First Impressions Arriving Early
Rolled into Asheville Muni right when they opened the gates at 7 AM. Wanted to beat the crowds and test all the facilities properly. Grabbed my dusty clubs from the trunk – been ages since I last swung properly. Parking lot was already half-full with golf nuts like me chasing that morning dew vibe.
Checking Out Rental Options
Walked straight to the pro shop cause my buddy warned me rentals go fast. Clerk showed me two choices – brand-new TaylorMade sets for 40 bucks or older Callaways for 25 bucks. Snagged the TaylorMades since the grips felt fresh. He threw in free tees and a ball marker when I mentioned it was my first visit. Solid start!
- Rental tip: Weekend prices jump 10 bucks – come weekday if you can
- They even rent shoes if you forgot yours (size 8-13)
Fueling Up at the Beverage Hut
Headed to the drink stand near hole #1 around 8 AM. Got hit with that amazing coffee smell first – local beans too! Menu was simple but hit all the cravings:
- Cold brews and drip coffee 2.50
- Gatorades and bottled water 2 bucks
- Beer starts at 5 bucks (not till 11 AM though)
Grabbed two waters and an iced coffee. Cashier joked about caffeine being the real handicap helper. Might be right!
Testing the Practice Zones
Spent a full hour at their practice area behind hole #9. Had three sections:
- Putting green with real holes – super smooth turf
- Chipping zone with sand traps to practice escapes
- Driving range with yard markers every 50 yards
Best part? All practice areas are totally free for players with tee times. Smashed two buckets of range balls working on my slice. Forgot how loud that CRACK sounds at dawn!
Course Conditions & Final Thoughts
By 10 AM I was sweating through my polo on the back nine. Fairways were cut clean but some rough patches showed wear. Greens rolled true though. Saw three beverage carts roaming – ladies kept shouting “Thirst relief squad coming through!” when they approached. Hilarious.
Finished my round at noon totally gassed but happy. Returned rentals with no hassle – clerk just scanned my tag. Might skip the beer next time though. That 3-putt on hole 18? Definitely wasn’t the rental clubs’ fault…
