In September 2026, Asheville will make PGA TOUR history. The Biltmore Championship Asheville at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is the inaugural event of the PGA TOUR’S new FedExCup Fall — a week of championship golf set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, running September 14–20, 2026, and returning annually through 2029. It’s the first PGA TOUR event in Asheville in more than 80 years, and it’s happening in one of America’s most celebrated small cities.
Actually, golf in Asheville has deep roots well beyond the PGA TOUR. The Skyview Golf Tournament — the oldest Black-owned golf tournament in the United States, founded here in 1960 — has been drawing players from across the country to Asheville for over six decades. And just the week before the Biltmore Championship Asheville, collegiate golf arrives in nearby Waynesville with the J.T. Poston Invitational, Western Carolina University’s annual home tournament named for their most famous golf alum, PGA TOUR pro J.T. Poston. September 2026 may be Asheville’s biggest golf month ever.
For golf fans, it’s a rare opportunity to watch world-class professionals compete in an intimate setting. But for anyone who has spent time in Asheville, the tournament is also simply a very good reason to finally make the trip. The mountains are gorgeous in September. The crowds haven’t yet hit peak fall foliage. The restaurants are at their creative best. And a week is just long enough to do it properly.
This itinerary was put together by Dan and Diane, the innkeepers at Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast in Asheville’s Montford Historic District, about three miles from Biltmore Estate. We’ve hosted guests exploring Asheville for years, and we know how to make a week here feel complete — not rushed. The itinerary below covers all seven days, from arrival through Championship Sunday, with options for both golf days and days when you’d rather let the course play without you.
What Is the Biltmore Championship Asheville?
The Biltmore Championship Asheville is a PGA TOUR event held at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the inaugural event of the PGA TOUR’S FedExCup Fall, running September 14–20, 2026 — with practice rounds September 14–16 and official tournament rounds September 17–20. The tournament returns annually through 2029. The official website is biltmorechampionship.com.
The FedExCup Fall showcases a field of rising stars and established professionals competing for FedExCup points and tour positioning. Because it’s a newer event with a more intimate atmosphere than marquee tour stops, spectators can get remarkably close to the action — walking the fairways, watching approach shots from just a few feet away, and experiencing professional golf the way most fans never get to.
Where Is The Cliffs at Walnut Cove?
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a private residential golf community located just outside Asheville, in the rolling terrain south of the city. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is widely considered one of the finest in Western North Carolina. Tournament week transforms it into a professional venue — shuttle service from designated parking areas handles the logistics, so you won’t be navigating unfamiliar roads on game day.
General parking for tournament spectators is at Biltmore Park Town Square, 4 Town Square Blvd, with complimentary shuttle service included in the $15 daily parking pass. All passes are digital — purchase in advance at biltmorechampionship.com/parking.
Where Should I Stay During the Biltmore Championship Asheville?
Tournament week accommodations in Asheville fill up quickly. Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast is a premier choice — an adults-only (12+) property in the Montford Historic District with over 1,000 TripAdvisor reviews, personal hosting by Dan and Diane, gourmet breakfast each morning, and the kind of insider knowledge that turns a good trip into a great one. We offer two dedicated September packages designed around the tournament: the On the Tee Package (any 2-night September stay) and the 19th Hole Package (4-night minimum, designed for the full tournament week).
Pinecrest insider tip: Traveling as a couple where only one of you is headed to the course? Our location in the Montford Historic District puts you within easy walking distance of downtown Asheville — galleries, shops, restaurants, and coffee are all on foot from our front door. The non-golfer never needs the car. Read more about why walkability is one of the top reasons guests choose Pinecrest.
The 7-Day Biltmore Championship Asheville Itinerary
Days 1–2 | Monday–Tuesday, September 14–15 | Arrive & Explore Asheville
Arrive early in the week. The tournament doesn’t begin in earnest until Wednesday, and coming in on Monday means you’ll beat the worst of the incoming crowds — and have two full days to fall into Asheville’s rhythms before a single tee shot is struck.
Monday evening is made for the brewery scene. Asheville has more breweries per capita than nearly any city in America, and there’s no better introduction than Burial Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp near Biltmore Village — a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp from the 1930s converted into a full-service taproom, kitchen, and winery, with 24 Burial taps and a rooftop deck that earns its own visit. If sour and wild ales are your thing, Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium is dedicated entirely to barrel-aged and funky beers and is located on Asheville’s South Slope, just south of downtown. Neither requires a plan — just a willingness to wander.
