.

The Biltmore Championship, debuting September 17–20, 2026, will be part of the FedExCup Fall schedule and played at Walnut Cove under a four-year agreement with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville. The tournament will bring 100 of the world’s best players, thousands of visitors and millions in economic impact to the region, while showcasing Asheville’s natural beauty to a global audience.

 

Why The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Was Chosen: A Community Designed for Elevated Living

While the Biltmore name carries historical weight, the competition itself will take place at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Nestled in a lush valley bordered by the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway (yet just minutes from downtown Asheville and the regional airport), Walnut Cove offers something rare in professional golf venues: a course that feels both elite and deeply connected to its surroundings.

At its core is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, widely regarded as one of the finest in the region. The 7,167-yard, par-72 course begins in open meadows (formerly farmland) and transitions into a dramatic back nine defined by mountain laurel, cascading streams, and woodland beauty, blending championship-level play with dramatic natural beauty. As Jack Nicklaus himself noted, parts of the course feel like “playing through a national forest.”

That immersive experience, paired with meticulous design and conditioning, makes it ideal for championship play. It’s also what sets it apart from traditional resort courses. It is the only championship course in the area to have debuted with a PGA TOUR event in its history, making it a fitting choice for this 2026 revival.

But golf is only part of the story; The Cliffs at Walnut Cove isn’t just a golf community- it’s a carefully curated lifestyle. 

 

 

Why Walnut Cove is More Than Just Golf

For those who live at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, the tournament is just a glimpse into a lifestyle defined by wellness and elegance. The community is inspired by the architecture of European villages, featuring: 

• A private, gated setting with luxury homes and architectural integrity
• The Club Village: A social hub home to the Tudor-style Tavern and the Golf House, which looks more like a grand European lodge than a standard clubhouse.
• The Wellness Center: An 18,000-square-foot facility equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a full-service spa.
• Hiking & Nature: With miles of private trails and direct access to the surrounding national forest, it is a haven for those who love the outdoors.
• A “Seven-Club” Advantage: One of the most unique aspects of living here is the membership structure. A membership at Walnut Cove grants you access to all seven Cliffs communities across the Carolinas and their amenities, including those on Lake Keowee and in the high mountains of South Carolina. 

It’s this balance- refined living immersed in nature- that has positioned Walnut Cove as Asheville’s premier private golf community.

 

 

More Than a Tournament- A Turning Point

The Biltmore Championship represents more than a new stop on the PGA TOUR calendar. It’s a signal that Asheville is entering a new era of recognition. After decades away from professional golf, the region is once again in the national spotlight, blending sport, lifestyle, and place in a way few destinations can.

From luxury homes overlooking fairways to mountain views that stretch for miles, Walnut Cove has always offered something exceptional. Now, with the PGA TOUR arriving in 2026, it also offers something historic. For residents of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, it’s validation of what they already know: this is a world-class place to live.

For everyone else, it’s an invitation.

 

Mark Your Calendars for 2026

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to move to the Asheville area, the PGA’s Biltmore Championship in Fall of 2026 is the perfect time. 

As a Preferred Builder at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, we possess the specialized expertise required to translate your unique vision into a masterwork. Our commitment to architectural integrity and uncompromising quality ensures a seamless experience at every turn. Whether you are building within the gates of The Cliffs or across the landscapes of Western North Carolina, we are your dedicated partner in craft. Your journey home begins here.

 

 

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