North Carolina, celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, boasts some of the best golf courses in the nation. The state offers diverse golfing experiences, from the Piedmont’s rolling hills to the coastal plains.
Golfers of all skill levels will find challenges and enjoyment. Many come not just for the golf but for the scenic backdrops, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and pine forests.
This article explores the 10 best golf courses in North Carolina, detailing their unique layouts, amenities, and standout holes. Prepare for an unforgettable golfing adventure!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, these courses promise an exceptional experience. You’ll discover lush fairways, meticulously maintained greens and impeccable facilities.
Join us as we count down the top golf destinations in the Tar Heel State and provide insider tips to make the most of your visit. Get ready to tee off in golfing paradise!
10 Best Golf Courses in North Carolina
Discover North Carolina’s top golf courses, offering stunning landscapes and challenging play. From mountain views to coastal plains, these courses promise unforgettable experiences for golfers of all levels.
1. Meadowlands Golf Club
North Carolina features elite golf courses that highlight its diverse landscapes and golfing heritage. Meadowlands Golf Club in Winston-Salem, designed by Hale Irwin, is known for its superb conditions and stunning vistas.
Pinehurst Resort’s No. 2 course, a Donald Ross design, is renowned for its strategic challenges and luxurious packages. The Currituck Club in Corolla, designed by Rees Jones, offers ocean views and diverse wildlife.
Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, shaped by George Cobb and Tom Fazio, is famous for its prestigious tournaments. The Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville offers a private retreat with two picturesque courses and breathtaking mountain views.
2. Thistle Golf Club
Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, known for its Scottish heritage, offers 27 holes within lush landscapes, with green fees ranging from $89 to $172.
The club’s trio of nine-hole courses—Cameron, Stewart, and MacKay—offer varied layouts with unique hazards and strategic bunkers. The Scottish-style clubhouse features dining options and a pro shop, as well as locker rooms and practice facilities.
Highly praised for its beauty and condition, Thistle is a top choice for golfers visiting the Myrtle Beach area. The next standout course is Pinehurst No. 2, renowned for hosting multiple U.S.
Opens and praised for its challenging Donald Ross design. This historic course offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
3. Pinehurst Resort & Country Club – No. 2
Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina is a legendary golf course designed by Donald Ross, known for its challenging undulating greens and strategic bunkers. Green fees range from $215 to over $495, offering a premium experience.
Golfers praise its blend of challenge and playability, especially when accompanied by friends and experienced caddies. Beyond the game, the historic and scenic environment adds to the memorable experience at one of the premier golf courses in the United States.
Next on our list is Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. This prestigious course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the Wells Fargo Championship.
4. Duke University Golf Club
Duke University Golf Club offers a first-class golfing experience from drop-off to the first tee, making it a top choice in North Carolina. The pro shop is highly praised for its extensive selection, and the friendly starter ensures a welcoming atmosphere.
Known among golfers who play Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) courses, Duke features accommodating fairways that require precise placement and elevated greens with subtle breaks for added challenge.
The fairways are wide but demand careful aiming to avoid trouble. Despite varying course conditions and higher green fees of $70-$95+, Duke remains a favorite, with ongoing renovations further enhancing its appeal.
5. The Pointe Golf Club
Known for its pristine conditions, The Pointe Golf Club in North Carolina’s Outer Banks offers beautifully groomed tees, fairways, and smooth greens. The course, at 5900 yards from the blue tees, caters to various skill levels.
It features a grass driving range and putting green similar to the on-course greens. Green fees range from $55 to $119, providing an affordable, high-quality golfing experience.
Reviewers commend the professional and friendly staff, including notable member Evan Foster. The Pointe Golf Club is a popular choice with a reasonable pace of play, making it ideal for golfers visiting the Outer Banks.
6. UNC Finley Golf Course
Designed by Tom Fazio, UNC Finley Golf Course in North Carolina is a must-play for golfers, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience with its strategic layout and lush fairways.
Set in a stunning natural landscape, the course features pristine greens and well-maintained bunkers, with green fees ranging from $41 to $90+. Visitors often praise the excellent design and outstanding service.
Frequent golfer Rick Sawyer noted, “The course design is excellent and the staff are fantastic. Can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend.” Whether a local or a traveler, UNC Finley Golf Course provides a top-quality golfing experience.