Tuesday is for downtown. The compact, walkable core of Asheville is dense with independent bookshops, galleries, clothing boutiques, and coffee roasters — the kind of retail ecosystem that’s largely disappeared everywhere else. The Grove Arcade is worth an hour on its own: a stunning 1929 indoor market building housing everything from local honey to handmade jewelry. Save dinner for somewhere ambitious — we’re happy to suggest reservations based on what you’re in the mood for.
Pinecrest insider tip: Ask us about restaurant reservations on arrival. Some of the best tables in Asheville book out weeks in advance, but we know the timing and can sometimes help.
Day 3 | Wednesday, September 16 | Practice Round at The Cliffs —or— Blue Ridge Parkway
For golf fans: Wednesday’s practice rounds are an underrated part of the tournament experience. The atmosphere is relaxed, the players are accessible, and you can position yourself anywhere on the course without fighting for sight lines. Watch how the pros approach each hole, listen to the caddie conversations, and get a feel for the layout before the real pressure arrives. It’s professional golf at its most human.
For everyone else: The Blue Ridge Parkway enters Asheville from multiple directions, and a Wednesday morning on the Parkway — before the weekend traffic arrives — is one of the finer things Western North Carolina offers. Pull off at any overlook. Take your time. The Craggy Gardens area, about 20 miles northeast of Asheville, is particularly striking in early fall as the high-elevation shrubs begin to change color. We wrote a full guide to driving south on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville if you want to plan the day before you arrive.
Pinecrest insider tip: Early riser? We offer a grab-and-go bagged breakfast placed in the sun porch refrigerator the night before. Get to the course whenever you’re ready — the best vantage points go to the people who get there first.
Day 4 | Thursday, September 17 | Tournament Round 1 —or— Biltmore Estate
Tournament play begins. The field of 100-plus professionals tees off across the day, and by late afternoon the leaderboard starts to take shape. Thursday has an energy all its own — the first competitive scores of the week, the first dramatic moments, the first names that emerge as contenders. For spectators willing to walk the course, it’s an extraordinary way to spend a September day in the mountains.
Prefer to skip the first round? This is an ideal day for Biltmore Estate — America’s largest privately owned home, built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s and still one of Asheville’s most genuinely impressive attractions. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau, the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed gardens, and the award-winning Biltmore Winery can fill a full day with ease. As a Pinecrest guest, you’ll receive our exclusive promo code for savings on Biltmore Estate admission. Budget at minimum four hours; six isn’t too many if you want to linger in the winery.
Pinecrest insider tip: We email your Biltmore promo code right after booking — enter it in your cart when purchasing tickets online. Getting it early also gives you the best window for timed entry reservations at Biltmore House, which book up faster than most people expect.
Day 5 | Friday, September 18 | Tournament Round 2 —or— A Day in Black Mountain
Round 2 is where the tournament field begins to separate. The cut typically falls after 36 holes, which means Friday carries a particular tension — pros who need a strong round to survive the weekend, and the best players extending their leads. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove on a Friday afternoon during tournament week is exactly the kind of sporting environment that rewards the patient spectator.
Taking a day away from the course? Black Mountain is fifteen minutes east on I-40, and it’s one of those small towns that Western North Carolina seems to produce effortlessly — genuinely charming, free of contrivance, easy to spend a full day without a plan.
Start with a slow walk through downtown, where the pace is unhurried and the streets are lined with independent shops, coffee houses, and galleries that have clearly been there for decades rather than weeks. From there, head to Lake Tomahawk — a 10-acre town landmark with crushed granite walking paths, a fishing pier, and a clear view of the Seven Sisters mountain range. It’s the kind of place locals take for granted and visitors photograph obsessively.
For those wanting a proper hike, the Lookout Trail in nearby Montreat is an easy drive through the historic stone arch gate and one of the most rewarding moderate climbs in the area. The summit delivers sweeping views of the valley below and the Black Mountains beyond — a fitting mid-week reset before the weekend rounds.
Day 6 | Saturday, September 19 | Tournament Round 3 —or— River Arts District
Saturday’s third round is where the Biltmore Championship’s story really begins to write itself. The leaderboard condenses, the contenders separate from the field, and the crowd grows. This is the day when casual fans become invested — and when golf people start doing the Sunday arithmetic.
Spending the day off-course? Asheville’s River Arts District is the alternative that earns its own trip. More than 200 working artists occupy converted industrial buildings along the French Broad River — potters, painters, glassblowers, textile artists, sculptors — each with a studio that functions as both workplace and gallery. You can watch a piece being thrown on a wheel, ask questions of the artist who made it, and leave with something genuinely unique. Wedge Brewing is tucked into the district and makes for a natural afternoon stop. For dinner in the RAD, Golden Hour at The Radical hotel is a Michelin-recommended restaurant worth planning around — wood-fired, Southern in its roots, modern in its execution, with an open kitchen that makes the cooking part of the evening.
