By David Theoret
In the late 1960’s, Fred Tingle had a vision of retiring to the mountains and operating a golf course, well into his golden years. He was able to make his dream come true on 550 acres of land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Soon after the first nine holes opened in 1968, he and his wife Eunice realized that nine holes were simply not enough. In 1972, they opened the second nine and the Springdale Country Club was born.
He added a few cabins and a small restaurant on the property. Soon folks were coming down from Canada and the Great Lakes region, plus up from the hot summer sun of Florida to experience mountain golf, as well as, the delicious food served up at the restaurant. 
The menu consists of biscuits and gravy in the morning, fried chicken, mountain trout, chicken pot pie and meatloaf in the evenings. The food is served family style, allowing guests to eat all that their hearts desire.
Fred Tingle died in 2005 and his wife eventually sold the resort. The new owners are committed to renovating the property, while still maintaining the same quality and atmosphere.
From the back tees, Springdale Country Club measures 6,812 yards with a course rating of 72.5 and a slope of 130. It will test the best golfers around. Mere mortal men can choose to play from the White Tees (6,437/70.7/124) while seniors will prefer the gold (5,734/68/117). Ladies will most likely opt for the Red Tees (5,421/72.4/121).
Fairways are lush and green and water in the form of ponds and mountain streams can come into play on at least nine holes. Trees more so than bunkers are the hazard of choice along the fairways, however sand is strategically placed around many greens to catch errant approach shots. The greens are large for the most part and putt well with subtle undulations.
The front nine meanders through the valley bordering the east fork of the Pigeon River with lovely mountains views of Sugar Top and Rocky Face. The first six holes offer more generous landing areas off the tee and are fairly wide open. It’s a good opportunity to gain the accuracy you will need on the back side. The final three holes on the outward nine are the start of what will be an exciting round of mountain golf.
The back nine takes you on a roller coaster ride through the mountains, with huge elevation changes. In addition to challenging golf holes, you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, including breathtaking views of Cold Mountain.
Springdale offers some of the best Stay and Play golf packages in the North Carolina Mountains. All packages include lodging, a daily breakfast buffet, golf, golf cart, family style dinners, and daily housekeeping service. Many of the vegetables are grown in Springdale’s gardens, so come hungry. Springdale offers guests a variety of accommodations including golf villas, roundhouses and cottages.
The modus operandi hasn’t changed much since the days of Fred and Eunice Tingle. When you book a stay and play golf package at Springdale Country Club, a typical day consists of great golf and delicious home-cooked food in a mountain setting.
Find out more about “Stay & Play” options at Springdale Country Club at: www.springdalegolf.com.