7. Occano
Occano, located in Hertford, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for golfers, offering picturesque views of the Perquimans River and challenging play. Green fees range from $50 to $85, making it an affordable yet premium experience.
Unique features include hazards like a tree in the middle of the fairway and bunkers surrounding the green, adding to its challenging nature.
The serene setting and excellent customer service make it a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Another standout is Pinehurst No. 2, renowned for its history and championship layout.
Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, this course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, making it a bucket-list destination.
8. Cypress Landing Golf Course
Cypress Landing Golf Course, located in Chocowinity, stands out for its scenic beauty and challenging play. The green fees range from $33-$62, making it accessible for many golfers.
The course features a well-maintained layout that tests all skill levels with its varied terrain and strategic hazards.
Many golfers, such as Mavericks0528, laud the course’s condition and complexity, expressing a desire to return. Specific features include undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that enhance the golfing experience.
Also, Cypress Landing offers stunning views of the inner banks, providing a serene backdrop for a memorable round.
9. Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club
Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club, located in Roaring Gap, offers stunning mountain vistas and impeccably maintained fairways.
Golfers love this course for its challenging layout, featuring elevation changes and strategically placed hazards. The course is hailed for its serene environment, which makes it easy to stay calm even after a bad shot.
Green fees range from $35 to $75, making it an accessible option for many. Recent reviews highlight the course’s top-notch condition and picturesque scenery. One golfer noted, “Course was in the best shape I have seen it in the many times I have played there.”
10. Eagle Chase Golf Club
Eagle Chase Golf Club in Marshville offers scenic views and a challenging layout with rolling terrain and well-maintained conditions. With green fees ranging from $48-$72, it provides excellent value for golfers.
The course’s strategically placed hazards, well-manicured fairways, and welcoming atmosphere cater to both novices and seasoned players, complemented by friendly staff.
Despite occasional slow play, the golfing experience remains memorable, making Eagle Chase a notable choice in North Carolina.
Pinehurst No. 2, famously designed by Donald Ross, is another standout. Known for hosting major championships, it features undulating greens and diverse bunkering. A must-play for any serious golfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout features of Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club?
Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club in Roaring Gap offers stunning mountain views, a challenging layout, and well-maintained fairways. It’s known for its serene environment and green fees that range between $35 to $75, making it an attractive option for golfers seeking a picturesque and challenging course.
What makes Eagle Chase Golf Club unique?
Eagle Chase Golf Club in Marshville is renowned for its scenic views and challenging layout. The course provides great value for money with green fees between $48 and $72. It’s well-kept and equally welcoming for golfers of all skill levels.
Are these golf courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, both Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club and Eagle Chase Golf Club cater to golfers of all levels. They feature strategically placed hazards and well-manicured fairways making them accessible and enjoyable for beginners and seasoned golfers alike.
What factors should be considered when selecting a golf course in North Carolina?
When selecting a golf course in North Carolina, consider factors such as course layout and design, scenic views, overall value, and the condition of the fairways and greens. It’s important to choose a course that offers a satisfying and enriching golfing experience.
What are the green fee ranges for Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club and Eagle Chase Golf Club?
Green fees for Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club range from $35 to $75, while fees for Eagle Chase Golf Club range from $48 to $72. Both courses offer great value for their unique and challenging layouts.
Conclusion
Selecting the best golf courses in North Carolina involves considering various factors, including the challenging layouts, scenic views, and the overall value they offer to golfers of all levels.
Olde Beau Resort & Golf Club and Eagle Chase Golf Club exemplify the state’s golfing excellence with their carefully designed courses and inviting atmospheres.
These top-tier venues provide memorable experiences with their strategically placed hazards, well-maintained fairways, and breathtaking landscapes.
By focusing on these notable features, golfers can ensure a satisfying and enriching golfing adventure in North Carolina.
Additionally, Pinehurst No. 2 stands out for its historical significance and exceptional design, while Tobacco Road Golf Club’s unique architecture challenges even expert golfers.
Whether you prefer the coastal beauty of Cape Fear National or the mountain views at Mount Mitchell Golf Club, North Carolina offers a diverse range of options that cater to every golfing enthusiast’s preference.
Colin McCarthy