Pinecrest insider tip: Once you park in the RAD, leave the car. The main stretch is entirely walkable, and the whole area rewards slow exploration on foot. And don’t miss Marquee on Foundy Street — a 50,000-square-foot converted warehouse filled with 300-plus artists, antique dealers, and vendors selling everything from vintage finds to handcrafted jewelry. It’s the kind of place you walk into planning to spend 20 minutes and leave two hours later. Marquee reopened in fall 2025 after being rebuilt, and it’s better than ever.
Day 7 | Sunday, September 20 | Championship Sunday — No Alternatives. This Is the One.
Championship Sunday at the inaugural Biltmore Championship. The winner of this tournament will be the first PGA Tour champion crowned in Asheville since Ben Hogan won here in 1942 — and you’ll be there when it happens.
Head to The Cliffs at Walnut Cove early. Sunday crowds at a tournament final round are different from the rest of the week — more charged, more concentrated, more aware that history is close. Position yourself at a challenging par-3, or find a hillside vantage point above a par-5 where you can watch the approach shots come in. The intimate scale of a Fall Series event means you can move freely and find your spot.
After the champion is crowned, come back to Pinecrest. The sun porch is waiting — bring something to pour, settle in, and let the week catch up with you.
Or simply don’t leave. Asheville has that effect — and September here is as good as it gets.
Plan Your Stay: September Packages at Pinecrest
On the Tee Package — Any 2-Night Stay in September
Perfect for a weekend visit during the tournament or a mid-week escape. Arrive to find your room ready and a little something to welcome you.
- Two-night stay
- Gourmet breakfast each morning
- Complimentary Nibble & a Sip — a personal cheese and crackers board with a carafe of wine waiting at check-in
- Exclusive promo code for savings on Biltmore Estate admission
The 19th Hole Package — 4-Night Minimum
Designed for the full tournament week. In golf, the 19th hole is where the best part of the day happens — you relax, you celebrate, you savor it. That’s exactly what we’ve built here.
- Four-night minimum stay
- Gourmet breakfast each morning
- Full charcuterie board and a bottle of wine served on the sun porch — the perfect way to end a day at the course
- One hour Couples massage at Pinecrest
- $100 Dinner gift card to a favorite nearby restaurant (Nine Mile or Tall Johns)
- Exclusive promo code for savings on Biltmore Estate admission
- Late checkout on departure day, based on availability
Tournament week accommodations book quickly. Reserve your stay now for September 14–20, 2026. And we look forward to welcoming you back during the tournament’s return years through 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Biltmore Championship Asheville open to the public?
Yes. Tickets will be available to the general public. For current ticket information, parking, shuttle schedules, and spectator guidelines, visit the official tournament site at biltmorechampionship.com.
When do General Admission tickets go on sale?
General admission tickets went on sale June 18, 2026. Hospitality options — including tickets to the Wicked Weed Tavern at the Turn — are available now at biltmorechampionship.com/hospitality.
Sign up at biltmorechampionship.com to stay informed about future opportunities
How far is Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast from The Cliffs at Walnut Cove?
Pinecrest is located in Asheville’s Montford Historic District, 15 miles from The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
Tournament spectators will be required to use official shuttle service rather than driving directly to the venue. General parking is located at Biltmore Park Town Square, 4 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, NC 28803. Daily parking passes are $15 plus taxes and fees and must be purchased separately for each day of attendance — all passes are digital, so have yours downloaded and ready to present on arrival. Shuttle service to and from the course is included in the parking pass price. Additional details on parking directions within Biltmore Park and hours of operation will be announced at biltmorechampionship.com/parking.
Is Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast adults-only?
Yes — Pinecrest is an adults-only property welcoming guests ages 12 and older. It’s a quiet, intentional space that suits couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends looking for a more personal alternative to a hotel.
What makes Pinecrest a good base for the Biltmore Championship Asheville?
A few things. We’re a small property — which means we can offer personalized recommendations and help you plan each day rather than hand you a pamphlet. We’ve been hosting Asheville guests for years and know the restaurants, the trails, the timing, and the shortcuts. Breakfast is made fresh each morning. The sun porch is genuinely lovely in September. And we’re close enough to everything — downtown, Biltmore Estate, the Parkway — that you’re never fighting the car for long.
Do you offer a Biltmore Estate discount?
Yes. All Pinecrest guests receive our exclusive promo code for savings on Biltmore Estate admission. We email it right after booking — enter it in your cart when purchasing tickets online, and you’ll have it early enough to secure timed entry reservations at Biltmore House before they fill up.