Look anywhere in the Southern mountains and when you see clusters of four enjoying life and the open landscape, you’re probably looking at golfers.

Passion for the sport is as natural as the balmy summer air on the peaks. In fact, no single amenity is so absorbing to retirees and baby boomers alike as a challenging game on the links.

Outstanding courses are scattered everywhere in the mountains. Many are award-winners, with national attention and big-name designers. Each has its own attractions. Here are five we believe every advocate of the sport should sample.

–Research by Jessica Castle

Upstate South Carolina’s only Jack Nicklaus golf course, the links at The Reserve at Lake Keowee in Sunset feature spectacular mountain views. Soon, the community will also have an Arnold Palmer Premier Golf Complex. PHOTO COURTESY THE RESERVE AT LAKE KEOWEE

Designed by Tom Fazio, the golf course at Champion Hills in Hendersonville, N.C., follows the contours of the land and each fairway sits in its own valley. Uniquely, 14 holes play from elevated tees. PHOTO COURTESY CHAMPION HILLS

At Achasta in Dahlonega, Ga., the Jack Nicklaus Signature course is ideal for walking or riding. Its bent grass greens offer stunning views of the Chestatee River. COURTESY OF ACHASTA

Making the most of its panoramic water views, the course at Tennessee National in Loudon was designed by Greg Norman to work with the natural features of the landscape. PHOTO BY BILL ARMSTRONG

A highlight of the immaculate course at The Water’s Edge at Smith Mountain Lake, Va., is the island green. The recently renovated course has received national accolades and been played by such devotees as basketball great Michael Jordan. Courtesy of the Willard Companies