Beech Mountain not only promises such comfortable temperatures, it guarantees them as part of its Summer of 79-Degree stay-and-play package.

This unique program is tied to the daily high as recorded at the official National Weather Service reporting station on Beech Mountain. If the temperature exceeds 79 degrees any day that a stay-and-play golfer tees it up at Beech Mountain Club, the club refunds all golf fees.

"The thing I really like about this promotion is the 'cool' factor - being able to guarantee you can golf in the heart of summer in temperatures under 80 degrees," says Brian Barnes, general manager of Beech Mountain Club. "I used to live in the Triangle area of North Carolina, where high temperatures and humidity each summer can be rough. We want people to know they can escape those conditions and play golf in comfort."

Golfers who book the Summer of 79-Degrees package are assured a win-win situation. They get to play a very good course with a high probability of cool summer temperatures. And if they happen to tee it up on a rare occasion when the mercury does reach 80, club officials will automatically mail a refund check of $60 within 10 days.

"I hope we have a couple days this year where people get a refund," says Barnes. "I think that will help entice folks because of the word of mouth."

Beech Mountain's weather service station was installed in 1992 by businessman Fred Pfohl of Fred's General Mercantile. Since that time, the official high temperature has reached 80 degrees seven times and topped out at 81 on another occasion. There have also been seven days when the high was 79.

While pleasant temperatures are promised, there is another reason golfers should consider Beech Mountain. The course is quite picturesque, perched on a number of north-facing ridges. Superb views into Tennessee and Virginia are common from multiple vantage points.

The design of the Willard Byrd course is also superb. The par-3s are especially dramatic, with three of them routed downhill over ponds.

Although Beech Mountain Club is private, access to the course has been available for several years via local stay-and-play packages. Approximately three-fourths of all lodging operations on the mountain have club memberships, thus providing golf access for their guests.

The Summer of 79-Degrees stay-and-play packages are available May 21 through Oct. 2. Double occupancy prices start at $79 per person, per night, in a standard room with a two-night minimum. Upgrades to condos, chalets or vacation homes are available as well.

For full details, call (800) 468-5506 or visit the website www. BeechMtn.com/summerof79.

Craig Distl is a freelance writer and publicist who lives in Charlotte.