My in-laws are renting a house in Highlands, NC the week of July 4th. Any public tracks worth playing? Initial search yields mostly private or courses where I have to stay on property to play.
I think Sapphire is the only public course around there these days. We used to stay and play at High Hampton but it's moved to the next level now.
Obviously, if you have SERIOUS connections, you should try to play Wade Hampton. It's well worth whatever you would have to do to get on. Played it once with a buddy who was a member and it's solid.
Try Sky Valley in Georgia. Reasonably good track with nice elevation changes. My in-laws have a place in Highlands and we always play there. If you can play the course owned by the Old Edward's Inn it is terrific. Tough to get on unless you're the friend of a member.