A look at how our Golf Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance teams plan, protect, and improve Rumbling Bald year-round
From Lance Allen, Golf Course Superintendent at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
What members and guests see when they arrive is the finished product. Clean fairways, smooth greens, and well-kept grounds. What is less visible is the planning and steady work that happens year-round to keep everything performing as it should.
Our Golf Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance teams are responsible for daily care and long-term improvements at each course and throughout our more than 3,000-acre property. The 2026 schedule reflects that approach, with a clear focus on turf health, playability, and thoughtful upgrades that support the experience for years to come.
“Our focus is always on taking care of the courses first, then looking for ways to make them better over time. Every project is planned with long-term turf health and playability in mind.” — Lance Allen, Golf Course Superintendent
Course Improvements, Planned with Purpose
Many golf course projects are scheduled for winter and early spring, when work can be completed with minimal impact on play.
At Bald Mountain, improvements include selective tree removal to improve sunlight and airflow, bunker modifications on hole 13, and expanded tee space on hole 7 to create more consistent playing surfaces. Regrassing and sod work using Zoysia and Bermuda grasses is carefully timed to support strong turf establishment ahead of summer.
At Apple Valley, planned cart path rerouting and repaving will improve flow, accessibility, and long-term durability. Later in the year, projects such as pond dredging and grading around greens will support both course performance and maintenance efficiency.
Summer Focus on Course Health
Once summer arrives, large-scale projects slow by design. Bent grass greens require constant attention during the hottest months, with daily monitoring, hand watering, and additional labor devoted to protecting turf health.
This behind-the-scenes work is some of the most critical effort of the year, even if it is not always visible during play.
Property-Wide Grounds Enhancements
The Grounds Maintenance team focuses on shared spaces and community amenities throughout the property. In 2026, this includes refreshing landscape beds with new mulch and stone, updating planting areas around the Wellness Center, and continuing improvements to mini golf, the beach, and other high-traffic areas.
These efforts help maintain the overall look of the property while supporting safe, welcoming spaces for members and guests.
A Steady Commitment to Quality
Much of this work takes place early in the morning, during the off-season, or between busy weekends. It is not meant to be noticed, but it is essential.
The condition of our courses and grounds reflects the experience, care, and long-term mindset of two dedicated teams working together to support everything members and guests enjoy at Rumbling Bald.
