COURSE PROFILE INTERVIEW: Sequoyah National Golf Club

What You Need To Know: Sequoyah National Golf Club

An Insightful Interview With Travis Erickson, Group Sales/Retail Manager


Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Travis Erickson who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
With panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains, the beauty of Sequoyah National's property is breath taking from the practice area through the 18th hole. Designer, Robert Trent Jones II, artfully constructed this demanding par 72 course to incorporate five par-5's, five par-3's and five sets of tee-boxes making it exciting for all formats and skill levels.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Our close proximity to Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and many other WNC attractions in combination with pristine course conditions, Sequoyah National sets itself apart from the rest of the pack. It is truly a unique experience and offers memories for a lifetime.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
1) Play from the appropriate tee box for your skill level. The overall course yardage is misleading because there are dramatic elevation changes throughout the course.

2) Hit to landing areas that you can see. This risk-reward golf course will tempt you, but for first timers I say, "Play it safe."

3) Pay attention to surrounding hills and creeks when reading a green. Try to picture the direction water would flow.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes?
In 2020 the original Robert Trent Jones II design team headed a bunker renovation and converted all teeing areas, fairways and green surroundings to Zeon zoysia. The bunker project was complete with new drainage, capillary concrete, and G-angle sand and included removing and/or combining many, thus reducing the overall number significantly. The warm weather native Zeon zoysia grass has proven to be a huge upgrade to the playing experience year-round.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
It never gets old hearing guests say, 'it was the best golfing experience they have ever had', whether they played well or not.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Each hole is unique and picturesque, but Hole #15 "Mulberry Place" always gets your attention! From the tee box you can spot Clingman's Dome, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Lurking below is a drastically downhill, 90-degree dogleg right par-4 that is just short enough to temp most players to try to drive the green and just tight enough to make you hold your breath until your ball has safely landed...or not...LOL

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
I love #3 "Thunder". This par-5 demands accuracy and restraint off the tee. A well-placed tee shot, usually less than driver for most players, will set you up with a reasonable attempt at the green for your second shot. However, beyond the fairway's edges to both sides on this narrow and gradually right bending hole are forests from which recovery is nearly impossible.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Grab a local brew or your favorite classic from the beverage cart or at the cafe and enjoy the view on the back patio while warming up or tallying your score.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
Unfortunately, we do not have lodging onsite.

Local Partners:


Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Less than 4 miles away and all guests always get our lowest rates!!
(828) 497-7777
www.harrahscherokee.reservationscenter.com

Smoky Mountain Country Club
Nearby Club with on-course cabin rentals.
(828) 497-2772
www.smcclodging.com/
Ben Cornblum - ben@carolinamountaingolf.com

First Tee Mountain Golf
Partners with many local courses and lodging options.
(803) 761-0047
www.ftmntgolf.com/
Buck Blum - buck@firstteemountaingolf.com

My Golf Vacations/Golf Excursions
Partners with many local courses and lodging options.
(888) 833-7707
www.mygolfvacation.com/
Mark Massero - mgvacation2@gmail.com

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
PGA Tour players J.T. Poston, who played at WCU, and Patton Kizzire have both shot 62(-10).

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6502
Slope: 143
Rating: 71.3

More Information
Sequoyah National Golf Club 79 Cahons Rd, Whittier, NC 28789, USA Whittier, NC, 28789 (828) 497-3000
www.sequoyahnational.com/